After weight loss surgery you will need to make changes to your eating patterns. The diet after surgery progresses from a liquid diet to a pureed diet to a soft diet and then a regular diet. This progression is designed to allow your body to heal. It is very important that you follow the diet progression to maximize healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Liquid Diet (2 Weeks):

  • You will start liquid diet from day 1 after surgery for 2 weeks (0-2 weeks).
  • Remember to drink very slowly, especially the first few weeks after your surgery, since there’s swelling and healing of the stomach and intestine after surgery or you will feel increasing fullness or pressure under your breast bone.

It includes (1.5-2 liters per day):

  • Low fat low salt soup
  • Diluted sugar-free fruit drinks
  • Water or mineral water
  • Tea (better to be decaffeinated)
  • Coffee (better to be decaffeinated)
  • Other hot drinks as anise, hibiscus, cinnamon, etc.
  • Skimmed milk
  • Light carbonated drinks without gases
  • Protein supplements (20-25 grams of protein, 3 supplements per day, total of 60-80 grams of protein per day)
  • Low fat liquid yogurt

Pureed diet (3 Weeks):

  • You will start pureed diet from week 4 till week 6 (4-6 weeks).
  • Most foods blended or mashed to baby food consistency.
  • It should include 60-80 grams of protein per day (you will need at least 3 high protein supplements per day).
  • Eat protein foods first, followed by fruits and vegetables, then grains.
  • 1.5-2 liters per day of fluid per day (including protein drinks) sipped between meals.
  • Avoid fluids during meals and wait 30 minutes after eating to resume drinking fluids.
  • Avoid spicy foods as well as very hot or very cold foods since they may cause discomfort.
  • Try only 1 new food at a meal so that you know what you can tolerate.

Soft diet (2 Weeks):

  • You will start soft diet from week 7 till week 8 (7-8 weeks).
  • It include cooked food until becomes soft.
  • All as in the pureed diet period in addition to:
    • No raw foods except banana.
    • Chew all foods well.

Regular diet (afterwards):

  • You will start regular diet from the beginning of week 9 and continue.
  • At this time you can add raw foods such as lettuce and carrots as well as more difficult to digest foods such as bread to your diet.
  • Take your time at meals and chew very well to help increase your tolerance to these foods.
  • Eventually you should be able to take a wider variety of breads, cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Remember that food intolerance is very individual.
  • Continue to avoid fluids with meals and wait 30 minutes after meals to resume drinking fluids.
  • Three months following your surgery, you should be increasing the variety in your diet and attempting to eat foods from all of the food groups.

10-points plan

  1. Do not drink liquids within 30 minutes of meals (either before or after).
  2. Eat three small, protein-focused meals per day at regular times, sitting at a table.
  3. Stop eating when feeling full or if feeling discomfort.
  4. Always cut food into small pieces, eat slowly and chew food very well, savoring your food. Use a teaspoon.
  5. Concentrate on eating protein rich foods such as fish and seafood, cheese, eggs and poultry. Eat protein foods first before any other food.
  6. Do not snack between meals.
  7. Avoid sweet food (chocolate, and high-sugar drinks), or very rich or highly processed food.
  8. Sip liquids slowly, drinking at least half a cup every hour between meals to avoid dehydration.
  9. Minimize alcohol intake as it is high in calories; the effects may be felt much more quickly; and it tends to lead to eating foods that are less healthy.
  10. Take a multivitamin supplement every day, and other supplements if required.
Compared with other types of weight loss surgery

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