What Are the Best Foods to Eat After Bariatric Surgery?

Updated by: Lacey Muinos

After bariatric surgery, your stomach can only handle small amounts of food, and your digestive tract may not be able to absorb as many nutrients.

These changes make it important for you to make smart food choices after your procedure to support your overall health and weight loss. 

This article reviews the most important types of food to eat after bariatric surgery and is filled with delicious snack and meal ideas.

It also includes helpful tips on grocery shopping, dining out, and explains why working with a registered dietitian is essential to your health journey. 

Keep reading to learn more about what you can realistically eat immediately after bariatric surgery and what your long-term diet could look like.

Understanding Bariatric Surgery Basics

Bariatric surgery is a specialized procedure for people with obesity who have been unable to lose weight through other methods. 

The procedure is normally done within two hours, followed by a twenty four hour monitoring period.

Your insurance may cover the cost of bariatric surgery, but you'll need to call your provider to learn what type of coverage they offer.

During the surgery, the doctor will alter the size of the stomach to restrict the amount of food you can eat, making you feel fuller faster.

Depending on the type of surgery, the procedure may also decrease the amount of nutrition the digestive system can absorb.

These changes may lead to significant weight loss and improve medical conditions related to being overweight, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. 

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What Changes After Bariatric Surgery?

Changes to your digestive tract after bariatric surgery depend on which procedure you have. 

During gastric sleeve surgery, the surgeon removes a large portion of your stomach, creating a new banana-sized stomach or “sleeve.”

This change reduces the amount of food your stomach can hold, making you feel full quicker. 

During gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon makes a small pouch (about the size of an egg) by dividing the top portion of the stomach from the rest of the stomach.

The small intestine is then divided and connected to the newly created small stomach pouch.

These changes result in how much you’re able to eat and how the body absorbs and digests food.

During a gastric band surgery, the surgeon places a saline-filled ring around the upper part of the stomach to decrease stomach size and reduce food intake.

The bariatric surgeon can tighten or relax the ring size by adding or removing saline. 

What Does a Typical Meal Look Like After Bariatric Surgery?

After any surgery, your immediate post-op meals will typically be different from your usual diet.

Post-surgical meals are typically light, small, and frequent, but there are additional things to know after bariatric surgery.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions, but here’s what you can usually expect to eat immediately after bariatric surgery:

• Week 0–2: After surgery, you'll be given liquids for two weeks. Your liquid diet will include water, milk, unsweetened juice, broth, tea, protein drinks, and non-carbonated beverages.
• Week 3–4: After liquids, you'll move to purées for two weeks. You can introduce puréed, strained, mashed, and blended foods, such as thinned Greek yogurts, strained soups, and cottage cheese.
• Week 5–6: After purées, you can begin to eat a soft diet. This includes soft, moist foods like eggs, tuna salad, fish, rice, and cooked vegetables without skin.
• Week 7+: Roughly 45 days after bariatric surgery, you can transition to regular foods. Aim to eat balanced meals that are rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. It’s a good day to reintroduce foods slowly and avoid those high in sugar.

What Are the Best Food Choices for a Post-Bariatric Diet? 

After bariatric surgery, it’s important to make highly nutritious food choices without overfilling your stomach. 

It’s essential to follow your bariatric surgeon’s timeline on when you can introduce certain food consistencies back into your diet.  

Here are some key food groups to focus on. 

Proteins 

Weight loss in the first months after bariatric surgery is rapid and you may lose vital muscle mass if you don’t get enough dietary protein at meals and snacks. 

In addition to preserving precious muscle mass, protein helps your body heal and recover after surgery. 

When planning your meals, choose lean meats that are naturally tender, and be sure to cook them thoroughly.

You can also get protein from low-fat dairy products, beans, seeds, eggs, fish, and nut or seed butters.

Try to avoid meats that have casings, like hot dogs or sausages. It’s also wise to avoid proteins that are fried or processed. 

Here are more delicious lean protein choices:

• Cooked chicken or turkey (skinless).
• Cooked fish or canned tuna or salmon.
• Eggs.
• Tofu.
• Nut butters.
• Seed butters. 
• Hummus or any bean dip. 
• Low-fat cheese.
• Low-fat cottage cheese.
• Low-fat Greek yogurt.
• Low-fat, milk or unsweetened soy milk (or other plant based dairy alternatives).
• High protein drinks without added sugar.

Fruits and Vegetables 

Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential nutrients that help your body thrive. 

However, some fruits and vegetables may be difficult for your stomach to digest immediately after bariatric surgery. 

In the initial phases after surgery, opt for fruits and veggies that are soft in texture and don’t have tough skin, peel, or seeds.

The same applies for vegetables, which should be cooked to a soft consistency. 

Examples include:

• Canned soft fruits in water without added syrup or sugar.
• Bananas.
• Seedless watermelon.
• Honeydew.
• Unsweetened applesauce.
• Cooked carrots.
• Cooked spinach.
• Peeled and cooked potatoes.
• Peeled and cooked winter squash.
• Diluted and strained vegetable juice.

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Carbohydrates 

Carbohydrates are essential for life as they’re the preferred source of fuel for your organs, tissues, and muscles.

Your dietitian can help guide you on how many carbohydrates you should aim for each day. 

When you eat carbohydrates, it’s best to combine them with protein for better blood sugar control.

Here are some examples:

• Greek yogurt with Cheerios.
• Grits and eggs.
• Cream of wheat made with milk.
• Crackers and peanut butter.
• Protein Pasta and meatballs with cheese.
• Tortilla with cheese.

Healthy Fats 

Healthy fats like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats can help lower bad cholesterol and are important for satiety. 

A dietitian can give guidance on how many healthy fats you need daily.

Focus on incorporating the following healthy fats in your diet more often:

• Olive oil.
• Avocados.
• Nut butters.
• Seed butters. 
• Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, trout, sardines).
• Soybeans (and tofu or tempeh).

Calcium-Rich Foods 

After bariatric surgery, your digestive system may have difficulty absorbing enough calcium.

Because of this, it’s important to eat calcium rich foods daily to maximize your chances of getting enough calcium. 

Foods rich in calcium include:

• Greek yogurt.
• Milk.
• Cheese.
• Soy.
• Tofu.
• Cooked salmon.
• Sardines.
• Cooked spinach.

Can You Still Eat Desserts?

Immediately after surgery, it’s unlikely you can eat dessert.

Your stomach is still swollen, and you’re still recovering from the procedure.

You shouldn’t eat dessert or foods high in sugar during the first six weeks after surgery, but you may be able to enjoy soft desserts like popsicles and puddings.

As you transition to regular foods after surgery, it’s important to be mindful of what you’re eating.

Generally, it’s recommended to eat smaller meals.

Your meals should be about one cup of food, though you should stop eating before you’re very full. You may not have room for dessert.

If you enjoy a sweet treat every now and then, it can be fun to try healthier alternatives by modifying your favorite desserts.

Some ideas can include carrot cake made with whole wheat flour, pudding with low-fat dairy, and sorbet made with low-carb and low-calorie ingredients.

Should you have dessert after bariatric surgery, remember to practice portion control and eating in moderation.

Eating Habits to Maintain After Bariatric Surgery  

While it is important to choose the right foods after bariatric surgery, learning healthy eating habits is also necessary.

These habits will help you decrease possible digestive discomfort and help you get the nutrients that you need. 

• Eat about six to eight small frequent meals throughout the day.
• Eat your meals slowly.
• Chew your food thoroughly to help with food digestion. 
• Stay hydrated by drinking water between meals.
• Limit your snacking between meals or choose protein-rich snack choices.

As well as making dietary changes, you'll also need to diligently follow a supplement routine and take essential vitamins after bariatric surgery.

These include multivitamins with vitamin A, B12, D, calcium, and iron.

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Making Healthy Choices at the Grocery Store for Your Bariatric Diet 

Making the right food choices while grocery shopping can help you build a bariatric meal plan that’s easy to follow.  

Start with creating one meal and subsequent shopping list for the upcoming week. This will help limit impulse purchases. 

While at the store, focus on shopping around the perimeter because most processed foods tend to be in the middle aisles.

Before buying an item, check the food label for nutrition information and ingredients.

Try to avoid foods that contain added sugars as much as possible. 

Eating Out On a Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet 

Dining out after bariatric surgery can be more challenging, but it is possible.Try looking at the menu beforehand to know what foods they have on hand. Opt for grilled, baked, or steamed dishes rather than fried or heavily sauced. 

Don’t hesitate to ask for adjustments to your meal, such as getting a smaller portion size, getting a side of steamed veggies, or putting the sauce on the side. 

You may also consider sharing a meal with a friend or plan on taking part of the meal home to avoid overeating.

Ask for a to-go box when the meal arrives and pack up half the meal right away. 

3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Eating After Bariatric Surgery

Here are some common pitfalls you can avoid to help ensure your success. 

1. Inadequate protein intake: Protein is crucial for your healing and preventing muscle loss. Ask your dietitian how much you should be eating daily. 
2. Drinking with meals: Avoid drinking with your meals, as this can quickly overfill your stomach and lead to stomach discomfort.
3. Ignoring hunger and fullness cues: Eat when you're hungry and stop when you feel satisfied.

Be sure to have regular check-in appointments with your surgeon and dietitian.

They will monitor your progress and adjust your care plan as needed. 

Takeaway

Your keys to success after bariatric surgery are making mindful food choices, adopting healthy eating habits, and seeking guidance from a registered dietitian. 

By eating the correct foods, you can support your weight loss journey and improve your overall health. 

How a Dietitian Can Help

Deciding which foods to eat after having surgery can be overwhelming.

But a dietitian specializing in bariatric surgery can help you identify which foods are best for you.

Together, you can make a successful meal plan that is nutritious and delicious. 

Find a dietitian who accepts insurance through Nourish. 

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