How to Gradually Transition to Solid Foods After Bariatric Surgery

As a bariatric patient, you must follow specific guidelines and diet plans after surgery. You will start out on a liquid diet, followed by a puree diet until you are finally eating solid foods. It can be a tough transition from each stage as you begin to eat more. You must be able to recognize signs from your body so you don’t eat too much and get sick. The transition from puree to solid foods is the most extreme and must be taken slowly. So, here are a few quick tips to help you as you transition to eating solids.

1. Take it slow. Your body will be used to eating liquids and purees, so the first time you eat solid food might be a little strange. You must take it slow to avoid any complications. It might be a little painful at first so you must take it slow to make sure you don’t overeat. 
2. Choose foods that are a step up from puree. When you are transitioning to solid foods, you don’t want to just go straight to eating steak. Choose foods that are a step up from purees, such as sloppy joe meat. This will help ensure that you aren’t going too fast and introducing the wrong types of foods. 
3. Take small bites. It might seem silly, but you must take small bites as if you were a baby. Your body will be used to eating purees so you don’t want to shock your system too much when you start eating solid foods. 
4. Chew slowly. You must make sure you chew your food up really well after bariatric surgery. This needs to be the new normal for you. Chewing slowly ensures that you don’t swallow too much at a time. If you swallow too much at a time, you risk the food getting stuck, which is a very uncomfortable feeling. 
5. Focus on protein. Since it will be hard for you to get all of your nutrition in after surgery, it is important that you focus on protein first. Choose foods that are low in sugar and high in protein. This will make sure that you hit your protein goals for the day.

Weight loss surgery is an exciting adventure, but it must be taken seriously. You don’t want to introduce foods too quickly and risk getting hurt. Your anatomy is different and must be treated differently. By following these 5 tips, you will be much more likely to transition in a healthy way. Try to get creative with your foods as you are introducing them back into your diet, but remember to take it slow. Focus on your protein goals and you will be on the right path towards a healthy transition to solid foods.