Bariatric Surgery Menu
Meal Plans & Nutritional Supplements for Bariatric Surgery
Meal plans and nutritional supplements are an important part of the bariatric (weight loss) surgery journey, both before and after surgery. The documents below contain useful information about these products and will help you have more a successful weight loss experience; please read each document carefully.
Pre-Op Diet
- This meal plan should be followed for two weeks prior to your operation.
- This meal plan consists of four meal replacements and one solid food meal per day (except for the day before surgery). The one meal should consist of protein and vegetables.
- Space your meal replacement shakes and one solid food meal evenly throughout the day. Have your meal or a shake every 3-4 hours.
- Take one multi-vitamin daily.
- Drink 64 ounces of calorie-free/very low-calorie (less than five calories per serving) sugar-free fluids daily.
- Avoid caloric beverages such as alcohol, juice, regular soda, Gatorade, and sweet tea.
- Do not add fruit or milk to any of the meal replacements.
- If you are using powdered shake mix, use water to mix your shakes (not milk or juice).
Phase 1 (used while in hospital)
Post-Operative Bariatric Surgery Diet – Phase 1 (Days 1-2)
- This is the first diet phase after bariatric surgery.
- You will be on phase 1 while you are in the hospital following your operation.
- This phase usually lasts 1-2 days.
- Aim to drink at least 6-8 cups (48-64 ounces) of fluid each day.
- Fluids will need to be consumed in small, frequent sips.
- All liquids must be low in calories (15 calories or less per 8 ounces), sugar-free, caffeine-free, and non-carbonated.
Phase 2 (days 2-14)
Post-Operative Bariatric Surgery Diet – Phase 2 (Days 2-14)
- All foods must be smooth and liquid in consistency.
- Your goal is to consume six small meals per day.
- Daily protein goal: Women 60-80 grams/day; men 80-100 grams/day
- Drink at least 48-64 ounces of approved beverages beginning in this phase.
- Separate liquids from meals (even if your meal is a protein shake). Stop drinking 30 minutes before you begin a meal, and do not resume drinking until 30 minutes after you finish the meal.
- Sip fluids slowly throughout the day; avoid “chugging” or gulping your drinks.
- All liquids must be low in calories (15 calories or less per 8 ounces), sugar-free, caffeine-free, and non-carbonated.
- Keep a food journal and track your food intake, protein intake, and vitamin supplements.
Phase 3 (15 days – 3 months)
Post-Operative Bariatric Surgery Diet – Phase 3 (Day 15 to 3 Months)
- The third diet phase after bariatric surgery is the pureed/soft phase.
- Chew all food until it is smooth, similar to the consistency of applesauce.
- Practice mindful, slow eating and always stop eating or drinking as soon as you start to feel full.
- Your goal is to consume six small meals per day. Consume additional protein at each meal in order to reach your protein goal for the day.
- Daily protein goal: Women 60-80 grams/day; men 80-100 grams/day
- Drink at least 48-64 ounces of approved beverages per day.
- Separate liquids from meals (even if your meal is a protein shake). Stop drinking 30 minutes before you begin a meal, and do not resume drinking until 30 minutes after you finish the meal.
- All liquids must be low in calories (15 calories or less per 8 ounces), sugar-free, caffeine-free, and non-carbonated.
- Keep a food journal and track your food intake, protein intake, and vitamin supplements.
Phase 4 (3 months + beyond)
Post-Operative Bariatric Surgery Diet – Phase 4 (3 Months+)
- The most difficult but important time after surgery is the first 3-6 months. The habits you develop during this period are the ones you probably will adopt for the rest of your life!
- In this stage, your recommended portion size and meal number will change slightly from the previous phases. Meals should be about ¾ cup in total volume (6 ounces). Since your portions are becoming slightly larger, you may reduce the frequency of eating to 3-4 meals per day.
- It will continue to be important to measure your portions using a food scale or measuring cups to ensure you are eating the correct portion for your new stomach.
- If you feel full or are struggling to get all of your meals in, do not force yourself! Consider sipping on a protein shake to help you meet your protein goals without feeling overly full.
- Daily protein goal: Women 60-80 grams/day; men 80-100 grams/day
- Drink at least 48-64 ounces of approved beverages per day beginning in this phase.
- Separate liquids from meals (even if your meal is a protein shake). Stop drinking 30 minutes before you begin a meal and do not resume drinking until 30 minutes after you finish the meal.
- All liquids must be low in calories (15 calories or less per 8 ounces), sugar-free, caffeine-free, and non-carbonated.
- Keep a food journal and track your food intake, protein intake, and vitamin supplements.