Healthy Eating Recipes

When you undergo weight loss surgery, you are taking the first step in a lifelong journey toward improved wellness and an enhanced quality of life. Surgical bariatric treatment requires a commitment to eating well and staying active. In the weeks following weight loss surgery, you will need to follow a restricted diet that includes clear liquids, high-protein liquids, soft solids, and bariatric solids. Exact dietary guidelines will vary among patients and will depend on the type of surgery performed.

Below are some examples of healthy, protein-rich recipes for each stage of your nutritive advancement following bariatric weight loss surgery:

• Bariatric high-protein full liquids – Combine 1 scoop of protein powder, 6-8 oz. of light vanilla soy milk, ½ tsp. of pumpkin pie spice, and a dash of ground nutmeg in a shaker bottle and shake until smooth for a delicious Pumpkin Spice Smoothie that provides 28 grams of protein per cup.
• Bariatric pureed/blenderized liquids – Get a savory blended meal of Tomato Crab Soup by combining an 8 oz. can of sugar-free tomato sauce, a 14 oz. of canned diced tomatoes with oregano, basil and garlic, a 6 oz. can of fancy white crabmeat, and 8 oz. of milk. Heat all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, then puree until smooth. This drink delivers 15 grams of protein per cup.
• Bariatric mechanical soft solids – Homemade Puree Chicken packs 4 grams of protein per ounce. Simply place a whole chicken into a slow cooker, add a small amount of chicken broth, and season with salt, oregano, and garlic. Cook for 6-8 hours then remove all skin and bones from the chicken. Place the chicken in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Divide pureed chicken into ice cube trays and microwave as needed for small-portion meals.
• Bariatric solids – Savory and sweet, this Fruity Chicken Salad has 16 grams of protein per cup. Combine a 6 oz. can of chunk white chicken, 1 cup of diced apple, ¾ cup of quartered grapes, 1 diced kiwi, ¼ cup of plain, nonfat yogurt, 2 tbsp. low-fat mayonnaise, and ½ tsp. of curry powder. Eat alone or with whole grain crackers.

Begin Your Weight Loss Journey Today!

If you are considering bariatric weight loss surgery, it is important to educate yourself about the procedures that area available to you and their respective risks and benefits. To learn more about gastric band surgery, gastric bypass surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, register for one of BayCare’s free online information sessions about weight loss surgery. You can also call (855) 314-8350 for a free physician referral. 

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