Your surgeon will limit you to clear liquids during phase 1 of the bariatric diet during your post-op recovery. Weight loss surgery puts a significant strain on your body, and it takes a week or so before you can digest and absorb food properly. You’re less likely to feel hungry during this stage of recovery, but hydration is critically important. Dehydration is the leading cause of rehospitalization after bariatric surgery.
Aim to drink 48-64 ounces of liquids day. Practice sipping liquids often to meet your fluid intake needs and avoid gulping, as this can cause pain and discomfort. You can drink fruit juices during this stage, but dilute them with water in a 1:1 ratio. Fruit juices are high in natural sugar and may cause nausea or diarrhea. Drink liquids at room temperature, as extreme cold or heat can irritate your healing body. Your body needs around six weeks to heal enough to handle varying temperatures.
Approved Bariatric Stage 1 Liquids
Broth
- Chicken
- Clear beef
- Vegetable
Look for low sodium options, as many broths contain high sodium levels. During stage one, aim to consume 8 ounces of clear broth per day.
Juice
- Apple
- Cranberry
- Grape
Remember to always dilute your juices to avoid nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Try to drink 8-16 ounces of diluted fruit juice per day during this stage of post-op recovery.
Other Clear Liquids
Water should account for 12-16 ounces of your fluid intake during stage 1 of the bariatric diet. Choose from the items below to consume the remaining 20-24 ounces of liquids.
- Decaf coffee or herbal tea
- Low-sugar electrolyte or sports drinks
- Sugar-free Jell-O and popsicles
- Coconut water, plain water, and ice chips*
*Allow ice chips to dissolve in your mouth before swallowing.
Homemade Chicken Stock
Readymade chicken stock and broth are often packed with sodium and lack palette diversity. Making chicken stock at home allows you to control the ingredients to create a healthier, tastier option.
Ingredients
- 5 lbs. chicken bones
- 5 qt water
- 4 celery stalks
- 3 carrots, unpeeled and cut in half
- 2 onions, unpeeled and cut into fourths
- 2 garlic cloves
- 10 parsley sprigs
- 3 bay leaves
Instructions
- Add the chicken bones and water into a pot. Bring the water to boil.
- Reduce the boil to a simmer and add the remaining ingredients to the pot. Simmer for three hours, stirring occasionally.
- Use a fine mesh to strain the solid ingredients out of the chicken stock.
- Put the stock in the refrigerator until a layer of fat forms on top. Remove the fat and reheat a few ounces to your desired temperature before consuming.
Stage 1 is the hardest for most bariatric patients. However, it typically only lasts for a week, and adhering to the diet becomes easier with each successive stage. Contact us to discuss your questions or concerns about recovering from bariatric surgery.
