Liquid Diet Recipe Ideas

Often bariatric patients find that the most challenging part of their recovery is the time spent on the liquid diet. Because it is so important you follow your doctor’s recommendation and allow your body time to heal and adjust, following the liquid diet is necessary.

But it doesn’t have to be boring.

Immediately following your surgery, you will be on a clear liquid restriction. During this time period, usually only a few days, you can have:

• Broth
• Unsweetened fruit juice
• Decaffeinated tea or coffee
• Strained cream soups

However, once your doctor gives you permission, you can move from this diet to one more substantial – though still in liquid form.

Soups

Soup is one of the easiest and most nourishing meals for your recovery. But don’t despair, this versatile dish comes in so many different concoctions, you could have something different every day if you wanted.

One of the most basic recipes for this stage is a pureed vegetable soup.

• Choose your vegetable (2 cups carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli are all good choices) and cook it until tender. You might choose to add flavorings such as onion or garlic, but remember to take the introduction of foods slowly as you recover.
• Simmer the cooked vegetable in 4-6 cups of stock (chicken or vegetable) and then puree with blender until very smooth and runny.
• You might garnish with a cream (maybe coconut if dairy bothers you) or another puree, such as pesto.
• This recipe also works with beans for a great protein boost.
• Again, season as you prefer and learn what you can and cannot tolerate as your body recuperates. Start with vegetables individually, then combine and discover new flavors.

This site contains an extensive list of puree soup recipes. Adjust accordingly.

Like a child recovering from a tonsillectomy, the idea of an endless milkshake-type diet sounds appealing at first. However, this can quickly become dull, especially if you are in a rut. Here are some fresh ideas for protein shakes that will shake up your taste-buds. We highlighted a few below!

Combine all ingredients and blend until very smooth and runny.

Mango Shake

4 oz water/4 oz milk (you choose type)

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

½ c mango chunks (fresh or frozen)

2-3 ice cubes

PB&J

1 c milk

1 scoop vanilla

1 tbsp sugar-free raspberry syrup

1 tbsp sugar-free strawberry jam

1 tbsp powdered peanut butter

3-4 ice cubes

Pistachio Power

8 oz water or 4 oz water/4 oz milk

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 tbsp sugar-free pistachio pudding mix

2 ice cubes

What great recipe ideas have you found in your recovery from gastric sleeve surgery? We’d love to hear from you!