What Are the 5 Phases of the Bariatric Diet?

Are you considering weight loss surgery or looking for guidance on how to successfully navigate the bariatric diet? This guide walks you through the five phases and provides expert tips on what to eat, when to eat it, and why it matters for your long-term success.

Written by Ken, a Gastric Sleeve Patient down 300 lbs since 2014.

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Phase 1: Clear Liquid Diet

Duration: Starts right after surgery, typically lasts 1–7 days.

You are immediately restricted to clear liquids only — fluids you can see through. The goal is to sip 1 ounce of fluid over 15 minutes.

Examples of Clear Liquids:

• Water and ice chips
• Broth
• Sugar-free gelatin and popsicles
• Calorie-free, non-carbonated, decaffeinated beverages
• Diluted apple juice or lemon water
• Pedialyte popsicles

Phase 2: Full Liquid Diet

Duration: Starts about 7 days after surgery, lasts up to 2 weeks.

This is when you crack open those protein shakes. Aim for 64 oz of fluid and 60–80 grams of protein per day.

Examples:

• All Phase 1 foods
• Greek or non-dairy yogurt
• Protein shakes
• Oatmeal or cream of wheat (thinned out)
• Cottage cheese
• Sugar-free pudding (thinned out)
• Reduced fat cream soups (no tomato)

Phase 3: Puree Diet

Duration: Starts day 21 after surgery, lasts through weeks 5–6.

This is when familiar foods start coming back. Serve yourself in a mug — it's easier to stop when you're full. Same nutritional goals: 60–80g protein, 64 oz fluid daily.

Examples of Pureed Foods:

• Fat-free refried beans
• Tofu and hummus
• Fat-free ricotta cheese
• Canned tuna or chicken mashed with a fork
• Mashed potatoes
• Pureed fruit (no sugar added applesauce)
• Baby food

Phase 4: Soft Food Diet

Duration: Starts at 4–5 weeks post-surgery, lasts about 2 weeks.

You can wean off protein shakes if you're eating enough protein-based foods. Nutritional goals remain the same: 60–80g protein, 64 oz fluid.

Examples of Soft Foods:

• Lean slow-cooked chicken or pork
• Canned tuna, chicken, or crab
• Egg whites
• Chili or stew
• Flakey fish like salmon or trout
• Soft, low-fat cheeses
• Over-cooked vegetables (zucchini, squash, cauliflower)
• Soft fruits (melons, peaches, avocados)

Phase 5: General Maintenance Diet

Duration: Starts day 50 after surgery — lasts the rest of your life.

You can reintroduce a variety of textures while still prioritizing protein and fluids above all else. Continue to focus on proper portions, eat protein first, and avoid high fat, high sugar, and high carb foods.

Don't Forget Your Vitamins!

Vitamins are essential to a bariatric patient's overall health. Skipping your vitamins can cause complications like hair loss, teeth loss, and bone and muscle depletion. It also affects your overall weight loss progress. Make it a daily habit — like brushing your teeth.