Bariatric surgery involves reducing the size of your stomach to limit the amount of food you can eat in order to promote weight loss. This surgery is an option for persons with a body mass index (BMI) over 35 who have weight-related health issues or are unable to achieve or maintain a normal weight through regular diet and exercise. After bariatric surgery, you must adapt your diet and lifestyle to adjust to the rapid changes your body will undergo.
Stage I
After surgery, your doctor will put you on a liquid-only diet for one to two days, in the first stage of the bariatric diet. You can drink liquids such as water; sugar-free fruit juice or juice diluted with water; clear broth; bouillon; and non-caffeinated, non-carbonated, low- or non-calorie beverages. These should be consumed in ¼-cup increments every hour, or as directed by your doctor.
Stage II
The second stage incorporates low-fat full liquids, such as liquid nutrition supplements or high-protein drinks, into your diet for two to three weeks. Getting enough fluids is your primary goal, followed by getting enough protein. Your doctor may also recommend taking a multivitamin. After completing Stage II, you will meet with your doctor to evaluate when and if you are ready for Stage III.
Stage III: Allowed Foods
Stage III gradually introduces soft foods into your diet over a period of six to eight weeks. As in the second stage, focusing on high-protein foods is a must. Your doctor will instruct you to add one new food at a time and eat a small meal four to six times per day. Some high-protein foods you can eat during Stage III include eggs; low-fat or light yogurt or cottage cheese; tender-cooked ground beef, pork or poultry; broiled, baked or grilled soft fish; bean/lentil dishes and soups; tuna fish; lean luncheon meats; shredded or soft low-fat cheeses; and tofu. Other soft foods allowed during Stage III include cream of wheat or oatmeal; cooked, soft vegetables; potatoes; dry toast; soft lettuce; softened cold cereal; fruits canned in juice or soft fruits without skin; low-fat soups; and pretzels or crackers, chewed well.
Stage III: Foods to Avoid
During the third stage of a bariatric diet, avoid foods high in fiber, fat or sugar. Foods to avoid include sticky foods or sticky rice; bread -- unless toasted; pasta; peanut butter; raw vegetables; vegetable and fruit skins; popcorn; tough meats such as ham, pork chops or steak; butter, margarine or oils; sour and cream cheese; fried foods; bacon, sausage, salami or bologna; gravy; salad dressing; hard cheeses; and mayonnaise.
Final Stage
You should be able to progress from soft to regular foods 10 to 12 weeks post-surgery. According to Duke University Health System, you can normally resume eating most of the foods you ate pre-surgery -- but in much smaller portions. Specific recommendations should be discussed with your physician.
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