Guide to Eating Before  
           and After Bariatric Surgery 
                              
                              
                              
                              
                              
                              
                              
                              
                              
                              
                              
                              
                                 Pre-Surgery Liver Reduction Diet Explanation 
               You will be placed on a liver reduction diet for a minimum of 2 weeks.  This may be adjusted by your 
               surgery team based on your body mass index (BMI). 
                     BREAKFAST           SNACK           LUNCH            SNACK           DINNER             FLUID:   
                                                                                            High            64 oz of 
                       Protein             from          Protein            from          protein,       calorire- free, 
                        Shake           allowable         Shake          allowable       low carb          decaf fluid 
                                        foods list                       foods list       6:00pm              daily 
                      6:00 am                           12:00pm                
                                         9:00am                           3:00pm               
                                                                                                                              
               Two approved high protein, low carbohydrate shakes per day 
               (Recommend: Premier Protein, Pure Protein, GNC Lean Shake 25, Ensure Max Protein) 
               Snacks:  See attached approved food list.  Suggested snacks: ¼ cup nuts (unflavored and unsalted), ¼ 
               cup cheese (cheddar or colby jack), ¼ cup cottage cheese, 2 boiled eggs, one chicken drumstick (baked, 
               boiled, grilled). 
               Dinner:  High protein- low carb meal per day from approved food list 
                
                   Plan to have a shake or approved snack every 3 hours.  Going longer than 3 hours without a shake, 
                   approved snack or meal may make you feel lightheaded, weak, or cause a headache. 
                    
                •  Mix protein powder with water or sugar-free almond milk only 
                •  If you take blood pressure or blood sugar medications: Be sure to monitor your blood pressure and 
                   blood sugar daily.  If your blood pressure changes by more than 20 mm HG from normal or your 
                   blood sugar falls below 70 mg/dl while on this diet you will need to contact your Primary Care 
                   Physician to discuss a possible adjustment of your blood pressure or blood sugar medications. 
                •  In addition to snacks, you may have the following in between shakes as desired:  Chicken or beef 
                   broth, sugar free jello, sugar free crystal light, propel or G2; sugar free popsicles. 
                
               Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS):  Drink 32 oz regular (not sugar free) Gatorade/Powerade or 
               apple juice the evening before surgery.  Drink another 16 oz the day of surgery, stopping all fluids 2 
               hours before your scheduled surgery time.   
                
                
                
                                                                                                                                      ALLOWED FOODS LIST 
                                  Below is a list of allowable foods for your preop diet. This list outlines suitable sources of low-glycemic carbohydrates, 
                                                                 proteins, and healthy oils that, when taken in the recommended amount, supports ketosis.   
                                                               ** YOU MAY NOT HAVE BREAD, PASTA, OR POTATOES. NO RICE OR GRAINS** 
                               RECOMMENDED VEGETABLES                                                                             RECOMMENDED FRUIT                                                               RECOMMENDED NUT & SEEDS  
                              3 handfuls of veggies per meal                                                              1 handful of fruit can replace                                                          One 3 finger portion per day  
                                                                                                                        1 handful of veggies once per day 
                              Alfalfa Sprouts                                                                                                                                                                     Almonds 
                              Artichokes                                                                                          Apples                                                                          Brazil Nuts 
                              Asian greens                                                                                        Apricots                                                                        Coconut Meat 
                              Asparagus                                                                                           Blackberries                                                                    Flax/ Linseeds 
                              Baby Spinach                                                                                        Blueberries                                                                     Hazelnuts 
                              Bamboo shoots                                                                                       Cantaloupe                                                                      Macadamias 
                              Bean sprouts                                                                                        Cherries                                                                        Peanuts 
                              Bok Choy                                                                                            Grapefruit                                                                      Pecans 
                              Broccoli                                                                                            Lemons                                                                          Pepitas 
                              Broccolini                                                                                          Limes                                                                           Pine nuts 
                              Brussels sprouts                                                                                    Mangoes                                                                         Pistachios 
                              Cabbage                                                                                             Mulberries                                                                      Sesame seeds 
                              Cauliflower                                                                                         Nectarines                                                                      Sunflower seeds 
                              Celery                                                                                              Oranges                                                                         Walnuts 
                              Chard                                                                                               Passion Fruit 
                              Coleslaw (dry)                                                                                      Peaches                                                                         RECOMMENDED HEALTHY OILS 
                              Cucumber                                                                                            Pears                                                                           1-2 tbsp/day 
                              Eggplant                                                                                            Pineapple                                                                       Coconut oil                              
                              Endive                                                                                              Raspberries                                                                     Flax oil 
                              Fennel                                                                                              Strawberries                                                                    Grapeseed oil 
                              Kohlrabi                                                                                            Watermelon                                                                      Macadamia oil                            
                              Leeks                                                                                                                                                                               Olive oil 
                              Lettuce – all types                                                                                 RECOMMENDED PROTEIN                                                             Sesame oil 
                              Mushrooms                                                                                           1 palm sized portion /meal                                                      Walnut oil 
                              Okra                                                                                                Beef 
                              Olives                                                                                              Cheese- low fat                                                                 RECOMMENDED CONDIMENTS   
                              Onions                                                                                              Chicken                                                                                Low sodium soy sauce                                  
                              Radish                                                                                              Duck                                                                            Lemon or lime juice 
                              Radicchio                                                                                           Eggs                                                                                                                                                                                 
                              Snow Peas                                                                                           Fish                                                                            All spices                               
                              Spinach                                                                                             Lamb                                                                            All herbs   
                              Sprouts                                                                                             Pork                                                                            Red wine vinegar 
                              Squash                                                                                              Prawns                                                                           
                              Tomato                                                                                              Scallops                                                                        SWEETENERS 
                              Turnip                                                                                              Shrimp                                                                          Stevia 
                              Water Chestnuts                                                                                     Turkey                                                                          Splenda (sucralose) 
                              Zucchini                                                                                            Veal                                                                             
                                                            
                                                     Post-Op Diet Stages 
                                                                    
                      Phase           Weeks Post Op           Diet Type          Total Meal Size      Meals per Day 
                      Stage 1         First Two weeks       Clear Liquids          2-4 ounces            3-5 meals 
                      Stage 2                                Full Liquids                 
                      Stage 3            Weeks 3-4              Puree              2-6 ounces             3 meals 
                      Stage 4            Weeks 5-6               Soft              4-8 ounces             3 meals 
                          With Time Stage 5…                 Regular Diet          4-8 ounces             3 meals 
                                                                    
                    It is important that your diet is advanced slowly and that you introduce foods one at a time. This 
            helps to decrease your risks, complications and nausea after surgery.  The first 6 weeks after surgery are 
            very important to re-program your swallowing center and develop habits that will help you maximize 
            your lifelong weight loss journey. Remember! Weight loss surgery is a tool to help you lose weight and 
            requires lifestyle changes to be successful. Focus on small bites, chewing foods thoroughly (20-30 times 
            per bite) and drinking 30 minutes before or after your mealtimes.  
                                                                                                                  
                                        Smaller plates make smaller portions appear larger!