Bariatric Diet Stages 1 through 3 After Stages

Day before Surgery

Consume liquids only. This can include clear liquids and protein drinks. 

Day of Surgery

Clear liquids only after midnight and up until 2 hours before surgery. No intake 2 hours before surgery. Please follow all instructions provided by your surgeon. 

Stage 1: Water

Immediately after surgery, you will be given small amounts of water. Remember to sip slowly. Once you tolerate it comfortably, you will advance to stage 2. 

Stage 2: Sugar-free Clear liquids

Once you tolerate water, you will be given a sugar-free clear liquid. Examples include diet juice or broth. Once you tolerate it comfortably, you will advance to stage 3. 

Stage 3: Full Liquid

In the hospital, you will start on a full-liquid diet. This includes beverages that are low in sugar and high in protein. You will continue this diet once discharged home. You will remain on this diet for 2-3 weeks after discharge. 

• Water
• Beverages with 10 Calories or less per serving (example: diet juices, zero sugar sports drinks, flavored water)
• Unsweetened milk (1% milk, reduced fat lactose-free milk, unsweetened soy milk)
• Broth (chicken, beef, vegetable, bone)
• Tomato juice or 100% vegetable juice
• Sugar-free popsicles (less than 20 Calories each)
• Sugar-free gelatin
• Nutrition supplements, protein shakes, and protein powders 

Fluid Goals

Consume at least 48 ounces of total fluid per day. 

Always sip liquids slowly. Stop drinking immediately if you feel full. 

Protein Goals 

Consume at least 60 grams of protein per day. 

In stage 3, this will come from beverages such as nutrition supplements, protein shakes, protein powders, and milk. 

Protein Drink Guidelines:

See Handout “Protein Shake Recommendations” For Brand Examples

Goals: 

• 60+ grams protein
• 48+ ounces fluid 

Questions

If you have any questions about your post-op diet, you can reach us by: 

Telephone: 774-443-3886 

MyChart: Send your dietitian a MyChart message

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