High Protein Foods and Vegetables
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Start approximately 2-3 months after surgery once the Phase III bariatric diet is well tolerated.
You will continue the Phase IV bariatric diet until you have reached your goal of 75% excess body weight loss or via conversation with the registered dietitians or your medical doctor based on your nutritional status and food tolerance.
Types of foods/liquids permitted: Soft proteins (Proteins should be moist and lean)
Seafood (canned or fresh) – soft flaky fish |
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Tuna |
Tilapia |
Grouper |
Salmon |
White fish |
Orange roughly |
Flounder |
Sole |
Snapper |
Catfish |
Perch |
Swordfish |
Halibut |
Cod |
Haddock |
Sea bass |
Shellfish (canned or fresh) |
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Scallops |
Lobster |
Shrimp |
Crab |
Low fat Dairy Products |
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Low fat, sugar free or carb-controlled, Greek yogurt without visible fruit pieces |
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Low fat cottage cheese |
Low fat farmer cheese |
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Low fat ricotta cheese |
Low fat soft cheeses |
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Eggs |
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Eggbeaters® |
Egg whites |
Whole egg | |
Boiled |
Scrambled |
Poached |
Baked |
Avoid fried or undercooked eggs |
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Poultry (canned or fresh, skin removed) |
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Turkey |
Chicken |
Game hen |
Duck breast |
Deli meats such as roast turkey breast or chicken breast |
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Meat (canned or fresh) |
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Low sodium, rind-less, no sugar added cold cuts and deli meats |
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Ham, red meat and pork may be difficult to digest; always check your tolerance level |
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Legumes |
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Black beans |
Kidney beans |
Garbanzo beans |
White beans |
Lentils |
Hummus and pureed beans may be well tolerated | ||
Soy and Tofu |
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Tofu burgers |
Boca-burgers® |
Morningstar ® brand soy products Soy beans (edamame unshelled) |
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*** All burgers must be without the bun or lettuce, tomato etc. | |||
Nuts and Nut butters (May consume ~1 month out from surgery) Soft nuts such as walnuts and pistachios Natural whipped, low sugar peanut butter |
Proteins should be moist and lean
You may add low sodium broth or low fat, low sugar dressings to prepare proteins and add moisture
Vegetables are permitted
FACTS about VEGETABLES |
Start with soft, cooked vegetables first |
Avoid vegetables that do not become soft when cooked |
Avoid fibrous stalks like those found in asparagus, broccoli, celery, stalks of romaine lettuce, kale, etc. |
Avoid seeds and peels |
You may introduce raw vegetables only after you can tolerate a variety of cooked vegetables |
When eating raw vegetables try softer vegetables like broccoli florets, bibb lettuce, red-leaf lettuce or boston lettuce. Remember to chew vegetables thoroughly (“30 second rule”- chew 30 times) and swallow only when it has been made into a mushy consistency |
If you have trouble with gas avoid eating gas-producing vegetables like onions, cauliflower, garlic, scallions, leeks, brussel sprouts, cabbage |
Types of foods/liquids NOT permitted: No starchy carbohydrates, starchy vegetables or high fiber fruits
Bread |
Cereals |
Crackers |
Noodles |
Pasta |
Rice |
Potatoes |
Corn |
Peas |
Fruits |
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Important Nutritional Considerations
- The goal is to consume at least 60-80 grams of protein per day with the addition of vegetables
- Consume 3 – 4 ounces of protein 3 times per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner – do not skip these meals)
- Always eat your PROTEIN foods first before eating the vegetables
- Vegetables contain ~2g of protein per ½ cup serving
- Continue to consume sugar-free, non-carbonated, decaffeinated clear liquids in between the high protein meals for a total of 64 ounces (8 cups) of liquids per day
- Use moist cooking methods such as boiled, baked, sautéed, poached, stewed or braised
- Choose low fat proteins and choose other healthy fats such as avocado, oils, olive oil
*** Continue vitamin and mineral supplementation with adjustments per the registered dietitians, or your medical doctor.
Important Reminders
- “30-Minute Rule”: Do not drink any liquids 30 minutes before or after consuming “solid” proteins
- “30-Second Rule”: chew each bite 30 times or for 30 seconds before swallowing
- Take small bites and chew well
- Introduce one “new” food item at a time
- Always check your tolerance level and stop drinking or eating when full
- Monitor tolerance to extreme temperatures (extreme cold or hot)
- Remember to sip slowly, do not gulp, do not use a straw
- Do not skip meals. Have 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Give yourself 30-45 minutes for each of your main meals
- Avoid returning to your meal after a few hours
- Always remember to keep increasing physical activity as tolerated
- Eat from smaller plates (salad plates) and use smaller utensils to assist with portion control
- You will only be able to eat a few tablespoons at a time
Sample of a Phase IV Bariatric Diet Menu
Morning | Decaffeinated coffee with Splenda® (without cream/sugar) |
Breakfast | 4 ounces of Eggbeater® omelet with sautéed mushrooms, scallions and cheese |
Mid-morning | 8 oz Crystal Light® |
Lunch | 1 Boca burger without the bun, steamed broccoli |
Mid-afternoon | 8 oz Crystal Light® |
Dinner | 3-4 ounces baked tilapia fish, green beans |
Evening | 8 oz Crystal Light® |
Remember: do not consume any liquids 30 minutes before or after consuming “solid” foods |