Diet Stage 3—Pureed Foods
After weight loss surgery, it will take some time for your body to adjust to eating normal foods again. You will be restricted to liquid and then soft foods for several weeks following your operation while your stomach heals. The exact time period during which you will be able to start eating pureed foods will depend on personal factors like your weight and medical history, as well as the type of operation you had.
Your weight loss surgeon Dr. Taylor will let you know when you are ready to transition away from your liquid diet. You should follow the instructions provided to you by Dr. Taylor precisely, as they are tailored to your health and weight loss needs. The dietary information here is only intended to supplement, not replace, the instructions of your weight loss surgeon.
Transitioning to Pureed Foods
Even with pureed foods, your serving sizes will remain small and your stomach will grow full quickly. You should expect to eat about three ounces of food in one sitting. Each meal should contain three parts protein, two parts low-fiber produce and one part complex starch.
During this stage of the post-weight loss surgery diet, you can still consume liquids like you did during the previous stage. You will want to make sure you are still consuming enough water to stay properly hydrated so your body recovers properly. Most people need to drink at least 64 ounces of water every day. After weight loss surgery, no less than half of your fluid intake should be water.
You will want to make the transition to pureed foods slowly. Dr. Taylor will guide you through this process.
What are Pureed Foods?
Pureed foods are mashed, squished or soft foods that are thicker than liquid but do not require chewing. These foods might be prepared in a food processor, steamed or boiled so that you can easily mash the items with a fork and light pressure.
Dr. Taylor will give you a comprehensive list of foods that are recommended for you. Use the below list only as a general guideline of foods that are usually recommended.
Common pureed foods include:
- Steamed skinless fish
- Refried beans
- Scrambled eggs
- Cooked tofu
- Soup
- Cottage cheese
- Yogurt
- Sugar-free pudding
- Mashed potatoes
- Canned fruit
- Applesauce
- Oatmeal
Do not eat raw fruits and vegetables during this stage of the post-weight loss surgery diet, as they will be difficult to digest. Protein helps your body heal so it should be the first thing you eat at every meal. Eat complex starches last, and only if you are still hungry enough.
If you have any questions about eating pureed foods after weight loss surgery, contact Dr. Taylor.