Post-Op Care – Bariatric Surgery Diet (Week 7 and Beyond: Solid Diet Phase)

You are here: Stage 4 (Week 7 and beyond) – Solid diet phase.

Overview

From week 7 after sleeve gastrectomy you can begin a solid diet. Your stomach has healed significantly, but portion sizes remain small and food choices must continue to support safe digestion, weight loss, and long-term health.

Goals of this phase

• Maintain healthy eating habits
• Support long-term weight loss
• Prevent nutritional deficiencies
• Avoid discomfort, vomiting, and dumping syndrome
• Establish a sustainable routine

Meal routine

• Eat 3–4 small meals per day
• Include small healthy snacks if needed
• Each meal should not exceed 1 cup
• Use a measuring cup or small bowl
• Stop eating when comfortably full
• Eat mindfully and avoid distractions

How to eat

• Take small bites
• Use a teaspoon or small fork
• Eat slowly
• Meals should last 20–30 minutes
• Aim for one bite per minute
• Place cutlery down between bites
• Chew thoroughly before swallowing
• Do not swallow food immediately

Protein priority

• Always eat protein first
• Vegetables and fruit second
• Carbohydrates last
• Choose lean protein sources
• Remove visible fat (for example chicken skin)

Drinking rules

• Do not drink with meals
• Stop drinking 30 minutes before eating
• Wait at least 30 minutes after meals before drinking
• Drinking during meals may cause nausea and discomfort

Hydration goals

• Aim for 2 litres of fluid daily
• Drink water regularly throughout the day
• Carry a water bottle
• Take small sips
• If water feels heavy, try room-temperature or warm water
• You may add low-calorie cordial, lemon juice, or protein water
• Tea, coffee, diet cordial, and flat mineral water are allowed

Avoid drinks

• Fruit juice
• Smoothies
• Energy and sports drinks
• Full-sugar cordials
• Milkshakes
• Alcohol
• Carbonated or fizzy drinks

Daily supplements (lifelong)

• Multivitamin with iron, B1 (thiamine), B6, B12 and folic acid
• Calcium citrate: 1200–1500 mg per day (split doses)
• Vitamin D: 3000 IU daily or as advised
• Iron supplementation if required
• Vitamin B12 supplementation if required

Fibre and bowel health

• Fibre supplement (such as Benefiber) may be used daily
• Typical dose: 2 teaspoons 1–4 times daily (maximum 8 teaspoons)
• Drink enough fluids to avoid constipation
• Walk regularly to support digestion

Exercise recommendations

• Be physically active every day
• Start with light activities such as walking
• Gradually increase to at least 30 minutes daily
• Regular exercise supports weight loss and maintenance

Hair loss after surgery

Temporary hair thinning is common after sleeve gastrectomy and usually occurs between months 3 and 11.

• Caused by rapid weight loss and reduced calorie intake
• The body prioritises vital organs over hair growth
• Hair loss is temporary and usually reverses once nutrition improves
• Protein-rich foods and daily multivitamins may reduce severity

Dumping syndrome

After sleeve surgery, high-fat and high-sugar foods may be poorly tolerated.

• Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, dizziness, sweating, diarrhoea, and heart palpitations
• Caused by sugary or fatty foods entering the intestine too quickly
• Avoid milkshakes, ice cream, sweets, chocolate, cakes, soft drinks and lollies
• Avoid eating and drinking together (keep 30-minute gap)
• Eat slowly and keep portions small
• Natural sugars from fruit and low-fat dairy are usually tolerated

Healthy snack guidance

• 1–2 snacks per day if needed
• Each snack should be 100 calories (420 kJ) or less
• Choose protein-rich or high-fibre options
• Avoid grazing continuously throughout the day

Medication size and swallowing

• Small tablets may be swallowed with enough water
• Large tablets may need to be split or crushed
• Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before altering medication form

When to contact us

• Persistent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of dehydration
• Difficulty tolerating solid food
• Ongoing dumping syndrome symptoms
• Concerns about supplements or nutrition

Contact – My Imperial Care

Email: support@myimperial.care
WhatsApp: +90 541 859 04 15

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