Nutrition Resources
Fuel Your Journey to a Healthier You.
One Size Doesn't Fit All
There are lots of ways to “eat healthy” – some people have found eating less carbs to be effective; others embrace intermittent fasting; others have focused on eating prebiotically rich foods. All of these can be successful techniques – ultimately it’s about finding something that works well for your body and your life. We’ve laid out one meal pattern that aims to enable you to have a variety of foods but focuses on protein and vegetable intake.
Protein
Fruits / Veggies
Fat
Starch
Recipes
Bariatric Nutrition
A Comprehensive Nutritional Guide for Patients of Bariatric Procedures
Phase 1:
Clear Liquids
Phase 1 is designed to ensure that your recovering stomach can tolerate small amounts of clear liquids before gradually progressing to larger amounts of full liquids. The most important part of this phase is to stay hydrated.
- Drink 1 to 3 oz clear liquids every 30 to 45 min
- Aim for 48-64 oz total liquid per day
- Keep liquids at room temperature; no ice chips
- Sip slowly and do NOT use a straw
- No caffeinated beverages
- No sodas or other carbonated beverages
- Flat sodas are not safe to drink because they release trapped air bubbles in your stomach when swallowed
- No alcohol
2 x 16 oz bottles of water
(+) 4 oz decaf coffee
(+) 1 SF Popsicle
(+) 2 x 4 oz SF Jello cups
(+) 1/2 x 16 oz bottle Diet Snapple
NOTE: It might be difficult to tolerate unflavored water at first. Adding a thin slice of orange or lemon to your water can improve your tolerance. Lemons and oranges should not be eaten.
Phase 2:
Full Liquids
Phase 2 is designed to keep you hydrated and give you with sufficient protein to heal as quickly as possible. It may begin when clear liquids are well tolerated in the hospital, or when the patient is discharged. Remain in phase 2, the full liquid diet, for 7to 14 days.
- 64 oz water daily
- Liquids that are clear (can see through) and full (cannot see through)
- No pieces or chunks
- Needs to be a milk-consistency
- >60g protein daily
- Women: 60-80g protein per day
- Men: 80-100g protein per day
- Only drink 2 oz every 15 minutes
4 x 16 oz bottles of water (+) 1 SF Popsicle (+) 2 x 11 oz Ensure Max (+) 1 Unjury Chicken Soup
Per week you will need:
21-28 Servings Protein Supplements
28x 16 oz servings water
1box Sugar Free Popsicles
Protein shakes and powders are consumed multiple times a day after bariatric surgery. Pre-operative dietary instructions will vary, but most patients need protein shakes starting 2 weeks before surgery and ALL patients will need them for at least 6 weeks after surgery. It's normal to get tired of drinking them. Remember, protein supplements area very important, but only temporary, part of your bariatric journey. Keep a close eye on your protein intake as volume, variety, and texture increase. After four to six months, most patients can get their protein needs from whole food sources without the need for supplements.
Keep several brands of shakes & powders on hand after surgery, your taste may change.
Basic flavors to stock: chocolate, vanilla, chicken soup, and unflavored protein powders.
Buy different flavors of sugar-free syrups to put in your protein shakes.
Remember, it's too hard on the pouch to eat spicy seasonings like cayenne pepper,Tabasco, or hot sauce after surgery.
Try Sugar free Da Vinci and Torani brands.
Invest in herbs and spices to flavor soups and broths.
Several blends are readily available: Italian, taco, Creole seasonings, mild curry powder, thyme, basil, rosemary, cumin, etc.
Combos to try
(+) SF Caramel Syrup
(+) SF White Chocolate Mocha Syrup
(+) SF Orange Syrup
(+) SF Pumpkin Spice Syrup
(+) SF Raspberry Syrup
(+) SF Coconut Syrup + PB2
(+) SF Peppermint Syrup
(+) TomatoSoup + Basil
(+) Squash Soup + Mild Curry Powder
(+) Chicken Broth + Creole Seasoning
Phase 3:
Puree / Soft Diet
Phase 3 consists of pureeing or softening food. Expand your protein options by adding high protein foods that can easily be chewed to a smooth consistency. Add fiber to your diet as you begin to include skinless, seedless, cooked fruits and vegetables.
- Eat 3 meals + 2 snacks daily
- Eat 2 servings of protein
- 1 serving of fruit/veggie per meal
- ALWAYS eat protein first
- Eat 1 serving of fat per day
- Snacks = Protein Supplements
- Drink >64 oz total liquid per day
Protein
Fruits / Veggies
Fat
A pureed food is a thickened, almost-liquid mixture that doesn't require chewing. It's made by blending liquid and solid ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.
A soft food is more solid when you place it in your mouth but easily breaks down into a mush-like consistency when chewed.
Protein shakes and powders are consumed multiple times a day after bariatric surgery. Pre-operative dietary instructions will vary, but most patients need protein shakes starting 2 weeks before surgery and ALL patients will need them for at least 6 weeks after surgery. It's normal to get tired of drinking them. Remember, protein supplements area very important, but only temporary, part of your bariatric journey. Keep a close eye on your protein intake as volume, variety, and texture increase. After four to six months, most patients can get their protein needs from whole food sources without the need for supplements.
Keep several brands of shakes & powders on hand after surgery, your taste may change.
Basic flavors to stock: chocolate, vanilla, chicken soup, and unflavored protein powders.
Buy different flavors of sugar-free syrups to put in your protein shakes.
Remember, it's too hard on the pouch to eat spicy seasonings like cayenne pepper,Tabasco, or hot sauce after surgery.
Try Sugar free Da Vinci and Torani brands.
Invest in herbs and spices to flavor soups and broths.
Several blends are readily available: Italian, taco, Creole seasonings, mild curry powder, thyme, basil, rosemary, cumin, etc.
Combos to try
(+) SF Caramel Syrup
(+) SF White Chocolate Mocha Syrup
(+) SF Orange Syrup
(+) SF Pumpkin Spice Syrup
(+) SF Raspberry Syrup
(+) SF Coconut Syrup + PB2
(+) SF Peppermint Syrup
(+) TomatoSoup + Basil
(+) Squash Soup + Mild Curry Powder
(+) Chicken Broth + Creole Seasoning
Phase 4:
Full Texture, Low Carb
Phase 4 may begin once Phase 3 is well tolerated, but not before 6 weeks after surgery. You should remain in phase 4 until you have reached 80-100% of your desired weight loss. During this phase, texture restrictions are lifted. Eat foods at their regular texture, including raw fruits and vegetables.
- Introduce one food at a time
- Introduce combination foods, like salads, by trying each ingredient individually before trying the salad as a whole
- Eat 3 meals + 2 snacks daily
- Meals should be about 3/4 cup (6 oz) in total volume
- 3-4 servings of protein, 2 serving of fruit/veggie per meal
- 2 servings of fat per day
- Always eat proteins first, vegetables second, and fruits last
- Continue to avoid rice, bread, and pasta
- Snacks = 1 protein shake + 1 approved snack
- You may now substitute 1 protein shake for another snack that provides100-150 calories and >8g protein
- Drink >64 oz total liquid per day
Protein
Fruits / Veggies
Fat
Phase 5:
Lifelong Diet
Phase 5 may begin once you have reached 80-100% of your desired weight loss. You will introduce grains and starches into your diet.This phase emphasizes normal, healthy eating habits with nutrient balance to keep your weight under control.
Keep drinking water, eating protein, and taking your multivitamin and mineral supplement!
- Eat 3 meals + 2 snacks daily
- Meals should be about 1 cup (8 oz) in total volume
- Eat 3-4 servings of protein (+) 2 serving of fruit/veggie per meal (+) 1-2servings of whole grains
- ALWAYS eat protein first
- Eat 3 serving of fat per day
- Snacks
- Protein shakes no longer required daily
- You should be able to meet your protein needs through whole food meals and snacks. If not, you may still need to drink protein shakes between meals
- Drink >64 oz total liquid per day
- You may now substitute 1 protein shake for another snack that provides100-150 calories and >8g protein
- Drink >64 oz total liquid per day
Protein
Fruits / Veggies
Fat
Starch
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