Embarking on a weight loss journey through bariatric surgery is a significant step towards a healthier life. However, it's crucial to understand that surgery is just one part of the process. A well-planned diet is essential for long-term success, and that's where bariatric keto recipes come in. These recipes are designed to help you meet your protein needs, minimize unnecessary carbs, and focus on healthy fats, all while enjoying delicious and satisfying meals.
Understanding the Bariatric Diet
After bariatric surgery, you'll progress through several stages of food textures, typically:
- Liquid
- Puree
- Soft
- Regular
The speed at which you move through these phases depends on your tolerance and your doctor's recommendations. Each stage has slightly different characteristics, but the overall focus remains on high protein, moderate fat, and low carbohydrates.
Key Principles of Bariatric Keto Recipes
- High Protein: Protein is crucial for healing after surgery, maintaining lean body mass, optimizing weight loss, and preventing protein malnutrition.
- Low Carb: Limiting carbohydrates, especially simple sugars and processed carbs, helps to control blood sugar levels and promote fat burning.
- Healthy Fats: Healthy fats provide energy, support hormone production, and help you feel full and satisfied.
- Focus on Whole Foods: Emphasize whole, unprocessed foods like lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats.
Bariatric Recipes for Different Stages
Pureed Diet Recipes
The pureed diet is the first stage after surgery. The consistency should be smooth without any lumps to ease digestion.
Characteristics:
- Smooth texture
- High protein
- Low carb
- Healthy Fats
Examples of foods to include:
- Pureed chicken
- Eggs
- Cottage cheese
Soft Diet Recipes
The soft diet allows for a greater variety of foods with a soft texture.
Read also: Diet Before Bariatric Surgery
Characteristics:
- High Protein
- Cooked vegetables
- Low carb
- Healthy Fats
Foods to include:
- Cooked vegetables
- Soft cooked meats
Foods to avoid:
- Breads
- Pasta
- Rice
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
Regular Diet Recipes
Once the regular food stage is reached, most foods can be included, with protein remaining a priority.
Characteristics:
- High Protein
- Includes raw & cooked vegetables
- Focused on low glycemic index carbs
- Healthy Fats
Foods to include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Low glycemic carbs
Recipe Example: Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl
This recipe comes together in 15 minutes and is packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork or beef
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 bag coleslaw mix (cabbage)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, brown the beef or pork until no longer pink.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add the coleslaw mix, soy sauce, and ground ginger. Sauté until desired tenderness, adding a little water if needed for moisture.
- Make a well in the center of the skillet and add the egg. Scramble until done over low heat.
- Stir in sriracha (if using).
- Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with green onions.
Nutrition Information:
- Yields 4 servings. Divide the pan in 4 to figure out serving or weigh it and divide by 4.
Tips and Variations:
- You can use either pork or beef in this recipe.
- This recipe is a meal all in one!
Single Serving Options and High Protein Drinks
Sometimes you are preparing food for just yourself and I wanted to be sure to include some single serving option. High protein drinks are a great way to get in your nutrition, but it’s important to also keep the sugar intake low.
Important Considerations
- Consult Your Bariatric Team: Each surgery center has different guidelines for a long term diet after bariatric surgery - so it’s important to also consult your center to see what is right for you.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how different foods make you feel and adjust your diet accordingly.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and aid digestion.
- Avoid Added Sugars: Those that have had bypass surgery may experience more dumping so they need to be extra cautious of added sugars. But, no matter what type of surgery you had, sugar shouldn’t be a significant part of your diet.
Read also: Bariatric Surgery Outcomes
Read also: Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?