Importance of Sticking to Your Prescribed Diet Plan
Bariatric surgery can significantly change your life, especially if you commit to the changes that come with it.
For patients of New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville, after your surgery, our bariatric team will start you on several phases of a diet plan. It is important to follow this plan as it’s carefully planned to help you limit your caloric intake while still keeping in mind your nutrition needs.
The following is generally the progression of diet for our New Life bariatric patients:
Phase 1: Clear Liquid Diet
One of the most important goals after bariatric surgery is to keep you hydrated. So, for the first two weeks after surgery, you will be placed on a liquid diet.
Staying hydrated after weight loss surgery is important because dehydration can lead to increased nausea and vomiting, fatigue, weakness and is the most common reason patients are readmitted after surgery.
During this phase, you will be instructed to drink 1-2 oz of fluid every 15 minutes as your stomach is still recovering after surgery. You will drink fluids that will help you meet your nutrient needs such as protein shakes, milk, diluted fruit juice, Gatorade G2, broths (chicken, beef, vegetable, bone), decaffeinated tea, decaffeinated coffee, sugar-free popsicles, sugar-free gelatin.
Phase 2: Pureed Diet
You will be transitioned to a pureed diet after a clear liquid diet. You will be encouraged to eat foods high in protein since your intake during this time will be limited. Scrambled eggs, turkey, chicken, pork, fish, seafood, cottage cheese, yogurt and refried beans are examples of foods to each while on the phase 2 diet.
Phase 3: Soft Food Diet
After your bariatric surgery, you may be advanced to a soft diet. At this stage, it is advised that you continue to follow your recommended amount of protein in your diet, take your supplements, and continue to have sufficient hydration.
Under a soft food diet plan, you can start to add fruits and non-starchy vegetables in addition to a protein source. Starchy vegetables we encourage your to avoid include corn, peas and potatoes. Recommended portion sizes during this phase is around 2-3 oz per meal. You are encouraged to eat protein first, then a fruit or vegetable second
Phase 4: Stabilization Diet
On month four and beyond, you’ll transition to a full bariatric diet that allows more variety in food choices. You can add starchy foods at this time in limited amounts. Because of the limited amount of food you can eat, it is important that you:
• Prioritize nutrient-dense food high-protein foods (avoid foods with empty calories)
• Eat protein first, a fruit or vegetable second, starch last (if you eat starch)
• Use protein shakes between meals if you are unable to reach your protein goals
• Continue taking vitamin supplements
• Eat three well-balanced meals each day and avoid snacking
Get help at New Life
Our team at New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville will guide you each step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, we’re always here for you!
Not yet sure if bariatric surgery is right for you? View online or attend our FREE information session to make a more informed choice. To register to attend, please click this link.
New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery is part of Premier Surgical Bariatrics in Knoxville, Tennessee. New Life is affiliated with the Parkwest Center for Bariatric Surgery, an accredited Comprehensive Metabolic and Bariatric Surgical Center. Parkwest is a member of Covenant Health Bariatric Services