Bariatric Stage 1: Clear and Full Liquid Diet

After a Bariatric Surgery like Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch or the many other operations, there will be stages of the bariatric eating plan. Every program is different in what they call each stage. Often, the Bariatric Stage 1 Diet is for Clear and Full Liquids.

Wondering why programs are different? Check out this video and blog “The Bariatric Diet Stages” cover why bariatric diet plans vary between surgery centers.

For this video and blog, we’ll deep dive into the liquid stage of the bariatric diet. For some, the clear liquid diet is stage 1 and the full liquid diet is stage 2. However, other programs will deem clear and full liquid to both be bariatric stage 1.

Because programs differ… instead of Googling “Phase 1 recipes” use more descriptive words. Use words that describe the phase like full liquid, pureed, mushy, or soft.

Clear liquid diet in the hospital

While programs do differ, it is common for patients to be on a clear liquid diet while at the hospital. Your room service trays will look a little bare with some hot tea, hot broth and maybe a sugar-free jello cup. If you’re lucky, you might be able to ask your nurse for sugar-free popsicles too!

Some programs will include protein supplements on the tray and others will have you introduce those when you return home.

What can you eat drink on the full liquid diet?

The main difference between the bariatric clear liquid diet and the bariatric full liquid diet is the addition of protein shakes. Your program will likely give you a list of all the protein shakes they recommend. 

I like to look for the word isolate. Commonly this is whey protein isolate but there are other protein powders that can be an isolate like egg white isolate. This word means it is better absorpbed. Pre-made protein drinks like Premier Protein® is often a protein concentrate. That might be just fine too – check with your Bariatric Dietitian. 

When making a protein shake, you can use water or unsweetened almond milk. Some programs will allow Fairlife® milk and others will prefer a lower calorie milk during the full liquid stage. 

Need some recipes? I got your back! Check out my post on 26 Clear and Full Liquid Phase Recipes.

You can add flavors using extracts but hold off on adding frozen fruits. These full liquids will still be on the thinner side. You can use ice cubes if you prefer that cold frothy taste like I do.

You’ll continue to focus on hitting your water goals. The protein shakes don’t count towards you water, but you can drink both at the same time. 

By the way, you can often have decaf coffee – maybe caffeinated depending on your program. For more on that, here is a video on caffeine after surgery. The biggest caution is how much creamer you use.

Clear liquids include water, broth, sugar-free gelatin, and sugar-free popsicles. These liquids provide hydration and some essential nutrients, but they are not enough to sustain the body long-term. That’s where protein shakes come in. 

How long does the liquid diet last?

The length of the liquid diet after bariatric surgery varies depending on the individual’s specific case and the surgeon and Dietitians recommendations. I tend to hear one to two weeks for most patients. 

When everything gets too sweet

We often see patients get sweet aversion after surgery. This could be more related to taste changes after surgery, which is more common with Gastric Sleeve patients. It could also be just the fact that flavored water and protein shakes are all super sweet.

When you are tired of Crystal Light® and chocolate protein drinks, turn to broths and savory protein soup options. 

Broth counts towards water. You can add unflavored protein to broth or you can buy supplements from many bariatric companies. I’ll share some suggestions below!

Options for savory protein shakes:

Healthwise Tomato Soup (affiliate link)

Unjury Chicken Soup (affiliate link)

Celebrate Meal Replacement – Chicken Soup Individual 

Tips for success on the liquid diet

Temperatures! Everyone is different on what temperature of liquids they do best with after bariatric surgery. Some patients will thrive on broths and teas. Other patients will say their ice maker can’t make ice fast enough! For others, room temperature is the only way to go.

Find your temperature and flavor preferences. Also try different cups and bottles to see which you gravitate towards the most. Have your water with you at all times and keep it visible. You also want to have a way of tracking how much you drink if you tend to forget. 

For more help with how much water and how to get it all in, check out this post! 

Conclusion

The liquid diet after bariatric surgery is a not for the faint of heart, but a necessary part of healing well and starting off on a great foot. By following the diet plan and staying hydrated, you’ll allow your body to heal and your habits to form. If you have any questions or concerns about the liquid diet, be sure to consult with your surgeon or dietitian. With dedication and support, you can successfully complete the liquid diet and move on to the next stage of your bariatric journey!