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T8: condition

Bariatric
INDEX

Clinical Definition

Post-bariatric surgery nutrition follows a phased approach: clear liquids → pureed → soft → regular foods over 6-12 weeks. Long-term meal prep emphasizes protein-first eating in small portions (4-8 oz per meal), avoiding dumping syndrome triggers, and preventing nutrient deficiencies common after gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch procedures.

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This content is for informational purposes only. Post-bariatric dietary protocols vary by surgery type (bypass, sleeve, band, DS) and surgeon guidelines. Always follow your bariatric team's specific instructions. This content does not replace medical advice from your bariatric surgeon or registered dietitian.

Condition Profile

Type condition
Protocols 3+
Rules 5

Nutrition Rules

Protein

60-80g daily minimum (protein-first at every meal)

Prevents muscle loss, supports wound healing, and must be prioritized due to reduced stomach capacity

Fluids

64+ oz daily, sipped between meals (not during)

Dehydration is the #1 cause of hospital readmission post-bariatric surgery

Sugar

Under 15g per meal; avoid concentrated sweets

Triggers dumping syndrome (nausea, cramping, diarrhea) especially after gastric bypass

Vitamin B12

Supplement 500-1000mcg sublingual or monthly injection

Malabsorption after bypass surgery makes B12 deficiency nearly universal without supplementation

Portion Size

4-8 oz per meal; eat slowly over 20-30 minutes

Overfilling the reduced stomach pouch causes vomiting and can stretch the pouch

Recommended Protocols

FAQ

Small, protein-first portions. Prep 2-3 oz protein portions (shredded chicken, ground turkey, fish), soft-cooked vegetables, and Greek yogurt cups. Use small containers (4-8 oz) so you don't overfill. Eat protein first, then vegetables, then starches if room remains.
Avoid bread that balls up in the pouch, pasta that expands, carbonated drinks that cause gas and stretching, tough or dry meats, sugar alcohols in excess, raw fibrous vegetables early on, and drinking liquids during meals. Reintroduce foods gradually under your dietitian's guidance.
Eat 5-6 small meals/snacks daily, each with 10-15g protein. Prep protein-dense options: Greek yogurt (15g/cup), string cheese (7g), protein shakes (20-30g), cottage cheese (14g/half cup), deli turkey rolls (10g), and egg bites (12g each). Protein powder in oatmeal or soups adds another 20g.
Many patients return to regular meal prep by 6-12 months, with modifications: smaller portions, continued protein-first eating, and ongoing avoidance of dumping triggers. Your stomach capacity will be roughly 4-8 oz long-term. Standard recipes work—just portion into smaller containers.
Egg bites (mini muffin tin frittatas), turkey and cheese roll-ups, protein balls made with whey powder, cottage cheese with cinnamon, edamame portions, and jerky. Pre-portion everything to avoid overeating. Each snack should deliver 10-15g protein in a small volume.