Healthy Habits for Life with Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, NYU Weight Management Program Bariatric Surgeon

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a safe and effective procedure for weight loss. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions as you transition back to eating solid foods. The dietary changes that you will make after this procedure will help you prepare for a lifetime of healthy and nutritious eating. Here, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding presents the fourth article in a series of what to eat after gastric sleeve surgery.

Phase Four After Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Soft Solid Foods

After you have successfully completed the two-week pureed food stage, your doctor will recommend soft solid foods. While your food should be soft, it does not need to be blended or pureed. Remember to continue to chew your food very slowly (at least 25 chews per bite) and always eat protein first. The goal at this stage is 75 grams of protein per day. Continue to separate drinking all liquids by 30 minutes from eating. During your fifth and sixth weeks after the procedure, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding suggests incorporating foods like:

• Soft-cooked vegetables
• Steamed fish
• Soft noodles
• Canned fruits
• Thinly-sliced deli turkey or ham
• Beans and peas

Looking Ahead to a Life of Healthy Eating with Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding

As you move forward in your healthy weight loss journey, remember to center each meal around a protein-rich food. Limit your starches and save them til last. Do not advance your diet without the approval of your doctor. Be sure to ask questions if you are unsure about eating a certain food. The following may be introduced into your diet as you progress:

• 7 weeks post-op
  • Poultry
  • Soft fruits (peaches, plums and melons)
  • Toast and crackers
  • Ground meat in sauce (meat must always be moist)
• 3 months post-op
  • Rice
  • Soft breads
  • Lean ground meat
  • Turkey and duck
• 4 months post-op
  • Veal
  • Crunchy fruits and vegetables
  • Salads
• 6 months post-op
  • Lean beef
  • Pork
  • However, continue to eat poultry and fish more often as they have a lower fat content.

Gastric sleeve surgery is a safe and effective procedure that yields positive results for many obese people. It is important to implement healthy lifestyle changes after gastric sleeve surgery, such as exercise. But it is equally as important to listen to your bariatric specialist and follow instructions carefully. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding encourages her patients to keep a food journal because this will help keep track of new eating habits. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and take one step at a time on your journey to better health.

Are you or a loved one interested in learning more about bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve? Consult an expert like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, NYU Weight Management Program bariatric surgeon. Visit the NYU Langone Weight Management Program for more information.