Post-Op Care – Bariatric Surgery Diet (Weeks 1–2: Free Fluid Phase)

You are here: Stage 1 (Weeks 1–2) – Free fluid phase.

Overview

This guide explains the free-fluid diet for the first 2 weeks after sleeve gastrectomy. This phase allows your stomach to heal while ensuring adequate hydration and protein intake.

Duration

The free-fluid diet lasts for 2 weeks after surgery.

Purpose of the free-fluid diet

After surgery your appetite is significantly reduced and your stomach is healing. During this time you will only tolerate small volumes of food and drink.

The goals of this phase are:

• Protect the surgical site while healing
• Prevent dehydration
• Maintain adequate protein intake
• Gradually reintroduce nutrition safely

What is a free-fluid diet?

• Completely smooth liquids with no lumps
• Thin enough to pass through a straw
• Protein-rich whenever possible
• Consumed in small amounts but frequently throughout the day

Diet options

Option 1 – Meal replacement plan

• 3–4 protein shakes or meal replacements daily
• Liquid multivitamin (10 ml, three times per day)
• Protein target: 50–60 grams per day

Option 2 – Free-fluid plan

• Reduced-fat milk (semi-skimmed or skimmed)
• Freshly prepared blended soups (meat, lentils, or legumes allowed)
• Soups must be blended until completely smooth
• Milk or water may be added to thin consistency
• Liquid multivitamin (10 ml, three times per day)
• Protein target: 50–60 grams per day

Hydration guidelines

• Carry a water bottle and sip frequently
• Drink small amounts throughout the day
• Tea or coffee with milk is allowed (sweetener optional)
• Plain or sugar-free flavoured water
• Diet jelly may be used

How much and when to drink

• Drink slowly
• Take small sips
• Stop drinking as soon as you feel full
• Avoid drinking 30 minutes before meals
• Avoid drinking 30 minutes after meals
• Be gentle with your stomach while it heals

Avoid during this phase

• Carbonated drinks
• Alcohol
• Liquids with lumps or pieces
• High-sugar drinks
• High-fat liquids
• Sugary drinks long-term

Common complaints

• Pain or discomfort
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Dehydration

Common causes of discomfort

• Drinking too quickly
• Drinking too much at once
• High-fat or high-sugar fluids
• Not drinking enough
• Very low food intake

Contact – My Imperial Care

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