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Post-Bariatric Surgery 30-Day Meal Plan

Oct 26, 2024 | Bariatric Surgery, Blog, Cooking, Diet Programs, Diets, Health, Healthy, Weight Loss | 0 comments

Bariatric Foods

Important Guidelines

  • Sip liquids slowly – no more than 1-2 oz at a time
  • Do not drink with meals or 30 minutes before/after meals
  • Stop eating when you feel full
  • Take all recommended vitamins and supplements as prescribed by your doctor
  • Consume protein first at each meal
  • All portions should be measured precisely
  • Temperature should be warm or cool, not hot or cold

Week 1: Clear Liquid Phase

During this phase, consume only clear liquids in small amounts throughout the day. Aim for 4-6 oz per hour while awake.

Approved Clear Liquids:

  • Water
  • Sugar-free clear juice (apple or cranberry)
  • Sugar-free gelatin
  • Clear broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
  • Sugar-free popsicles (melted)
  • Decaffeinated tea

Sample Daily Schedule:

  • 8 AM: 4 oz warm chicken broth
  • 9 AM: 2 oz sugar-free apple juice
  • 10 AM: 4 oz water
  • 11 AM: 2 oz sugar-free gelatin
  • 12 PM: 4 oz beef broth
  • Continue pattern throughout day

Recipe: Enhanced Protein Broth

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 scoop unflavored protein isolate powder

Instructions:

  1. Heat broth until warm (not hot)
  2. Slowly whisk in protein powder until dissolved
  3. Consume 2-4 oz at a time

Nutrition per 4 oz serving:

  • Calories: 35
  • Protein: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Sugar: 0g

Week 2: Full Liquid Phase

Progress to full liquids, including protein shakes and smooth, strained soups.

Approved Full Liquids:

  • Protein shakes
  • Strained cream soups
  • Smooth yogurt (no chunks)
  • Milk alternatives (unsweetened)
  • Sugar-free pudding
  • All clear liquids from Week 1

Sample Daily Schedule:

  • 8 AM: 4 oz protein shake
  • 10 AM: 2 oz sugar-free pudding
  • 12 PM: 4 oz strained cream soup
  • 2 PM: 4 oz protein shake
  • 4 PM: 2 oz smooth yogurt
  • 6 PM: 4 oz protein shake

Recipe: Basic Protein Shake

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 scoop bariatric-approved protein powder
  • 2-3 ice cubes

Instructions: Blend until smooth, consume within 30 minutes

Nutrition per 4 oz serving:

  • Calories: 100
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fat: 1.5g
  • Calcium: 200mg
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Fiber: 1g

Recipe: Strained Cream of Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup low-fat cream of chicken soup
  • 2 tbsp unflavored protein powder

Instructions:

  1. Heat soup until warm
  2. Whisk in protein powder
  3. Strain through fine-mesh strainer
  4. Consume 4 oz portions

Nutrition per 4 oz serving:

  • Calories: 90
  • Protein: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g

Weeks 3-4: Pureed Phase

Progress to pureed foods with the consistency of smooth applesauce.

Approved Pureed Foods:

  • All previous liquids
  • Pureed meats
  • Pureed vegetables
  • Pureed fruits (no seeds)
  • Smooth cottage cheese
  • Greek yogurt
  • Hummus

Sample Daily Schedule:

  • 8 AM: 4 oz protein shake
  • 10 AM: 2 oz pureed peaches
  • 12 PM: 3 oz pureed chicken salad
  • 3 PM: 2 oz Greek yogurt
  • 6 PM: 3 oz pureed fish with pureed vegetables

Recipe: Pureed Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz cooked chicken breast
  • 1 tbsp light mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Blend chicken in food processor until very fine
  2. Add mayonnaise and yogurt
  3. Blend until completely smooth
  4. Season lightly

Nutrition per 3 oz serving:

  • Calories: 165
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Calcium: 45mg
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Recipe: Pureed Mediterranean Fish

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz cooked white fish
  • 2 tbsp low-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp lemon juice
  • Herbs to taste

Instructions:

  1. Blend fish in food processor until fine
  2. Add remaining ingredients
  3. Puree until completely smooth
  4. Warm slightly before eating

Nutrition per 3 oz serving:

  • Calories: 120
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Calcium: 60mg
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: 400mg

Recipe: Protein-Enhanced Cauliflower Puree

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked cauliflower
  • 2 tbsp unflavored protein powder
  • 1 tbsp light cream cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Steam cauliflower until very soft
  2. Blend in food processor until smooth
  3. Add remaining ingredients
  4. Puree until completely smooth

Nutrition per 2 oz serving:

  • Calories: 70
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Calcium: 40mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Vitamin C: 30mg

Nutrition Goals Throughout the Month:

  • Protein: 60-80g daily
  • Fluids: 64 oz daily (separated from meals)
  • Calories: As directed by your surgical team
  • Supplements: As prescribed by your doctor

Additional Nutrition Notes:

  1. Protein Targets:
    • Week 1: 40-60g daily
    • Week 2: 50-70g daily
    • Weeks 3-4: 60-80g daily
  2. Daily Micronutrient Goals:
    • Calcium: 1200-1500mg
    • Iron: 18mg
    • Vitamin B12: 500mcg
    • Vitamin D: 2000-4000 IU
    • Folate: 400mcg
  3. Hydration Guidelines:
    • Minimum 64 oz fluids daily
    • Sugar-free
    • Non-carbonated
    • Room temperature or warm
    • Sip slowly (1-2 oz at a time)

Important Notes:

  1. Always check with your surgical team before advancing to the next phase
  2. Stop eating immediately if you feel pressure, pain, or nausea
  3. Keep a food journal to track tolerance
  4. Focus on protein first at each meal
  5. Avoid rice, bread, pasta, and raw vegetables during the first month
  6. No carbonated beverages
  7. No straws
  8. No caffeine or alcohol
  9. No sugary foods or beverages

Signs to Contact Your Doctor:

  • Vomiting
  • Severe nausea
  • Inability to keep liquids down
  • Severe pain or discomfort
  • Fever
  • Redness or drainage at incision sites

Meal Timing Guidelines:

  • Each meal should take 20-30 minutes
  • Wait 30-60 seconds between bites
  • Stop eating at the first sign of fullness
  • Wait 30 minutes before and after meals to drink fluids
  • Don’t exceed recommended portion sizes even if hungry

Additional Resources & Support

Professional Organizations

Recipe Resources

Support Groups & Communities

Vitamin & Supplement Information

Mobile Apps for Tracking

  • Baritastic
  • MyFitnessPal (with bariatric settings)
  • Water Reminder
  • Bariatric Surgery Timer

Educational Materials

Books & Publications

  1. “The Complete Gastric Sleeve Guide” by Sharon Howard
  2. “Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery” by Patt Levine
  3. “The Bariatric Bible” by Carol Bowen Ball
  4. “Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies” by Marina S. Kurian, MD

Important Medical Resources

Tools & Equipment

Recommended kitchen tools for bariatric eating: (See my kitchen tools guide –  https://kennysdigitalguide.com/best-kitchen-tools-for-healthy-meal-prep/)

  • Food scale
  • 4 oz portion cups
  • Protein shaker bottles
  • Small plates (7-inch diameter)
  • Baby spoons/forks
  • Food processor
  • Blender for protein shakes
  • Timer for pacing meals

Nutritional Reference Guides

Important Note About Resources:

  • Always verify information with your surgical team
  • Resource links and websites may change over time
  • Join local support groups for in-person guidance
  • Check with your insurance provider about coverage for support services
  • Consider working with a registered dietitian who specializes in bariatric nutrition

Remember to verify all websites and resources with your healthcare team, as they may have additional preferred resources specific to your program and needs. These resources are meant to supplement, not replace, the guidance provided by your medical team.

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