After weight-loss surgery, you must carefully follow the recommendations given to you by your bariatric nutritionist for the rest of your life in order to maximize your weight loss success. You will need to take a protein supplement to ensure proper post-operative nutrition. It is essential that you take daily multivitamins and mineral supplements for the rest of your life in order to achieve optimal post-operative nutrition. Post-operative diets are separated into five stages. Here is an overview of the expected post-operative diet:

STAGE I (week 1)
A clear liquid diet started one to two days after surgery. It essentially provides hydration during the initial post-operative period. Aim for 50-65 oz. of fluid per day. Refer to the STAGE I Shopping list for ideas.

STAGE II (week 2)
A full-liquid diet providing all the essential nutritional requirements. You will now be able to add skim or 1% milk, smooth yogurt, and high protein drinks. Continue to take in 50-65 oz of fluid per day, and aim for 35-40 grams of protein per day. Refer to the STAGE II Shopping list for ideas.

You must refrain from eating solid foods during the first two weeks following WLS. Introducing semi-solid food or solid diet too early after surgery may lead to obstruction and vomiting. It may also unduly stress your anastomosis and cause many other post operative complications.

An anastomosis is an artificially created connection between two structures, organs or spaces. It most commonly refers to a connection which is created surgically between two tubular structures, such as a transected blood vessel or loop of intestine. For example, when a segment of intestine is resected, the two remaining ends are sewn or stapled together (anastomosed), and the procedure is referred to as an intestinal anastomosis.

STAGE III (week 3)
The Puree diet consists of 3 meals per day. Aim for low fat, no sugar added foods which are the consistency of baby foods or applesauce. Remember to get in at least 64 oz of fluid per day, and 45-50 grams of protein per day. Eat your protein first, and do not drink and eat at the same time. Refer to the STAGE III Shopping list for ideas.

STAGE IV (week 4)
Soft Diet foods include tender foods such as fish, ground turkey, non-gassy vegetables, and no sugar added canned or stewed fruit. Your goals for fluid intake are 64-70 oz per day, and increase your protein to 55-60 grams per day. Remember to chew well and to eat slowly. Each bite should be chewed 20-30 times before swallowing. Eat your protein first, and do not drink and eat at the same time. Refer to the STAGE IV Shopping list for ideas.

STAGE V (week 5)
At stage 5, you progress from soft foods to regular foods. Your portion sizes at each meal should be about ¾ cup. Eat your protein first, and do not drink and eat at the same time. Increase your intakes to 64-80 oz of fluid, and 60-80 grams of protein per day. Refer to the STAGE V Shopping list for ideas.