Nutrition After Bariatric Surgery: Your 4-Phase Plan

Nutrition after bariatric surgery—such as a gastric sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy), gastric bypass, or scar-free gastric sleeve (SILS method)—marks the beginning of a new life. A structured nutrition plan is essential for proper healing, nutrient absorption, and successful weight loss. The reduced stomach needs time to adjust to food intake gradually and gently.

The 4 Phases of Nutrition After Bariatric Surgery

These four phases cover the first eight weeks after your bariatric surgery in Turkey. Each phase lasts about two weeks and builds on the previous one.

Phase 1: Liquid Diet (Week 1–2)

Week 1: Only Clear Liquids

Directly after your surgery (e.g. gastric sleeve Turkey or gastric bypass Turkey), your stomach needs complete rest. In the first week, only clear, fat-free fluids are allowed.

Allowed:

• Still water (no carbonated drinks—for life!)

• Clear broths (chicken or vegetable)

• Unsweetened herbal teas (e.g. chamomile, fennel)

• Diluted clear juices like apple or cherry (no pulp)

• Protein shakes (mandatory from day 1! At least 200 ml daily) with lactose-free milk

Not allowed 🚫: Coffee, dairy, citrus juices, sugar, alcohol (avoid for 1 year), carbonated drinks (never again).

Week 2: All Liquids Allowed

The selection expands to:

• Smooth, pulp-free soups

• Liquid yogurt (no fruit chunks, sugar-free)

• Unsweetened oat or almond milk

• Spoonable protein shakes

Tip: Drink throughout the day in small sips. Aim for 1.5–2.5 liters per day.

Phase 2: Puréed Food (Week 3–4)

Soft puréed food is gradually introduced—completely smooth, no chunks.

Week 3: Baby Food & Creamy Textures

Recommended:

• Mashed potatoes, carrot purée

• Soft yogurt

• Unsweetened baby food

• Cooked and puréed lentils, eggs, cottage cheese (completely smooth)

🎯 Goal: Adjust to light textures. The better chewed, the better tolerated.

Week 4: High-Protein Puréed Meals

Allowed:

• Puréed chicken or lean beef

• Creamy lentil stews (chunk-free)

• Puréed beans or tofu

• Any low-fat puréed dish without solids

Phase 3: Soft Foods (Week 5–6)

Your stomach is more tolerant now. You can begin introducing soft, solid foods.

Suitable:

• Steamed vegetables (zucchini, carrots)

• Soft fish or chicken

• Cooked rice or couscous

• Scrambled or soft-boiled eggs

• Soft cheese (e.g. cream cheese)

🚫 Still forbidden: nuts, fibrous raw vegetables, hard cheese, salad, chewy meats.

Tip: Always start meals with protein (e.g. eat chicken first, then mashed potatoes).

Phase 4: Transition to Normal Diet (Week 7–8)

This phase eases you into a regular eating pattern—slowly and carefully.

Allowed:

• Chewed soft meats

• Light raw vegetables like grated carrots or peeled cucumber

• Small portions of leafy greens (chew well!)

• Clear stews and broths with soft ingredients

Additional Tips:

• No raw veggies before week 9

• No drinking during meals—wait 20 mins before/after eating

• Meals should take at least 20 minutes

• Prioritize protein in every meal

• Avoid alcohol for at least 1 year; limit it afterward

Essential Recommendations for Nutrition After Bariatric Surgery

Whether you’ve had a gastric sleeve in Turkey or Gastric Bypass in Turkey, and the SILS method, proper nutrition is key to lasting health and weight loss.

1. Protein First

Start each meal with a protein source. Your body needs protein for healing and preserving muscle. Target at least 60 g protein per day, divided into small portions.

2. No Liquids During Meals

Avoid drinking 20 minutes before and after meals to prevent dumping syndrome and improve satiety.

3. Eat Slowly & Mindfully

Chew thoroughly. Each meal should last at least 20 minutes so your body can signal fullness.

4. Essential Supplements

Take your prescribed vitamins daily:

• Iron (not together with calcium!)

• Vitamin B12

• Folic acid

• Calcium and Vitamin D

• Multivitamins

5. Avoid Permanently:

• Carbonated drinks – expand the stomach

• Sugary foods – lead to dumping syndrome

• Alcohol – avoid for 12 months

• Raw foods – only from week 9

6. Hydration is Crucial

Drink 1.5–2.5 liters of still water or unsweetened tea daily—sip slowly, never gulp.

7. Use the “Protein Rule”

When your plate has chicken, mashed potatoes, and salad—eat the chicken first. If you’re full afterward, you’ve already consumed the most important part.

Common Side Effects & What Helps

Long-Term Supplements After Bariatric Surgery

You’ll need lifelong supplements—especially after a gastric sleeve or bypass.

Blood Monitoring After Surgery

Check your levels every 3–6 months:

• Complete blood count, iron, B12, folic acid

• Calcium, Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone

• Liver, kidney function, electrolytes, blood sugar

Long-Term Nutrition Pyramid

🔷 Blue Zone – Daily Habits:

• 45 minutes of walking per day

• Vitamins & supplements

• Still water only (no soda—ever!)

🌸 Pink Zone – Protein:

• Eggs, fish, chicken, lentils

💛 Yellow Zone – Vegetables & Fruit:

• Cooked vegetables from week 5

• Low-sugar fruits (berries)

• 1 tbsp olive oil daily

💚 Green Zone – Healthy Carbs:

• Whole grains

• Legumes

🔴 Red Zone – Avoid:

• Sugary, fatty, or fried foods

• Alcohol (limit after 1 year)

Exercise After Bariatric Surgery

Exercise is your second medicine. After your gastric sleeve or bypass in Turkey, movement accelerates weight loss and improves your health.

Weeks 1–4: Recovery

• Walk daily (start with 10–15 minutes)

• Gentle leg & breathing exercises

• No lifting or abdominal workouts

Weeks 5–6: Gentle Exercise

• Swimming, walking, cycling, aqua aerobics

• Avoid impact sports or heavy lifting

Weeks 8–12 and beyond:

• Introduce resistance training

• Up to 3–5 sessions per week, 30–60 mins

• Focus on posture, strength & endurance

Protein & Sport – A Perfect Combo

Eat 60–120 g of protein per day—especially before and after workouts. Good sources:

• Whey protein

• Eggs, lean fish

• Low-fat dairy

Medications After Bariatric Surgery

If you need vitamins and supplements, we recommend visiting: [CelebrateVitamins]