Bariatric surgery changes how your body digests food and absorbs nutrients. Before surgery, the focus is on building healthy habits that will help you succeed. After surgery, your stomach will be much smaller and your body will absorb fewer nutrients, so eating well, getting enough protein, and taking vitamins become essential. This guide walks you through both.
Using this guide
This guide is for patients in the Western Zone Bariatric Surgery Program.
Always follow the advice of your healthcare team.
Your dietitian will help adjust these guidelines to fit your needs.
Before Surgery
Building healthy habits
The months before surgery matter. Building good habits now will help you recover faster and succeed long-term. Start practising these as soon as you can.
Eating habits to practise
Eat within 1–1.5 hours of waking up
Space meals every 4–5 hours
Eat slowly: take 15–20 minutes for each meal
Eat protein at every meal and snack
Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not stuffed
Drinking habits to practise
Drink 6–8 cups (1.5–2 litres) of fluid every day
Make water your main drink
Wait 30 minutes after eating before you drink
Avoid alcohol and carbonated (fizzy) drinks
Other important habits
Start vitamin and mineral supplements
Be physically active as much as you can
Practise separating eating from drinking
✓ Tips for behaviour change
Start with one or two habits that feel doable.
Once those feel natural, add more.
Small steps lead to big changes!
Balanced Meals
Eating balanced meals
After surgery your meals will be much smaller, so learning to build balanced meals now helps you get the nutrition you need from smaller portions. Think of your plate in sections:
Protein first (largest priority): eat this first at every meal
Vegetables (about half your plate): choose non-starchy vegetables most often
Carbohydrate (small portion): choose whole grains and high-fibre options
Healthy fats: added fats like olive oil, used sparingly
Examples of balanced meals
Baked chicken + roasted vegetables + a small serving of brown rice
Eggs + sautéed vegetables + a slice of whole-grain toast
Greek yogurt + berries + a small amount of nuts
Grilled haddock + steamed vegetables + a small serving of potato
Baked tofu + sautéed vegetables + a small serving of buckwheat noodles
Foods to limit before surgery
Start cutting back on these now, because they will not fit well after surgery:
Sugary drinks (pop, fruit juice, sweet coffee drinks)
Fast food and deep-fried foods
Candy, pastries, cookies, and baked goods
Chips and other high-fat snacks
Your Top Priority
Protein
Protein is the most important nutrient after bariatric surgery. It helps your body heal, keeps your muscles strong (you want to lose fat, not muscle), and helps you feel full longer. Most people need 60–100 grams of protein per day after surgery; your dietitian will give you a specific goal. A general target is 20–30 g at each meal and 5–15 g at each snack.
Your personal protein targetgrams per day
Your dietitian sets your exact target. The formal method is at least 60 g/day, or about 1.1–1.5 g of protein per kg of reference (ideal) body weight per day — see how protein needs are calculated.
Protein-rich food
Amount
Protein
Meat (beef, pork, chicken)
½ cup (85 g)
25 g
Protein drink, ready-made
325 mL (11 oz)
20–30 g
Protein powder
1 scoop (~30 g)
20–27 g
Fish
½ cup (85 g)
20 g
Greek yogurt
¾ cup
17 g
Cottage cheese
½ cup
15 g
High-protein milk
1 cup (8 oz)
12–18 g
Eggs
2 large
12 g
Firm tofu
½ cup
12 g
Egg whites
⅓ cup
10 g
Beans, peas, lentils
½ cup (cooked)
9 g
Milk or soy milk
1 cup
9 g
Cheese
1 oz (30 g)
7 g
For Life
Vitamins & minerals for life
After bariatric surgery your body absorbs fewer nutrients and your stomach is smaller, so vitamins and minerals must be taken for life to prevent deficiencies. Your dietitian and care team can help you decide which are right for you.
Vitamin / mineral
Why you need it
Multivitamin
Covers many vitamins and minerals your body needs
Vitamin B12
Keeps nerves healthy, prevents anemia
Vitamin D
Keeps bones strong, helps the body absorb calcium
Calcium
Builds and maintains strong bones
Iron (especially for women)
Prevents anemia, carries oxygen in the blood
Two options for vitamins
Option A: Bariatric multivitamin
These are made specially for bariatric patients and have higher amounts of key nutrients. Most include B12, iron, and vitamin D already. You still need to take calcium separately. Examples: Bariatric Advantage, Celebrate Vitamins.
Option B: Regular multivitamin
Take a complete adult multivitamin (you may need two per day). Add extra B vitamins, vitamin D, and iron as needed. You still need to take calcium separately.
A few important tips
Start taking vitamins when you come home from the hospital
Chewable or liquid vitamins may be easier for the first 4–8 weeks
Do not use gummy vitamins; they don’t have enough nutrients
Take calcium and iron at different times (at least 2 hours apart)
Your care team will check your vitamin levels with blood tests
Very Important
After surgery your body absorbs fewer nutrients. Taking vitamin and mineral supplements every day, for life, is not optional. It is essential for your health.
Get Ready
Pre-surgery checklist
Have these items at home before your surgery.
Vitamins and supplements
Bariatric multivitamin plus calcium citrate, or
Regular multivitamin plus calcium citrate, vitamin D, vitamin B12 or B complex
Others as directed by your care team
Protein and fluids
Protein shakes or protein powder
Low-sugar sports drinks
Broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
Sugar-free Jell-O
Greek yogurt (smooth)
Soft and pureed foods
Cottage cheese
Eggs
Canned fish (tuna, salmon)
Canned fruits (in water)
Frozen vegetables
Kitchen items
Blender or food processor
Small plates, bowls, and cups
Measuring cups and spoons
Bring these to hospital on the day of your surgery
This Nutrition Guide for Bariatric Surgery (to review with a dietitian in hospital)
An up-to-date medication list
Arrange a ride home from hospital
Pre-Surgery Diet
Pre-surgery meal replacement: NuvoVi
NuvoVi is a low-calorie meal replacement drink. Before your surgery you will drink NuvoVi shakes for several weeks. This special diet helps reduce the size of your liver, which gives your surgeon more room and helps make surgery easier.
Using total meal replacements
Drink 4 packets per day
Drink your first packet within 1 hour of waking up
Mix 1 packet with 300 mL of cold water
Shake, stir, or blend — drink right away or refrigerate for up to 24 hours
What else can you have?
In addition to your 4 shakes, drink 6–8 cups (1.5–2 litres) of other fluids:
Water (you can add lemon or sugar-free water flavourings)
Decaf coffee or tea (up to ¼ cup skim milk per day)
Broth (½ to 1 cup per day)
Sugar-free Jell-O or popsicles
⚠ Important rules while on meal replacement
Tell your care team about any allergies before starting meal replacements.
Stop your regular multivitamin and any extra vitamin C (the shakes contain vitamins). Continue all other supplements (vitamin D, B12, etc.).
Stop drinking shakes by midnight the night before surgery.
You may drink 2 cups of water up to 3 hours before your hospital arrival time.
✓ Managing hunger on meal replacements
Drink shakes at regular times (every 4 hours)
Increase water intake — ice chips may help
Consider avoiding sitting with others while they eat
Use journaling or deep breathing to stay on track
Keep busy with other activities
Order your shakes as soon as surgery is scheduled; your care team will give you an online order code. The cost is about $200 for two weeks — details at nuvovi.com or in the NuvoVi handout.
After Surgery
The five stages of eating
After surgery your diet progresses slowly through five stages, giving your stomach time to heal. Some people move through the stages faster or slower, and that’s okay. Always follow your care team’s guidance.
Stage
When
What you can eat
1. Clear fluids
Days 0–1
Water, broth, sugar-free Jell-O, decaf tea
2. Full fluids
Days 2–7
Protein shakes, blended soups, yogurt, milk
3. Pureed foods
Weeks 2–3
Cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, blended foods
4. Soft foods
Weeks 4–5
Soft meats, fish, mashed vegetables, soft fruits
5. Regular foods
Week 6+
Regular textured foods, as you tolerate
9 tips to follow after surgery
Eat regularly, every 2–3 hours, even if you are not hungry.
Eat slowly and chew foods very well.
Take a minimum of 15–20 minutes per meal.
Do not drink fluids with meals (drink 30 minutes before or after).
Use smaller utensils and plates to help manage portion sizes.
Avoid very hot or very cold foods to reduce stomach discomfort.
Gradually increase your servings each week.
Introduce new foods one at a time to assess tolerance.
Avoid carbonated beverages.
⚠ When to call your team
Contact your care team if vomiting lasts more than 24 hours. If needed, step back to a liquid diet.
Stage 1 · Days 0–1
Clear fluids
This stage helps your stomach heal while keeping you hydrated. You will start with small sips of water in the hospital.
What you can have
Water
Clear broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
Decaf tea or coffee (no cream or sugar)
Sugar-free Jell-O and popsicles
Sugar-free sports drinks (not carbonated)
Ensure Clear (juice-based, not milky)
What to avoid
Carbonated (fizzy) drinks
Sugary drinks
Caffeine
Anything creamy or milky
✓ Tips
Sip fluids slowly.
Consider using a 30 mL medicine cup to prevent gulping.
Slowly increase to 60–100 mL of clear fluids per waking hour.
Use room-temperature liquids to avoid stomach cramps.
Stage 2 · Days 2–7
Full fluids
This stage adds nutrition and protein while still being gentle on your stomach. Everything should be smooth and drinkable — no chewing needed.
What you can have
Protein shakes (ready-made or homemade)
Smooth, blended soups (no chunks)
Smooth Greek yogurt (no chunks or seeds)
High-protein yogurt drinks
Milk, soy milk, or protein-fortified plant milk
Homemade smoothies (no seeds or skins)
Bone broth
What to avoid
Anything with chunks, pieces, or seeds
Carbonated, caffeinated, or sugary drinks
✓ Tips
Slowly increase fluids to 100–200 mL per hour while awake.
Drink slowly, in small sips, to avoid nausea or vomiting.
Aim for 1.5–2.0 L of fluid per day, with at least half containing protein.
Aim for a minimum of 60 g of protein per day to promote healing.
Liquid or chewable multivitamins can be started at this stage.
Example of a full-fluid day
Breakfast
High-protein smoothie
Snack
Protein shake
Lunch
Blended high-protein soup
Snack
Smooth Greek yogurt (or drink)
Dinner
High-protein smoothie or blended soup
Bedtime snack
Glass of high-protein milk
Full-fluid recipes
Protein smoothie
½ to 1 cup milk or milk alternative
¼ cup soft fruit (banana, canned peaches)
1 scoop protein powder
Blend until smooth.
Protein yogurt drink
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup milk or milk alternative
½ scoop flavoured protein powder
Mix or blend until smooth.
Protein soup
1 cup smooth or blended soup
¼ cup milk or high-protein milk
½ scoop unflavoured protein powder
Mix well. Heat gently. Blend if needed.
Choosing protein supplements
At least 15–20 g protein per serving
Less than 5 g sugar per serving
Caffeine-free
If lactose intolerant: choose whey isolate, or soy or pea protein
Stage 3 · Weeks 2–3
Pureed foods
This stage introduces thicker foods while your stomach continues to heal. All foods must be blended smooth — like baby-food texture.
High-protein pureed foods
Pureed meat or fish (blended with broth or gravy)
Smooth cottage cheese
Ricotta cheese
Smooth Greek yogurt
Soft scrambled eggs (blend if needed)
Silken tofu
Pureed beans or lentils
Include in moderation
Hot cereal made with high-protein milk
Pureed cooked vegetables
Unsweetened applesauce
Small amount of mashed potato or sweet potato
Avoid
Anything with chunks or pieces
Raw vegetables or fruits
Bread, rice, or pasta
Seeds, nuts, or skins
Example of a pureed day
Breakfast
Plain Greek yogurt with 2–4 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
Snack
Protein smoothie
Lunch
Blended high-protein soup
Snack
Cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
Dinner
Pureed fish (thinned with broth) with a small amount of pureed vegetable
Bedtime snack
Protein shake or high-protein milk
How to make pureed food
Cook foods until very tender
Put in a blender or food processor
Add liquid (milk, broth, gravy, or water) to help blend
Blend until completely smooth
Add seasonings (pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
Tip: Freeze extra portions in cube trays for easy meals or smoothies later.
The amount you eat at a meal should gradually increase to ½ cup of food.
Stage 4 · Weeks 4–5
Soft foods
This stage introduces more texture. Foods should be soft enough to mash with a fork. You no longer need to blend everything.
High-protein soft foods
Soft, moist meats with sauce or broth
Fish (including canned tuna or salmon)
Soft scrambled or boiled eggs
Tofu
Well-cooked lentils or beans
Cottage cheese, ricotta, or other soft cheeses
Include in moderation
Mashed cooked vegetables
Small amount of mashed potato, sweet potato, or soft grains
Soft cooked or canned fruits
Avocado
Nut butters (smooth)
Avoid
Raw vegetables or fruits
Tough or chewy meats
Seeds, nuts, or skins
Bread (often hard to tolerate at this stage)
Example of a soft-food day
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs (add egg whites for extra protein) with a small amount of soft fruit
Snack
Protein smoothie
Lunch
Canned tuna with 1–2 crackers and a small amount of cooked vegetables
Snack
Cottage cheese with a small amount of fruit
Dinner
Chicken with sauce or gravy, a small amount of steamed vegetable and mashed potato
Bedtime snack
Greek yogurt with a small amount of blueberries
The amount you eat at a meal should gradually increase to ½–1 cup of food.
Stage 5 · Week 6 and beyond
Regular foods
You can now eat regular textured foods — but remember, your stomach is still much smaller. This is how you will eat for the rest of your life.
Daily eating guidelines
Eat 3–5 meals per day, plus snacks if needed to meet protein goals
Eat protein first at every meal
Include a vegetable or fruit with each meal
Keep starch portions small
Introduce new foods one at a time
Chew all food thoroughly (20–30 chews per bite)
Eat slowly — take 20–30 minutes for each meal
Stop eating when you feel satisfied (not full or stuffed)
Drinking guidelines
Drink 6–8 cups of fluid per day; water should be your main drink
Sip throughout the day
Limit caffeine to 2–3 cups of coffee per day (400 mg max)
Do not drink with meals — wait 30 minutes after eating
Limit or avoid alcohol — it is absorbed faster after surgery and is high in calories
⚠ Important
Remember, you must take vitamins for life.
Don’t drink liquid with meals.
Alcohol absorption can be much higher and the risk of addiction increases after surgery. Best practice is to avoid alcohol.
The amount you eat at a meal should gradually increase to 1–1½ cups of food.
For Life
Food choices for life after surgery
Choose most often
Chicken and turkey
Lean meats
Fish and seafood
Eggs and egg whites
Greek yogurt and cottage cheese
Tofu and tempeh
Low-fat milk and milk alternatives
Vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Fruit (fresh, frozen, or canned in water)
Beans and lentils
Whole grains in small portions (whole-grain bread, quinoa, brown rice, oats)
This guide is based on Obesity Canada guidelines. We have also modified, with permission, aspects of guides printed elsewhere by the Halifax Obesity Network and the Truro Obesity Care team, and we appreciate their generosity. This guide is for patients in the Western Zone Bariatric Surgery Program. Always follow the advice of your healthcare team; your dietitian will help adjust these guidelines to fit your individual needs.
Prefer a printable copy?
This page is the complete guide. The same content is also available as a print-friendly Nutrition Guide for Bariatric Surgery (PDF).