Post-Bariatric Surgery Nutrition: Stage 3

On week 4, you can continue consuming the foods from Stages 1 and 2 and begin adding in soft foods. During this time, your gut is still healing, so you'll likely only be able to consume a couple of ounces per meal. You should be reaching the protein goal given to you by your bariatric surgeon every day.

How to eat during Stage 3:

• Eat every three to four hours (breakfast, midmorning snack, lunch, midafternoon snack, dinner, nighttime snack)
• Expect to eat a couple of ounces of food every meal.
• Take 20 – 30 minutes to thoroughly chew and swallow your food.
• Eat protein foods first, fruits and vegetables second, and whole grains or starchy vegetables third.
• Eat mostly protein, and add small amounts of soft-cooked vegetables and unsweetened fruits. Fresh raw vegetables and fruits should NOT be eaten until Week 12.
• Rinse off canned fruits to remove excess sugar, even if it's packed in water or natural juices.
• Foods should be fork tender or cooked until tender enough to cut, mash, or pull apart with a fork.
• Foods can be cooked using cooking spray or small amounts of healthy fats, such as olive or avocado oil.
• Foods can be mixed with nonfat mayonnaise or non-fat salad dressing.
• DO NOT drink fluids while eating or for 30 minutes afterward.
• DO continue sipping liquids throughout the rest of the day (40 – 60 ounces total).
• Stop eating when you feel satisfied.

Protein Foods

• Low-fat/nonfat low-sugar Greek yogurt (no fruit pieces)
• Low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese
• Low-fat or fat-free cheese
• Low-fat or fat-free refried beans
• Eggs (any style)
• Tofu or tempeh
• Smooth natural nut butters (no sugar added)
• Lentil, split pea, or black bean soup (strained)
• Miso or egg drop soup
• Flaky fish
• Soft-cooked seafood
• Ground chicken, turkey, pork, beef
• Shredded meat
• Chicken or tuna salad
• Chili
• Burger patties made from beans, lentils, or black beans
• Lean-cut, thinly sliced deli meats
• Edamame
• Plant-based meat

Vegetables and Fruits

Soft-cooked, canned, or frozen

• Carrots
• Beets
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Squash
• Green beans
• Asparagus
• Broccoli (very well steamed)
• Cauliflower (very well steamed)
• Cooked fresh fruits (avoid citrus)
• (Avoid raw fresh fruits and vegetables until 12 weeks post-surgery)