Quick navigation
This guide: Overview of all diet stages starting from bariatric surgery (Stage 1–4).
Overview
This guide explains the post-operative food stages after bariatric surgery. Progressing through each phase correctly is essential to protect your stomach, prevent complications, and support long-term weight loss.
General nutrition goals
- Protein: 60–80 grams per day
- Fluids: 64–80 ounces (1.9–2.4 litres) per day
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
- Stop eating as soon as you feel full
- Avoid sugar and high-fat foods
- Do not drink during meals
- Wait at least 30 minutes after eating before drinking
Stage 1 – Clear liquids (Days 2–3 after surgery)
- Water (best option)
- Unsweetened decaffeinated iced tea
- Herbal teas
- Fruit-infused water
- Decaffeinated coffee
- Bone broth
- Low-sodium broth
- Non-carbonated, unsweetened flavoured water
- Sugar-free popsicles
- Sugar-free jelly
Try to sip 1 ounce every 15 minutes during waking hours. Work toward 8 ounces per hour.
Stage 2 – Full liquids (Weeks 1–2)
- Milk
- Lactose-free milk
- Fairlife or similar high-protein milk
- Unsweetened milk alternatives
- Low-sugar protein shakes
- Low-sugar kefir
- Strained cream-based soups
- Tomato soup (no chunks)
- Vegetable juice (carrot or tomato)
Aim for at least 64 ounces (8 cups) of total fluid daily.
Your daily protein goal is 60–80 grams.
Choose protein drinks containing:
- 100–200 calories
- 20–30 grams of protein
- Less than 5 grams of sugar
Do not exceed 30 grams of protein at one time, as this is the maximum your body can absorb efficiently.
Protein shakes may be varied by:
- Thickness
- Temperature
- Dilution with water or milk
- Blending with ice
Week 1: Only add water, milk, or unsweetened milk alternatives to shakes.
Week 2: You may try thin homemade smoothies. Small amounts of banana, peach, blueberry, mango, avocado, spinach, almond butter, or peanut butter may be added.
Stage 3 – Puréed / blended foods (Weeks 3–4)
Foods must be smooth and blended to a soft purée consistency.
- Puréed turkey, chicken, or beef
- White fish (fork-mashable)
- Tuna salad (blended)
- Chicken salad (blended)
- Egg salad (blended)
- One well-scrambled egg
- Mashed sweet potato
- Refried beans (blended smooth)
- Oatmeal
- Cottage cheese with puréed fruit
Portion size: ¼ to ½ cup per meal.
Aim for:
- 60 grams of protein daily
- 2–3 meals plus 1 protein shake per day
Stage 4 – Soft foods (Weeks 5–6)
- Turkey or chicken
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Shrimp cocktail
- Crab meat
- Ground beef
- Eggs
- Peeled cucumbers
- Sautéed spinach
- Mushrooms
- Berries
- Apples
Portion size: approximately ½ cup per meal.
Protein target: 60–80 grams daily.
Important eating rules during soft food phase
- Stop drinking liquids 15–30 minutes before meals.
- Do not drink for at least 30 minutes after eating.
- Track fluids daily (goal: 64–80 ounces).
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
- Cut food into very small pieces.
- Aim for three meals daily.
- Avoid grazing between meals.
- You may include 0–2 small planned snacks if needed.
- Avoid evening snacking whenever possible.
Contact – My Imperial Care
Email: support@myimperial.care
WhatsApp: +90 541 859 04 15