Weight loss surgery can significantly improve overall health. After the surgery, patients go through different diet phases, including a puree phase. This phase is crucial for the success of the surgery and requires careful planning and preparation. The puree phase is the second phase after the liquid phase and usually starts around two weeks after the surgery. During this phase, patients can eat pureed foods that are easy to digest and do not put stress on their stomach. Pureed foods are smooth, easy to swallow, and contain all the necessary nutrients that patients need after the surgery.
Understanding the Pureed Diet Phase
The Pureed Diet (also referred to as Phase 3, the Soft Solid Diet, or the Mushy Foods Diet) follows the full liquids diet after weight-loss surgery. The pureed food phase is the first step towards introducing real food into your diet (as opposed to a supplemental diet). At this point, you are not ready for solid food but now is the time to start the path to whole food. When entering the pureed food phase, the consistency is altered to slowly introduce the gastrointestinal (GI) tract back to a regular food consistency. A food is considered pureed when it becomes the consistency of a paste or thick liquid without chunks.
This phase is all about healing and transitioning your body to handle slightly more substantial foods. Your focus during this phase is on proper healing and nutrition.
Nutritional Needs During the Pureed Phase
As a bariatric patient, you should also be supplementing the diet with vitamins and minerals in order to meet daily needs after surgery. Protein supplementation can also be heavily relied on in this phase if you are unable to consume enough through dietary sources. Some medical professionals recommend around 60 grams of protein daily for women or 75 grams daily for men, but be sure to follow the specific recommendations from your healthcare provider based on your unique needs.
Portion Control and Hydration
After bariatric surgery, your stomach can only handle small amounts of food at a time. Many medical professionals recommend portions of 1.5 ounces or about three tablespoons per meal. Drinking liquids before, during or right after meals can overfill your stomach and trigger discomfort. Instead, wait at least 30 minutes after eating before drinking any fluids. Aim for AT LEAST 64 ounces of fluid each day. That will keep you hydrated so surgery is easier and recovery is easier.
Read also: Diet Before Bariatric Surgery
Building Healthy Habits
During the pureed phase, you should aim to build simple, manageable habits that support your healing and help you adjust to your new eating routine. Focus on foods that are easy to digest and packed with protein. These can be reintroduced gradually in later stages, but for now, focus on foods that are gentle on your system.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Positive
It can be difficult to find enjoyment in eating pureed meals. The pureed phase can feel restrictive, but with the right tools and mindset, it can be much more manageable and enjoyable. It’s easy to feel stuck during this phase, but remember that it’s temporary and essential for your recovery. Keep your focus on the big picture - your healing, health and long-term success.
Essential Equipment
Having the right equipment on hand can make all the difference. A good-quality blender or food processor is essential for creating smooth, lump-free purees.
Enhancing Flavor
Just because your meals are pureed doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Add depth to your dishes with low-sodium broths, fresh herbs or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Sample Pureed Recipes
Here are a few sample pureed recipes to get you started:
Read also: Bariatric Surgery Outcomes
Pureed Egg Scramble:
- Recipe: Whisk together 1 large egg, 2 large egg whites, ¼ cup low-fat cottage cheese, and ¼ cup fat-free shredded cheese. Add salt & pepper to taste. Heat a skillet prepped with cooking spray over medium heat before adding egg mixture to pan.
Pureed Egg Salad:
- Recipe: Mash together to a puréed consistency: 1 large hard-boiled egg, 1½ Tbsp light mayonnaise, ½ tsp yellow mustard, ⅛ tsp onion salt, 1 tsp dill relish.
Pureed Tuna Salad:
- Recipe: Mash together to a puréed consistency: ⅓ cup tuna in water (drained), 2 Tbsp light mayonnaise, ¼ tsp yellow mustard, ½ tsp dill relish.
Pureed Refried Beans with Ground Beef and Avocado:
- Recipe: Combine ½ cup fat-free refried beans, 2 Tbsp fat-free shredded cheese, ⅓ cup lean ground beef cooked in taco seasoning & ¼ cup avocado.
Pureed Chicken Salad
Read also: Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
- One of the most important duties I have as a bariatric dietitian is teaching pre-operative patients about the post-surgery diet. Inevitably when I get to the pureed stage I hear groaning. I get it. I know the idea of eating baby food or pureeing food is not appealing to most adults. I generally do not recommend baby food. Let's face it, babies spit baby food out. I usually suggest pureeing common foods, but patients don't usually jump on that idea either. One concern often expressed is regarding mayonnaise. Patients assume they can't eat mayonnaise. Mayo is a source of fat, however lighter varieties are fine to include. Most patients can only handle about 2 oz of chicken, so there won't be much mayonnaise per serving in this pureed chicken salad. To lighten up the pureed chicken salad you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise and add non-fat Greek-style yogurt. You want the chicken salad creamy and pretty smooth. I don't advise adding anything fancy like celery or onion. These veggies won't puree smooth enough. One chicken breast will yield about 4 ¼ cups servings. I always tell my patients that they would not need a lot of food.
Additional Recipe Ideas
- Shrimp and Pinto Bean Puree: Pat shrimp dry and add to the hot pan. Cook 2-3 minutes, tossing halfway through, until just pink. Remove to a heatproof bowl. To make the beans: In a saute pan, heat 2 Tbsp water over medium heat. Add garlic and saute 1 minute, until fragrant. Add pinto beans and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to mash the beans. Continue cooking 3-4 minutes, until liquid evaporates.
- Turkey Puree: In a sauté pan, heat chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Add 2 Tbsp water and turkey. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring to break up until cooked through.
- Chicken Puree: In a saute pan, heat 2 Tbsp water over medium-high heat. Add chicken, paprika, and oregano. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring to break up until cooked through. In a food processor or blender, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and 3 Tbsp water.
Free Bariatric Puree Recipe Tool
Our Bariatric Puree Recipe Tool is a free and simple way to find high protein pureed food recipes designed specifically for the pureed stage of bariatric surgery. Whether you're recovering from a Gastric Sleeve procedure or another type of bariatric surgery, this tool helps you discover easy bariatric puree recipes that are nourishing, satisfying, and gentle on your post-op stomach. Check out this growing collection of simple pureed recipes for bariatric patients, each created to meet nutritional needs while offering variety and flavor. From savory blends to sweet treats, these pureed food recipes for Gastric Sleeve and other bariatric procedures make it easier to stick to your plan and feel confident during recovery. We do have many on our bariatric-friendly recipes page, but we decided to make this free recipe tool to make it much easier to search out for a bariatric puree recipe all within one quick tool. No more flipping through pages of recipes.
Importance of Vitamins
Barimelts’ bariatric-specific, fast-dissolving vitamins are here to help you meet your nutritional needs with ease.
Calorie Intake
Calorie intake will differ based on the surgery, restriction, complications, and toleration. Similar to before surgery, your calorie intake will decrease again. For about the next 2 months following surgery, it can be common to only consume around 300-600 calories per day. Don't expect big changes in eating capability in one day. Lifestyle adjustments take time, especially to promote long-term success.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery and its Impact
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular bariatric surgery that reduces the size of the stomach by about 75%. Gastric sleeve surgery is a weight-loss procedure that has helped countless people achieve their weight loss goals. Weight loss surgery, such as gastric sleeve surgery, is a life-changing procedure that offers hope for a healthier future.
Addressing Common Concerns
If you've undergone weight loss surgery, such as gastric sleeve surgery, you may experience a range of symptoms as your body adjusts to the changes.