What is the Diet Progression After Weight Loss Surgery Part 1?
In this video, Dr. Erik Lough breaks down the first three stages of the post-op diet after weight loss surgery. From clear liquids to pureed foods, he explains what to eat, when to start supplements, and how to stay hydrated during the critical early recovery phase. This is Part 1 of a two-part series—don’t miss Part 2 for Stages 4 and 5.
Dr Erik Lough
General and Bariatric Surgeon
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Hi I’m Dr Erik Lough answering common questions that patients ask me about general and weight loss surgery. Today I answer the question, what is the diet progression after weight loss surgery? This will be part 1 of 2 videos and this video will cover stages 1 thru 3. Starting the day of the operation, as soon as you wake up from anesthesia, the recovery room nurses will give you some liquids to drink. And believe it or not, you are already starting Stage 1. The post op diet is divided into 5 stages, gradually increasing in textures from liquids to solid.
Stage 1 is for sugar free liquids and goes from days 0 to 3 after surgery. You get to enjoy the finest sugar free jello, popsicles, and broth the world has to offer. Patients can also drink coffee, tea or crystal light. You just had stomach surgery so we want to give it a chance to heal. Don’t worry about starting your vitamins in stage 1, it’s not necessary.
Stage 2 is days 3 thru 14, you can now add low carb protein drinks and blended cream soups, milk, and tomato vegetable juice. This is also an opportunity to blend protein powder into what you’re having for some extra protein. Now is the time to start taking a multivitamin as well. I usually see my patients for their first post op visit 2 weeks after surgery so I’m often catching patients in this stage right as they are about to start stage 3. The most important thing in the first 14 days is to not get dehydrated so drink and sip, and sip and drink, all day long.
Stage 3 is from days 15 to 21 and is a transition to pureed foods. Mashed potatoes never tasted so good and you may never look at jello again in your life. The stage 3 menu includes sugar free pudding, refried beans, baby food in pouches or jars, applesauce and light yogurt to name a few. Keep taking your vitamins and time to add calcium. Still aim for a protein shake a day but also consider blending in some fiber supplement into your food. Keep in mind that in these early stages, it is not a requirement that you must transition to the next stage. If you want to linger in a lower stage for a few more days or weeks based on your comfort and tolerance, that is totally ok. Please watch part 2 where I go over stages 4 and 5.
