BARİATRİK CERRAHİ SONRASI BESLENME AŞAMALARI

NUTRITIONAL STAGES AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY

Nutritional Steps After Bariatric Surgery

Nutrition after bariatric surgery (obesity surgery) is critical to the success of the surgery and sustained weight loss. Patients can transition to a normal, standard diet approximately two months after surgery. However, this process progresses in stages , and each stage must be implemented under the supervision of a doctor and dietitian.

In this article, you can find the nutrition stages after bariatric surgery, which foods can be consumed at each stage, and the importance of protein powder supplements.

Stage 1: Clear Liquid Diet (2-3 Days After Surgery)

The first phase after surgery is a clear liquid diet . This period is important to replenish fluids and electrolytes and to restart bowel activity.

  • Daily target: Approximately 2 liters of fluid (half of which should be water)

  • Start with small sips and no more than half a cup per serving.

  • Liquids should be neither too hot nor too cold , close to body temperature.

  • A straw should not be used (swallowing air may upset the stomach)

✅ Recommended drinks:

  • This

  • Light tea

  • Grain-free and sugar-free compote juices

  • Freshly squeezed and diluted fruit juice (excluding citrus)

📌 Approximately 30 ml (3 tablespoons) should be consumed in 15 minutes.

Phase 2: Liquid Diet (Weeks 1–2)

This phase, which follows the clear liquid phase, lasts about two weeks . The liquid diet provides more fiber, energy, and protein.

  • Aim for 2000 ml of fluid (8-10 glasses) per day

  • Half of this must be provided by water.

  • 60-80 grams of protein should be taken daily

  • Meals should be arranged at 2-3 hour intervals, consisting of 3 main meals and 3 snacks.

  • Each meal should be approximately 120-250 ml in volume.

✅ Recommended drinks and foods:

  • Protein powders (meal powders containing vitamins and minerals)

  • Fat-free, lactose-free milk, kefir, plant-based milks (soy, almond, rice)

  • Probiotic milk and yogurt

  • Fat-free, grain-free soups, meat or chicken broth

  • Water, weak tea, herbal teas (linden, sage)

Phase 3: Puree Diet (Weeks 3–4)

This phase lasts approximately two weeks . It's the first step in transitioning to solid foods. Support with nutritional supplements may be necessary in the early days.

✅ Recommended foods:

  • Protein powders

  • Milk, kefir, probiotic yogurt

  • Low-fat cottage cheese

  • Eggs (white first, then boiled egg – 1 egg per day is recommended)

  • Purees of well-cooked, non-gas-producing vegetables (zucchini, broccoli, spinach, carrots, potatoes, etc.)

  • Oatmeal, whole wheat, or rye products

  • Low-fat red meat, chicken, fish puree or ground meat

Phase 4: Soft-Solid Diet (Weeks 5–8)

At this stage, which lasts approximately 3-4 weeks, more varied and soft foods can now be consumed.

✅ Recommended foods:

  • Protein powders

  • All foods in the puree stage

  • Rice, pasta

  • Soft and fiberless fruits

Phase 5: Standard Diet (Week 9 and Beyond)

At this stage, you begin to consume normal-textured foods. However, "normal eating" doesn't mean returning to old habits.

  • A healthy and balanced diet should be followed.

  • High-calorie, sugary and fatty foods should be avoided.

  • Remember: The most important point after surgery is to make the lifestyle change permanent.

Bariatric Protein Powder Supplement

Because some nutrients are restricted in the first two months after surgery , protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies may occur. During this period:

  • Vegetables, fruits and whole grain products should be at the forefront

  • Protein sources with high biological value such as eggs, low-fat milk and meat should be consumed.

  • Chocolate, sugary foods and fizzy drinks should be avoided.

  • Bariatric protein powders support the healing process by providing protein, vitamin-mineral and fiber support.

Conclusion

Nutrition after bariatric surgery progresses healthily through gradual transitions . In the first two months, you begin with clear liquids, then progress to liquid, pureed, soft, and standard diets. Each phase requires patience, compliance, and expert support.

The most important condition for making post-operative success permanent is to make healthy eating habits a lifestyle.

📌 References:

  • Turkish Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Bariatric Surgery Guide , 2019

  • Dietician Ayşenur Kademligil & Prof. Dr. Volkan Genç, Obesity Surgery and Afterwards , Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery

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