What to Buy for Bariatric Post Surgery Liquid Diet
Your surgeon or dietitian is sure to recommend a liquid diet after bariatric surgery. You may have a clear liquid diet first, followed by a full liquid diet. What do these mean, and how do you follow them? And, how do you prepare for them?
With the right products, the clear liquid and full liquid diet phases can be a lot easier to follow properly. Here is what you need to know about the post-op liquid diets, and what to buy for them.
Clear Liquid Phase
The clear liquid diet phase can start almost as soon as you wake up after your procedure. On the same day as your bariatric surgery, the hospital may have you on a clear liquid diet. The goals are to stay hydrated and get a bit of protein while your surgery wounds start to heal.
These liquids are likely to be on a clear liquid diet. Be sure to check with your surgeon about which exact liquids are allowed, since different providers may have slightly different rules.
- Water
- Sugar-free gelatin
- Sugar-free popsicles
- Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth
- Decaffeinated unsweetened room temperature tea
Your taste buds may change a bit after surgery. Water may not taste palatable anymore, which can make it harder to get in enough liquids. The BariatricPal Store has products that may help.
- Millie’s Sipping Broth in Spicy Tortilla, Delight Pho, Thai Lemon Grass, and Tomato Basil flavors
- Alex’s Acid-free Decaffeinated Coffee
- Herbal and decaffeinated varieties of tea from Republic of Tea
Just keep sipping to try to get in as much liquid as you can! The clear liquid diet might last a day or a few days, depending on your recovery, type of surgery, and surgeon’s instructions.
Full Liquids Phase
In this phase, you can get in a good amount of protein to start nourishing your body. At the same time, keeping up your fluid intake is important, and it is critical not to start eating solid foods that might interfere with healing.
It is still important to check with your healthcare provider about exactly which liquids are okay, but these are usually allowed.
- All of the clear liquids
- Milk
- Protein shakes
Does it sound boring or unappealing? Not at all! Check out these great-tasting, varied choices that are hot, cold, sweet, or savory!
- Protein in flavors including Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, and Chocolate Salted Caramel, for starters.
- Protein Fruit Drinks with apple, cranberry, grape mango, pineapple, and more flavors.
- Protein Bouillon and other Protein Soups
- Protein Hot Cocoa, Protein Mocha, and other Protein Hot Drinks
- Protein Pudding
- Protein Gelatin
The full liquids phase of the post-op bariatric surgery diet can last a few days to a couple of weeks. Since it is high in protein and can be rich in vitamins and minerals, it is a safe diet to have for a while.
Your post-op weight loss surgery diet helps set the stage for recovery and future weight loss. Don’t you want to be prepared? It is not hard! The BariatricPal Store has everything you need for this important period in your journey to health and weight loss. Stop by and see how delicious and easy your healthy post-op liquid diets can be!