Eating foods that are not soft can lead to considerable sickness for bariatric patients.
Bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass and gastric banding procedures, decreases the size of the patient's stomach to aid in weight loss. In the first 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, bariatric patients should be on a liquid-only diet; they then may begin to reintroduce soft foods in very small portions. The Mayo Clinic also advises that bariatric patients may be intolerant of spicy foods at first, so use sparingly. It is vital for postbariatric patients to avoid eating or drinking until they are very full, since stretching the stomach can actually begin to reverse the benefits of surgery.
Seafood.
Seafood that is soft enough to be easily digested and can be cut into small pieces is ideal for postbariatric patients. Shrimp, scallops, crab and tuna with fat-free mayo are excellent choices. No matter what, fish should never be fried or sauteed with oil. Instead, bake, broil or grill seafood for the lowest fat content possible. Avoid sauces that are butter, oil or cheese based.
Soups.
Bariatric patients should consume more than four cups of sugar-free liquid per day, a requirement that soups easily help to meet. Broth-based soups are generally lower in fat than cream-based soups, making them more appropriate for mealtime. The UCSF Medical Center reminds patients that their stomachs hold less than 1/4 cup of liquid, so keep servings small. Adding tofu to soups is a good, soft-textured way to add protein to soup. It is the staple of some Chinese soups, but make your own to avoid hidden oils and fats included in most convenience foods.
Beans
Pureed beans can be flavored with garlic and onion powder.
Beans are an ideal food for postbariatric patients, especially in the form of refried beans. Smooth, very high in protein and low in fat, beans should still be eaten in small portions, eaten slowly and separately from liquids. Lentils are a good choice, as are other pureed legumes like split green peas. University of California San Fransisco Medical Center warns that high-fiber foods like beans may not be easily digested by some patients, so pay close attention to any discomfort after eating beans, adding beans back a couple of weeks later if necessary. Be careful with the addition of rice, an item that the Mayo Clinic says often causes discomfort for patients.
Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables and fruits are beneficial because of their low fat content. However, raw vegetables and the skins of fruits and vegetables contain a lot of fibrous "strings" which the Mayo Clinic suggests bariatric patients avoid. Instead, try skinless fruits pureed with water or no-sugar-added juice. Vegetables that can be pureed into a smooth paste such as potatoes or squash are the very best option.
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