Eating After Gastric Bypass Surgery Recipes
Lifestyle change, including diet and exercise, can be an adjustment after metabolic and bariatric surgery. Learn what is healthy to eat after gastric bypass surgery. Gastric Bypass Recipes are pivotal in helping you adjust to your new stomach.
What This Article Covers:
- What to Eat After Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Eating After Gastric Bypass Surgery Recipes
- Clear Liquid Diet
- Nutrition-Dense Recipes For Your Full Liquid Diet
- Best Recipes for Your Soft Foods Diet
- Awesome Recipes for Your Stabilization Stage
- Gastric Bypass Information
- Food Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery
What to Eat After Gastric Bypass Surgery
Congratulations on starting your weight loss journey! Metabolic and bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that can help to support weight loss and offer you a better quality of life.
After surgery, you will undergo a series of diet stages. They will differ in length based on the surgery performed and your tolerance to new foods.
The Importance Of Proteins
This new staple diet is a protein-centered phased approach diet plan. Why? Proteins are the building blocks of all life. All human cells contain protein.*
Proteins aid in repairing and restoring tissue, catalyzing the healing of your new stomach pouch, and supporting muscle maintenance.*
If there are insufficient protein stores, you will feel fatigued, with decreased metabolism, and unhealthy weight fluctuations.*
Protein drinks for bariatric patients are a great investment for your health after surgery. They are a great vehicle for getting your protein-packed nourishment. Gastric bypass and Gastric sleeve protein shake recipes have yummy and nutrient-dense ingredients to sustain you. We list some recipe options below!
Another great investment is a gastric bypass cookbook. This is a very beneficial tool as the bariatric diet will be your lifelong staple. It outlines the bariatric food pyramid with proteins being the prioritized food group.
Eating After Gastric Bypass Surgery Recipes
A Gastric bypass diet is a lifestyle adjustment that supports healing, toleration, and healthy weight post gastric bypass surgery. This special diet is constructed to help you adapt to major surgical changes - getting used to feeding a smaller stomach. Its purpose is to also help in your recovery process.*
Are you unsure of what to eat and drink post gastric bypass surgery? Look no further, because this article dishes out all the best recipes and ingredients that will help support a healthy weight. It is important to prioritize protein intake and hydration following gastric bypass surgery.*
Looking for recipe suggestions that are quick, easy, affordable, and geared to your healthy lifestyle? Check out these recipes from our bariatric recipe pantry curated for you by our bariatric dietitian.
Clear Liquid Diet
Stage 1: 1-2 Days Post-op
Phase 1 post-op is typically a clear liquid diet. This will only include clear liquids that are sugar-free. Depending on the individual, this phase should only last about 1-2 days after surgery. The purpose of this phase 1 diet will be to allow the stomach to heal while still ensuring the body is receiving fluids and electrolytes.
Hydration is Essential
Dehydration has become a common occurrence after metabolic and bariatric surgery, resulting in readmission to the hospital within 30 days after surgery. (2)*
A goal during your diet phase 1 post-op is to consume at least 48-64oz of fluids daily. In order to combat the difficulty of drinking fluids after surgery, try drinking from a small cup and taking small sips throughout the entire day. Aim for at least 1-3oz of fluids consumed every 30 minutes.
Bariatric Supplements
Post-bariatric vitamins are always recommended and should be taken as directed. A chewable supplement form is typically recommended initially following surgery to support healing and toleration.*
Some healthcare providers will recommend starting bariatric supplements before surgery and continuing after, while others will recommend starting them in the hospital after surgery. Always follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider and dietitian following weight loss surgery.
There are different multivitamin options available, such as a bariatric multivitamin with iron or an all-inclusive multivitamin chewable.
Clear Liquid Options
Clear liquids apply to fluids that you can see through. This can include the following:
- Water, flavored water
- Crystal Light
- Propel
- G2 Gatorade
- Sugar-free KoolAid
- Sugar-free popsicles
- Sugar-free Jell-O
- Chicken, Beef, or Bone broth
- Ocean Spray sugar-free drink mixes
- Bariatric Tea Recipe
Your after gastric bypass surgery diet plan will progress when medically feasible and cleared by your healthcare provider. This will start to include protein shakes. Protein shakes and bariatric surgery are important when not enough protein can be consumed through dietary food sources. Over time, you can expand to include more recipes for after gastric bypass surgery. Small portions, specific ingredients, and limitations of certain processed foods must be maintained to ensure adequate health and to support a healthy weight.*
Nutrition-Dense Recipes For Your Full Liquid Diet
Stage 2: 2-14 Days Post-op
Depending on diet progression, you will be introduced to having mostly liquid meals, but now of thicker consistency.
You will be required to focus on high protein foods for gastric sleeve patients and gastric bypass, getting around 60-100g per day based on your individual needs and adequate hydration.
Food and beverage options will include:
- All approved clear liquids
- Strained soups
- Broth
- Greek yogurt
- Sugar-free pudding
- Protein shakes
- Unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, Lactaid
- Thinned mashed potatoes
Full Liquid Recipes
Recipes curated by our bariatric dietitian.
Nutrient-Packed Protein Shake
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 2 scoops Fusion Strawberry Banana High Protein Meal Replacement, 1 cup frozen mixed berry blend, 2 tbsp hemp hearts, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1 frozen wheatgrass shot
Nutrition facts: 410 calories, 17g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 14g fiber, 6g sugar, 39g protein
Shamrock Protein Shake
Ingredients: 2 scoops Fusion Vanilla High Protein Meal Replacement, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, ¼ tsp mint extract, 1 small handful of spinach (or a few drops of green food coloring)
Nutrition facts: 180 calories, 4.5g fat, 10g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 0.5g sugar, 28g protein
Our Chicken Pizza Crust recipe is a game-changer for pizza lovers seeking a gluten-free, high-protein, and low-carb option. Its crust is made from seasoned ground chicken and topped with classic pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.
Best Recipes For Your Soft Foods Diet
Stage 3: 14-28 Days Post-op
Soft foods make up your gastric bypass and gastric sleeve diet week 3. This will enable you to thereafter progress to regular solid foods.
The timing of this diet stage will range post-op depending on your tolerance and healing. Pureed foods may be recommended before the soft food diet stage post-op.
A soft food diet will include more dietary options that should consist of small, tender, and easily chewed pieces of food. The food should be chewed until it is a pureed consistency before swallowing.
The gastric bypass foods lists during the soft food stage include:
- All approved clear liquids
- All approved full liquids
- Seafood (tilapia, cod, tuna)
- Ground turkey and chicken
- Egg whites (scrambled, boiled, poached)
- Hummus
- Legumes (black beans, lentils, garbanzo beans)
- Applesauce
- Cooked veggies
- Low-fat cottage cheese
Suggested Menu Recipes for Soft Food Diet
Bariatric recipes curated for your soft food diet meal prep by our bariatric dietitian.
Avocado Deviled Eggs
Ingredients: 6 eggs, ¼ avocado, 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp paprika
Nutrition facts (serving size 2 halves): 105 calories, 8g fat, 1.5g carbohydrates, 0.5g fiber, 0.5g sugar, 7g protein
Ingredients: ⅛ cup part-skim ricotta cheese, 1 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp reduced fat shredded mild cheddar, ¼ egg, ⅛ tsp ground thyme, ⅛ tsp garlic powder, ⅛ tsp dried basil
Optional: 1 tbsp marinara sauce on top
Nutrition facts: 134 calories, 8g fat, 1g fiber, 4g carbohydrates, 1.5g sugar, 10g protein
Awesome Recipes For Your Stabilization Stage
Stage 4: After 2 Months Post-op
This time frame will vary based on the individual. The regular diet meal plan marks the beginning of your lifelong diet. Now, you can gradually return to eating solid foods based on the recommendations made by your dietitian and bariatric healthcare team.
At this point, your diet may fall into the 1000-calorie bariatric diet plan. If you find you are exceeding this goal, look into purchasing a bariatric portion plate to assist with moderation and portion control.
You will find that you are able to explore more dietary options, but may require alternatives to typical recipes. This would include if you are a fan of sushi. Sushi after gastric bypass will require some alternatives including being made without rice.
It doesn’t matter whether you are eating 2 months after your procedure or eating 6 months after gastric bypass, it still calls for a low-calorie, high-protein diet. This supports healthy weight in the long-term.*
Suggested Example: Lunch Or Appetizer Idea
Buffalo Chicken Wing Wonton Cups
Ingredients: 2 boneless and skinless chicken breast, 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp chipotle chili powder, 24 wonton wrappers, 4 oz ⅓ less fat Neufchatel cheese, ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, ½ cup hot sauce, 3 oz blue cheese crumbles
Nutrition facts (serving size 1 wonton cup): 68 calories, 3.6g fat, 4.3g carbohydrates, 0.5g fiber, 0.5g sugar, 4.3g protein
Ingredients: 2 cooked and chopped chicken breasts, 2 tbsp green onions sliced, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, ¼ cup chopped red bell peppers, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, ½ cup hummus
Nutrition facts: 196 calories, 9g fat, 10g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 2g sugar, 21g protein
Over time and with patience you’ll become acquainted with this new norm of eating. Portion size will vary after metabolic and bariatric surgery based on the food stage and tolerance. Consult with your dietitian about appropriate food options based on your individual needs.
Gastric Bypass Information
There are a number of new recommendations you will have to follow in order to see the best outcomes from having surgery.
Gastric bypass and alcohol are one of the limitations that are highlighted after surgery. Alcohol typically is not allowed after surgery unless otherwise stated by your healthcare provider. Alcohol contains empty calories, and your body processes it differently after surgery.
Alcohol can also create fluctuations in blood sugar. Low blood sugar after gastric bypass surgery can be a risk and should be monitored.
Caffeine is another hot topic after surgery. Why no caffeine after gastric bypass? Large amounts can be a diuretic. Caffeine is also very acidic and may not be tolerated well with your new stomach pouch.
Carbonation after gastric sleeve is also not recommended. Carbonation can cause bloating and a false sense of fullness in your new stomach pouch.
Also, stay away from controversial topics like diet pills after gastric sleeve or gastric bypass unless you have consulted a qualified healthcare provider. This topic remains controversial, lacking sufficient evidence of its effectiveness.
Another thing to remember is to stay away from fad diets after surgery. Fad diets are restrictive, lack major nutrients, and lack sustainability. A keto diet gastric bypass would fall under this category, despite giving short-term results. Long-term outcomes are unlikely. (1)*
Food Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery
What to eat before gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass? A protein-enriched diet, and then you’ll be gradually instructed to follow an approved clear liquid diet. The clear liquid diet before gastric sleeve will help to cleanse your system for your operation and support your weight loss. A very similar diet is started directly following surgery as well.
When it comes to eating after metabolic and bariatric surgery, when the time is appropriate, eating out after gastric bypass shouldn’t be a burden. The best restaurants for bariatric patients offer great-tasting, healthy meals at affordable prices.
However, creating meals on your own is always a great option when it comes to your health and wellness. You could create a recipe for bariatric cheeseburger pie or even bariatric pancakes that are low in calories.
Meal plans for gastric sleeve patients and patients with gastric bypass consist of high protein (eg. fish, turkey, tofu) to aid your recovery post-op.*
Summary
Gastric bypass surgery is malabsorptive and restrictive, limiting the number of nutrients you can consume and also your ability to absorb them.
Nutrition is imperative for healthy living, especially post gastric bypass. You need all the nourishment you can get. This includes taking your daily bariatric multivitamin to avoid common deficiencies.*
The recipes we have provided above are just a few of the many options you have following surgery. Support a healthy lifestyle by eating the right food for the right stage of your journey through metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Speak with your healthcare team about supporting a healthy lifestyle after metabolic and bariatric surgery with BARIATRIC RECIPES and BARIATRIC MULTIVITAMINS.*
References
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9476-fad-diets
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31601534/
This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions in regards to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable based on your individual needs.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.