Post-Surgery Recovery Shopping List
Whenever a patient comes to Tijuana Bariatric Center, we make sure they are familiar with life after surgery. We always offer tips and insight for their post-surgical life and support in the months after their visit here. Knowing what's ahead, patients can make a confident decision about bariatric surgery and prepare for what's ahead.
The most practical advice offered to patients involves what groceries they should buy after the surgery to address changes in their eating habits. With that in mind, here's a general shopping list to consider for weight loss recovery. You may want to buy some of these items before your procedure so you can concentrate on recovery for the first several weeks. We can provide you with more detailed information during the consultation process.
Liquids and Beverages to Stock Up On
In the first week of post-op recovery, patients will be on a strict liquid diet of only clear liquids. That means during the first week, patients should stock up on the following:
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Crystal Light and other flavored waters
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Approved juices heavily diluted with water
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Broths (chicken, vegetable, beef, etc.)
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Sugar-free popsicles or juice bars
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Sugar-free gelatin
As you continue to recover and incorporate pureed foods, you will be able to drink thicker liquids and creamy liquids. Consider these food items as potential parts of a week two shopping list:
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Protein shakes
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Low-fat almond milk
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Light almond milk
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Light soy milk
- Light yogurt smoothies
- Non-fat milk
- Low-fat milk
Soft Foods to Consider Early in Recovery
By week two, you will be able to ingest very soft and creamy solid foods. For this stage of recovery, plan to add these items to your shopping list:
- Thin soups
- Non-fat Greek yogurt
- Sugar-free yogurt
- Thinned applesauce
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Watery oatmeal
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Sugar-free sorbet
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Non-fat, sugar-free ice cream
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Low-fat cottage cheese
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Ricotta cheese
Solid Foods to Purchase for Weeks Three and Four
As you continue to recover after weight loss surgery, you'll add soft and pureed foods to your diet. Eventually, you'll be able to eat many foods without the aid of your blender. Consider the foods listed below for this stage of healing:
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Fat-free gravy
- Cooked and mashed beans
- Turkey
- Chicken breast
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Plain oatmeal
- Hummus
Fruits and Vegetables to Buy
As you return to solid foods, it's important to have fruits and vegetables in your diet as well as lean proteins. In terms of fruits, you can consider the following when you're able to ingest pureed foods and once you are ready to return to solids:
Fruit to Buy
- Apples/applesauce
- Pears
- Peaches
- Mandarin oranges
- Bananas
- Very ripe mango
- Pureed or mashed avocado
- Soft and skinned fruits
- Canned fruit
Vegetables to Buy
As you return to solid foods, it's important to have fruits and vegetables in your diet as well as lean proteins. In terms of fruits, consider the following after you're able to ingest pureed foods and ready to return to solids:
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Pureed or mashed avocado
- Soft and skinned fruit
- Spinach
- Cale
Keep in mind that it's best for these vegetables to be cooked until they are soft, making them easier to ingest and digest for bariatric surgery patients.
Your Shopping List for Years to Come
Once you've fully healed, you'll be able to eat many of the favorite foods you've missed. However, it’s important to keep a healthy diet. With that in mind, many of the foods and beverages listed above will be staples of your diet for the rest of your life.
Knowing this, you'll note that you have plenty of options when it comes to preparing tasty, healthy, flavorful meals in the future. Browse through online recipe sources for bariatric patients, especially if you have difficulty deciding what to prepare. You’ll find many different ideas for preparing healthy and tasty meals following weight loss surgery.
Contact Tijuana Bariatric Center
For more information about bariatric surgery and how it can help you be healthier and fitter, contact the weight loss surgery specialists at Tijuana Bariatric Center today by calling 800-970-0577. The team at our practice will happily answer all of your questions, address your concerns and help get you on the road to a healthier and happier new life.
