A balanced sample plan designed to help clients introduce soft foods after bariatric surgery.

A bariatric diet typically follows a staged approach to help clients ease back into eating solid foods. This 7-day plan focuses on the transition from the pureed foods phase to soft foods. It introduces foods such as soft meats, fish, cooked vegetables, and soft fruits with a continued focus on quality protein.

The plan assumes that a bariatric multivitamin and fiber supplement is provided simultaneously. The foods should be adjusted depending on your client’s specific nutrient targets and foods tolerated.

This program was created with the following key considerations in mind:

Gradual Texture Transition
The plan covers a transition from the pureed phase to the soft phase. At the start of the week, one soft, solid meal is included daily which then progresses to two to three soft meals as tolerated. Easy and portable recipes are chosen for breakfasts and snacks to make meal prep simple and support a busy lifestyle.

Calorie Goal
Efficient treatment depends on limiting the demand for calories. This plan provides 800 to 1,000 calories per day according to guidelines and is divided into the recommended eating pattern of six small meals and snacks daily.

High-Quality Protein
After bariatric surgery, sufficient protein intake protects against the loss of lean body mass during rapid weight loss. Current guidelines recommend a minimal target for high-quality protein intake between 60 to 90 grams per day for increased satiety, enhanced weight loss, and improved body composition. This program helps you meet your goal with soft meats, cheese and yogurt, eggs, and delicious protein smoothies.

Limited Fat
As fat malabsorption is common post-bariatric surgery, this plan limits the fat distribution to less than 30% of daily total calories. The fat sources include omega-3 fats from salmon, omega-6 fats from almond butter, and omega-9 fats from olive oil. These healthy fats provide cardiovascular benefits, reduce inflammation, and improve immune function.

Complex Carbohydrates
Hypoglycemia can occur as a result of not consuming enough carbohydrates throughout the day. In this plan, simple carbohydrates are avoided and instead complex carbohydrate sources such as some fruits, sweet potatoes, oats, and beans are increased to balance blood sugar levels, enable adequate weight loss, and enhance healthy eating.