Bariatric soft foods are a great option after weight loss surgery, as they provide softer and easier-to-digest options for those who have undergone bariatric procedures. After surgery, it is important to maintain a diet that is nutrient-rich but not overly calorie-dense in order to facilitate the healing process. At WeightWise, our patients follow an all-liquid diet immediately after surgery, then transition to soft proteins.
Bariatric soft foods can help with this goal by providing options that are more easily digested and absorbed by the body. These items should be made from low-fat ingredients (or no fat at all) to prevent excess calorie consumption. And you don’t have to puree food either to make it soft–there are plenty of soft foods to choose from already!
Bariatric Soft Foods After Weight Loss Surgery
In the two weeks following gastric bypass surgery and other bariatric surgeries, you will follow a liquid-only diet. In the weeks that follow, you’ll be able to introduce solid, but soft, foods such as:
- Eggs
- Light or reduced-fat cheeses
- Low fat cottage cheese
- Greek Yogurt
- Tender cooked tuna or chicken
- Refried beans
Eggs are an amazingly versatile food option for you once you begin eating soft foods. They can be scrambled, fried, poached, or turned into an omelet. You can include reduced-fat cheese, soft vegetables, and other soft proteins. And when you start eating more solid foods, you can continue to use eggs in recipes too.
Other soft foods will be available after a few months. For example, bariatric oatmeal will be introduced after 8-12 weeks because it contains some carbs. All vegetables should be avoided for the first four weeks, and then you can start eating non-starchy veggies.
You may be wondering where fruits fall on the menu of bariatric soft foods. At WeightWise, we recommend you avoid fruits until you’ve reached your target weight goal, usually after one year. While fresh fruit offers a great many benefits, they also come with a lot of sugar and carbohydrates that can get in the way of your weight-loss goals.
A Life-Long Diet
One more thing: Once you hit your weight goal, this doesn’t mean you can go back to eating the regular foods you used to. You’ll still need to eat high-protein foods, continue to drink 96 ounces of water, and take your bariatric vitamins to make sure you get all the nutrients you need if you aren’t getting enough from the food you eat.
In the time leading up to the diet, and for the rest of your life, you’ll stop eating the foods that may have been a contributing factor to your weight gain in the first place. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy tasty foods or go out to eat. And you’ll be able to return to some of your favorites, including bacon, curry chicken, and other tasty treats.
All as part of a healthy diet of course. There is no debate: The combination of a healthy diet, exercise, and bariatric surgery gives you the best chance to lose excess weight and keep it off in the long run. Even when you reach your target weight, you’ll continue on with this new improved lifestyle.
Stay Hydrated!
Making sure you get enough water and being hydrated is just as important now as it was during the first two weeks after surgery. In fact, it may be even more now because it helps with the digestive process. We recommend drinking at least 96 ounces of water throughout the day.
However, we don’t recommend drinking water with your meal or for an hour after eating. You can drink water right up until you eat, but you don’t want the water taking up room in your stomach while you eat.
Bariatric Soft Foods After Surgery: Work With the Experts
By incorporating bariatric soft foods into your diet after weight loss surgery, you’ll be able to get the necessary nutrients your body needs while still maintaining a healthy weight. Remember to choose nutrient-dense options that are low in fat and sodium while still being enjoyable to eat!
With adequate planning and preparation, bariatric soft foods can be a delicious and nutritious part of your post-surgery diet. The best way to ensure you are getting the most out of your bariatric soft food diet is to work with a nutritionist or dietitian who specializes in weight loss surgery.
Every bariatric patient at WeightWise will be assigned a dietitian (abs exercise physiologist for that matter) to help you. They will be able to provide you with personalized meal plans, recipes, and advice on which nutritional supplements might also be beneficial for your recovery period.
With the right guidance, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of a bariatric soft food diet without compromising taste or health!