Bariatric Diet

Providing information on the stages of a bariatric diet in weeks 3 through 5 immediately after surgey.

In order to maximize your weight loss success your bariatric diet must be carefully followed for the rest of your life. It is essential that you take daily multivitamins and mineral supplements for the rest of your life in order to consume enough nutrients. A post-operative bariatric diet is separated into five weeks. Below is the appropriate bariatric diet for weeks 3 through 5:

Bariatric Diet - Week 3

The Puree diet consists of 3 meals per day. Aim for low fat, no sugar added foods which are the consistency of baby foods or applesauce. Remember to get in at least 64 oz of fluid per day, and 45-50 grams of protein per day. Eat your protein first, and do not drink and eat at the same time. Listed below are acceptable liquids to take during week 3:

• All foods and drinks from previous stages
• Eggs (soft boiled or scrambled)
• Chicken soup (pureed)
• Fish (pureed)
• Canned tuna or canned chicken, water-packed (pureed)
• Fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese and soft low-fat cheeses
• Potato (mashed, without skin or butter) or instant mashed potatoes without butter
• Plain, low-fat crackers
• Tofu and other soy products
• Banana, canned peaches, or canned pears (to be mashed or pureed)
• Canned carrots, beets, or squash (cooked soft and pureed)

Bariatric Diet - Week 4

Soft Diet foods include tender foods such as fish, ground turkey, non-gassy vegetables, and no sugar added canned or stewed fruit. Your goals for fluid intake are 64-70 oz per day, and increase your protein to 55-60 grams per day. Remember to chew well and to eat slowly. Each bite should be chewed 20-30 times before swallowing. Eat your protein first, and do not drink and eat at the same time. Listed below are acceptable liquids to take during week 4:

• All foods and drinks from previous stages
• Chicken or turkey, 90% lean (to be finely ground)
• Turkey or chicken lunch meat (thinly-sliced)
• Fish (baked, grilled, or poached)
• Peeled and well-cooked, non-gassy vegetables: green beans, carrots, spinach, beets, zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms, tomatoes, and squash
• Low-fat spreads (like margarine) with ½ slice toast

Bariatric Diet - Week 5

At stage 5, you progress from soft foods to regular foods. Your portion sizes at each meal should be about ¾ cup. Eat your protein first, and do not drink and eat at the same time. Increase your intakes to 64-80 oz of fluid, and 60-80 grams of protein per day. Listed below are acceptable liquids to take during week 5:

• All foods and drinks from previous stages
• Lean turkey or chicken
• Fish
• Cooked vegetables

Click here for Bariatric Surgery Diet information for Weeks 1 & 2.