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
