Phase 4: Stabilization Diet for Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients

During this phase, or stage, after your bariatric surgery, you will be able to eat foods of a regular consistency. This does not mean, however, that you can go back to your old eating habits and patterns.

Key Goals of Phase 4

• Eat three, well balanced, meals each day with calorie free fluids between meals.
• Avoid empty calories. Since you will only be able to tolerate limited amounts of food at a time, it's very important to eat nutrient-dense foods.
• Avoid foods high in sugar or fat that do not contain protein, vitamins, or minerals.
• Continue taking your vitamin supplement with minerals, since your meals won’t be large enough to meet your daily requirements through food alone.

Meal Plan for Bariatric Surgery Patients in Phase 4: Stabilization Diet

• Consume three balanced meals each day containing nutrient-rich foods, such as:
  • lean meat, poultry, pork, and fish
  • low fat dairy products
  • low fat starches and whole grains
  • vegetables and fruits
• These foods contain the energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs.
• If you can't tolerate the amount of food at one meal, you may have to consume six smaller meals each day.
• Stop eating whenever you feel full.
• Protein — You should be able to meet your protein needs through foods. If not, you may need to supplement with protein shakes between meals.
  • Women: 50–60 grams of protein
  • Men: 60–70 grams of protein
    Gastric Bypass Patients: To meet protein needs, you may have to consume a low calorie protein food between meals.
• Liquids between meals
  • Wait at least 30 minutes after each meal. Then consume an 8 ounce protein supplement or shake, followed by 16 ounces of sugar free, clear liquids.
  • Try to spread fluids out over a three-hour period.
  • Stop drinking at least 30 minutes before mealtime.

Sample Menu Plan for Phase 4: Stabilization Diet

Eat the protein portion of your meal first, and don't forget your liquids between meals (about 30 minutes after each meal).

Breakfast

• Protein: 1 egg or ¼ cup egg substitute
• Starch: ½ cup hot cereal
• Fruit: ½ banana
• Fat: 1 teaspoon margarine

Gastric Bypass Patients: Add 6 ounce light yogurt

Lunch

• Protein: 2 ounces low fat turkey breast
• Starch: ½ cup mashed potatoes
• Vegetable: 1 cup salad
• Fruit: 1 small orange
• Fat: 2 tablespoons light dressing

Gastric Bypass Patients: Add 1 reduced fat string cheese

Dinner

• Protein: 2–3 ounces baked fish
• Starch: ½ cup cooked rice
• Vegetable: ½ cup cooked spinach
• Fruit: ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• Fat: 1 teaspoon margarine

Gastric Bypass Patients: Add ½ cup low fat cottage cheese