Navigating the Bariatric Stage 2 Diet
After undergoing bariatric surgery, it is important to follow a specific diet plan to ensure proper healing and weight loss. The second stage of the bariatric diet is often known as the pureed diet. However, programs will differ in how they define the diet stages after surgery.
The healing diet is a crucial step in the recovery process. In this article, we will discuss the Bariatric Stage 2 Diet and some tips to help you feel your best as you finally move out of the liquid stage!
Why do some bariatric programs have eight phases of a diet after surgery and others have three? And isn’t diet a bad word anyway?
Other videos in this series:
Bariatric Stage 1: The Liquid Diet
Bariatric Stage 2 Diet Recipes
Enjoy several recipe ideas by clicking the image below!
Understanding the Bariatric Stage 2 Diet
The bariatric stage 2 diet typically begins in week two or four after surgery, depending on your doctor’s recommendations. This stage focuses on introducing pureed foods into your diet, which allows you to start eating protein foods with texture, but not put too much stress on your healing stomach.
The goal of this stage is to start learning eating behaviors to best tolerate your foods while staying hydrated.
This is the time to practice with your training wheels on.
Moving into the bariatric stage 2 phase can be full of wonderful benefits. For one, you get to eat again! Goodbye liquid diet!
For two, you get the chance to practice eating behaviors with soft foods before the “steaks” get higher with solid protein. See what I did there??
Here is your new mantra: Tiny bites, pause in between and find where my stopping point is.
The Baritastic app has a built-in timer to help you slow down.
When you advance to solid proteins and we take the training wheels off, you’ll notice too big of a bite or too quickly causing a lot more discomfort. This is a great time to prep yourself.
When you introduce a food – do it one at a time.
An important tip when you are introducing foods after bariatric surgery is to do it one at a time.
We have the same tip for introducing foods to babies.
This helps us identify if there are any problematic foods. If you try bites of different things and have any sort of digestive issues with it, we can’t tell which one is the culprit.
It also helps us to see if it was the food or the eating behavior that caused discomfort. Once you’ve had eggs alone and you’ve had cheese alone, you can put some cheese on your eggs.
Don’t get stuck in the soft food phase once you’re cleared
It’s a very common scenario that patients are cleared for more solid foods but they camp out in the softer phase anyway.
Why? Because these foods go down easier and are more comfortable. This goes back to focusing on your mantra of small bites, pausing in between, and identify your stopping point. When you get this down, you can better tolerate foods in the next phase and thus open up your options!
The water rule is now in play
Once food is re-introduced, so is the no drinking with your meals rule. This means we are taking away time from your hydration. If you already struggle to get in your 64-96 ounces of water a day, but then we take out 2 hours (or more) of time that you can drink water it can get tricky.
Start your water right away in the morning. Keep it with you and keep it visible. You can drink until your first bite but put it away during your meal and for 30-60 minutes after the meal.
If you are getting way behind on water, you may need to go back to a protein shake for a meal so you don’t have to sacrifice water time to get back on track.
What to do if food feels stuck
Don’t drink water to get it to go down! This can make it feel much worse. You already have food backed up in a small space. Adding liquid where there is no room doesn’t tend to go well.
Instead, walk around and give it time. I know it’s uncomfortable! Some patients say papaya enzymes help, but something to note is they are not recommended for those who have hypoglycemia, diabetes or are on blood thinners.
Foods to Include on the Bariatric Stage 2 Diet
During the bariatric stage 2 diet, you should focus on consuming high-protein, low-fat, and low-sugar foods. Always refer to your program nutrition information. Some examples of foods that might be included:
Scrambled eggs, tuna salad with light mayo (no veggies), fat-free refried beans, shaved deli meat
Low-fat dairy products like Greek yogurt and cottage cheese
Protein shakes
Foods to Avoid
It is important to avoid certain foods during the bariatric stage 2 diet to prevent any complications or discomfort. Some foods to avoid include:
Tough or fibrous meats like steak or pork
Raw vegetables or fruits with seeds or skins
High-fat or high-sugar foods like fried foods, candy, and pastries
Carbonated beverages
Alcohol
Conclusion
The bariatric stage 2 diet is an important step in the recovery process after bariatric surgery. By understanding the foods to include and avoid, and incorporating delicious and nutritious recipes into your diet, you can successfully navigate this stage and continue on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
Remember to always consult with your doctor or dietitian before making any changes to your diet. Happy healing and happy eating!