Post-Op Care – Bariatric Surgery Diet (Weeks 5–6: Soft Diet Phase)

You are here: Stage 3 (Weeks 5–6) – Soft diet phase.

Overview

This guide explains the soft diet phase during weeks 5–6 after sleeve gastrectomy. At this stage your stomach is still healing, but you can begin to eat soft, easily digestible foods that require minimal chewing.

How long this phase lasts

You will remain on a soft diet for 2 weeks (weeks 5 and 6 after surgery).

What soft foods are

• Easily digestible foods
• Foods that can be chewed but not bitten hard
• Foods that require minimal cutting
• Foods that can be easily broken with a fork
• Naturally soft foods (such as ripe banana)
• Cooked foods with a soft texture
• Foods served with sauce or gravy to increase moisture

Suitable foods by group

Protein – meat, chicken, fish, eggs

• Minced meat or casseroles with small tender pieces
• Moist fish
• Scrambled or poached eggs
• Soft tofu

Avoid dry or overcooked fish, chewy seafood, and fried eggs.

Dairy (protein source)

• Low-fat yoghurt
• Low-fat milk
• Soft cheeses (ricotta, cottage cheese)

Avoid yoghurts with seeds, nuts, muesli, or hard fruit pieces, and avoid hard cheeses such as cheddar.

Legumes (protein source)

• Well-cooked soft legumes
• Tinned lentils
• Baked beans

Vegetables

• Well-cooked vegetables
• Soft canned vegetables

Avoid raw vegetables and hard fibrous vegetables such as broccoli stalks or corn.

Fruit

• Soft fresh fruit (ripe banana)
• Stewed fruit
• Tinned fruit in natural juice

Avoid fibrous fruits (such as pineapple), hard fruits, and fruits with hard skins unless peeled.

Cereals and grains

• Porridge
• Plain breakfast cereals softened in skim milk

Avoid cereals containing dried fruits or nuts and hard bran-based cereals.

Rice and pasta

• Well-cooked rice or pasta with low-fat sauce
• Always include a protein source such as tuna or chicken

Avoid meals made only of carbohydrates, as they replace protein intake.

Meal size and frequency

• Each meal or snack should not exceed ½ cup
• Aim for 4–5 small meals per day
• Your appetite will be reduced – this is normal
• Use a measuring cup or mark levels on a small bowl or mug
• Do not force yourself to finish meals

How to eat

• Take very small mouthfuls
• Use a teaspoon or small fork
• Eat slowly and relax
• Meals should last 20–30 minutes
• Aim for 1 bite per minute
• Place cutlery down between bites
• Chew all food thoroughly before swallowing

Drinking and meals

• 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 early fullness

Hydration guidelines

• Aim for 2 litres of fluid daily
• Mainly drink water
• Carry a water bottle and sip regularly
• Take small sips – do not gulp
• 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 in moderation

Avoid drinks

• Fruit juice
• Fruit smoothies
• Energy and sports drinks
• Full-sugar cordial
• Milkshakes
• Alcohol
• Carbonated or fizzy drinks

Protein priority

• Always eat protein first
• Then vegetables or fruit
• Carbohydrates last
• Choose lean protein and remove visible fat (such as chicken skin)

Vitamins and supplements

• Daily multivitamin supplementation is required for life
• Iron supplementation may be needed
• Vitamin B12 supplementation may be needed
• Vitamin D: 3000 IU daily (or higher if advised)
• Fibre supplement (such as Benefiber) may be started to support bowel regularity

Medication size and swallowing

• Small tablets may be swallowed with enough fluid
• Large tablets or capsules may need to be crushed or broken
• Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before altering medication form

Troubleshooting common problems

If you feel nausea, discomfort, or vomiting

• Check food consistency – ensure it is soft and fork-breakable
• Slow down your eating speed
• Chew thoroughly
• Reduce portion size
• Avoid eating and drinking together
• Ensure you are taking prescribed anti-reflux medication

If you have constipation or irregular bowel movements

• Increase fluids and fibre gradually
• Add puréed vegetables, fruit, or legumes to meals
• Avoid fruit and vegetable juice
• Add bran to meals
• Use fibre supplements as advised
• Ensure 2 litres of fluid daily
• Walk regularly

If you have gas or bloating

• Walking or gentle abdominal massage may help
• Warm drinks such as peppermint tea may help
• Constipation can worsen bloating
• Contact your doctor if symptoms persist

Contact – My Imperial Care

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

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