Bariatric 4-Phase Post-Op Diet
Bariatric 4-Phase Post-Op Diet
Your goal immediately after bariatric surgery is to get the nutrition you need to heal and recover while protecting the surgery site.
“New Post-Op”
If you had bariatric surgery less than 6 months ago, we consider you a “New Post-Op.” During the first 6 months after bariatric surgery, most bariatric centers will instruct and inform patients to follow a regimented 4 Phase Diet.
The 4 Phase Post-Op Diet
Why the 4 Phase Post-Op Diet?
After bariatric surgery, your stomach needs time to heal. Immediately filling it with solid food will stress the surgery site and could cause healing issues.
The goal of the 4 Phase Diet is to jumpstart weight loss and to slowly reintroduce solid foods all while giving you the nutrition you need to heal properly.
This is the best way to recover from surgery and adjust to normal life as quickly and healthily as possible.
4 Phase Diet Duration by Surgery
Vitamins During the 4-Phase Diet
Post-surgery, you’ll need to supplement your diet with vitamins to meet your body’s nutritional needs. The combination of a new, restricted diet and a major change to your digestive system means you simply can’t meet your mineral needs through diet alone.
Complete Bariatric Vitamin Formula: Powder
For the first 2 months after surgery, we suggest taking the powder version. It’s a little easier for your body to process and promotes hydration because you mix it in water or any other non-carbonated, calorie-free beverage.
Complete Bariatric Vitamin Formula: Tablet
2+ months post-op, our customers have the option to switch to the chewable version. It’s a little easier to include in your routine – just take 3 pills in the morning and 3 at night.
Phase 1: Liquid Diet
Phase 1 of the bariatric diet is characterized by liquids only. What this means is nutrient sources should be taken from high protein supplements. Portion size should be approximately 1-2 oz. every 15-30 minutes.
The goal should be to consume at least 64 oz. of fluid per day. Phase 1 should also be supplemented with Bari Life Multivitamin Powder- it allows for the easiest absorption while the patient is healing. The entire diet will typically consist of protein supplements only.
Phase 2: Pureed Food
Portion size: 3 tablespoons (1.5 oz).
This phase is characterized by pureed foods. Because protein helps promote healing and patients are limited in space for food, we recommend protein foods only. The food group containing the highest amount of protein is the meat group.
Patients can have any type of meat except red meats. From a consistency standpoint, think cottage cheese (very soft, very moist). Phase 2 should also be supplemented with Bari Life Multivitamin Powder- it allows for the easiest absorption while the patient is healing. Continue to supplement the diet with protein supplements.
Phase 3: Soft Food
Portion size: 2-3 oz (limit to 1 oz of fruit or vegetables – focus should be on protein).
When patients reach Phase 3, they can often tolerate foods of normal consistency. Generally, patients can tolerate fruits and vegetables as well as ground beef. We ask them to avoid all other red meat and starchy vegetables (ie, corn, peas and potatoes). Continue to supplement the diet with protein supplements.
