Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet Plan Outline (Indian Vegetarian)
Phase 1 : Clear Liquid Diet (Days 1–3 post-op)
- Goal : Hydration, prevent nausea, promote healing
- Frequency : Sip 30–50 ml every 15–20 mins
- Allowed :
- Coconut water (unsweetened)
- Jeera or ajwain water (strained)
- Clear homemade vegetable broth (no solids)
- Rice kanji water
- Lemon water (without sugar)
- ORS / electrolyte solution
Phase 2 : Full Liquid Diet (Days 4–14 post-op)
- Goal : Gradual introduction of calories and protein
- Portion : 100–150 ml per serving, 6–8 times/day
- Allowed :
- Protein shakes (plant-based or whey isolate) mixed in water or skim milk
- Skim milk or lactose-free milk (unsweetened)
- Moong dal or masoor dal soup (strained)
- Thin oats or dal porridge (blended smooth)
- Buttermilk (diluted, no masala)
- Soy or almond milk (unsweetened)
Avoid : Sugar, caffeine, aerated drinks, spicy or acidic items
Phase 3 : Pureed Diet (Weeks 3–4)
- Goal : Increase protein intake, begin texture transition
- Portion : ½ cup per meal, 5–6 meals/day
- Allowed :
- Soft khichdi (blended/moist, with dal and rice)
- Mashed paneer with turmeric & cumin
- Steamed and blended vegetables (carrot, lauki, spinach, pumpkin)
- Hung curd or low-fat curd (plain)
- Boiled mashed soya chunks
- Chia seed pudding (in soy/almond milk)
- Moong dal cheela (blended) or soft moong dhokla
Eat slowly, chew/puree thoroughly, avoid fibrous veggies like methi, cabbage, corn
Phase 4 : Soft Diet (Weeks 5–6)
- Goal : Introduce soft solids, continue high protein, low fat/sugar
- Portion : ¾ cup per meal, 5 small meals/day
- Allowed :
- Upma with moong dal and grated veggies
- Soft idli with minimal chutney
- Boiled eggs (if tolerated, optional for ovo-vegetarians)
- Low-fat paneer bhurji
- Tofu stir-fry (minimal oil)
- Stuffed lauki or tinda (well-cooked, mashed inside)
- Greek yogurt or homemade hung curd
- Protein laddoo (homemade: roasted moong dal, chia, peanut, jaggery)
Limit fat, avoid raw salads, dry fruits, bakery foods
Phase 5 : Stabilization / Regular Bariatric Diet (From Week 7 onward)
- Goal : Maintain weight loss, build lifelong habits
- Portion : 1 cup per meal, 3 meals + 2 snacks
- Daily targets :
- Protein: ≥ 60–80 g/day
- Fluids: ≥ 1.5–2 L/day (30 min away from meals)
- Supplements: Multivitamin, calcium, iron, B12
- Meal Ideas :
- Breakfast : Vegetable dalia or besan cheela + curd
- Lunch : 1 small jowar roti + dal + sautéed vegetable + curd
- Snacks : Roasted chana, buttermilk, low-fat milk smoothie
- Dinner : Vegetable soup + quinoa khichdi with tofu
- Protein options : Soy nuggets, paneer, whey isolate, pulses, tofu
Long-term avoid: Fried food, sugar, carbonated drinks, alcohol
Supplement Guidelines
(To be advised by surgeon/dietician as per labs)
- Multivitamin (daily chewable or capsule)
- Calcium + D3 (500–600 mg twice/day)
- Iron (45–60 mg elemental/day)
- Vitamin B12 (oral or injection monthly)
- Protein supplement: Until intake from diet is sufficient
Lifestyle Tips
- Eat slowly, chew thoroughly (20–30 times per bite)
- Avoid drinking with meals (gap of 30 mins)
- Stay upright 30 mins after meals
- Focus on protein first, then vegetables, then carbs
- Maintain food and symptom diary during first 3 months