18 of the Best Bariatric Diet Recipes (2024)

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What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a surgery for weight loss that is considered when diet and exercise have proven to be ineffective for helping extremely obese individuals lose weight.

It is a major surgery that alters the way an individual’s stomach and small intestine handles food. Bariatric surgery will cause a combination of both a:

  • Reduction in the amount of food that is comfortable to eat
  • Reduction in the absorption of the number of calories

This means that individuals will not be able to eat as much, as their stomachs are smaller, and that the food eaten will no longer travel through all parts of the stomach and small intestine. Weight loss occurs because fewer calories are consumed and absorbed into the body.

18 of the Best Bariatric Diet Recipes (1)

Weight Loss Tips

The following tips can help with any weight loss program, including bariatric surgery.

  • Do not overeat, stop eating as soon as you feel full
  • Eat more frequent smaller meals throughout the day
  • Exercise portion control
  • Eat food high in protein
  • Ensure that you stay hydrated
  • Limit high-carbohydrate foods – high in saturated fats – high in sugar.

Bariatric Diet Recipes

As part of the lifestyle changes needed following bariatric surgery, individuals will need to make changes towards a healthy lifestyle, especially in regard to food and diet.

This usually means choosing more nutritionally dense food and eating smaller portions. While this can be overwhelming, it is critical for maintaining long-term success.

To help make this process a bit easier, a collection of 18 of the best bariatric diet recipes are listed below.

1. Skinny Meatloaf Muffins with Barbecue Sauce

Who can resist muffins, especially ones full of meat? This is one of those bariatric diet recipes that brings together your favorite flavors of meatloaf in easy-to-control portion servings.

Ground turkey and whole wheat breadcrumbs are used, making this a great choice for anyone looking for a healthier version of traditional meatloaf.

Tip: Do not be afraid to experiment with different flavors of BBQ sauce.

2. Chipotle Chicken Fajita Bowls

In a time crunch and need to get dinner on the table fast? With some high protein recipes, bariatric patients can do just that and still stick to their diet.

This is one of them! It is low in carbs and calories but full of flavor. These bowls can also be customized to suit varying tastes and diets.

Cheese can be added to the mix, the cauliflower swapped out for rice or beans, or it can even be made into a salad.

3. Healthy Low Carb Breakfast Burritos

Who says you can’t enjoy bacon and cheese while preparing gastric bypass recipes? These easy breakfast burritos allow you to do just that!

They are low in carbs and high in protein and come in perfect portion-controlled sizes.

This recipe can be used as a base and any of your favorite toppings can be added. It is freezer-friendly, so make a double batch to ensure you always have something healthy to grab in the morning.

Tip: To keep the carb count down on this, make sure that you are using low-carb tortillas.

4. Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Looking for weight loss surgery recipes that still allow you to enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes?

You can, with this easy recipe. It gives traditional enchiladas a keto-friendly makeover.

The secret is replacing the tortillas with cauliflower rice. The result is a delicious tasting, low-carb meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes.

5. Low Carb Keto Chicken Enchiladas

Can enchiladas still be enjoyed while preparing bariatric diet recipes? Absolutely! This recipe lets you do just that by using low-carb tortillas.

Simply cook the chicken and veggies, place them in the tortillas, top them with cheese and sauce, and put them in the oven to bake. In no time, you will have a dish full of Mexican flavor.

Serve this alongside a simple salad or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

6. Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Baked in Foil

This is one of those high protein recipes bariatric patients will savor, as will the rest of the family.

The best part? It comes together in under 20 minutes, using basic pantry staples. Season the salmon, seal it in a foil packet and bake it for 10-15 minutes.

In the time it takes you to prepare a salad to go along with it, the salmon will be done and a restaurant-quality dinner on the table.

7. Strawberry Lemon

Need a refreshing summer treat that you don’t feel guilty about? With these healthy strawberry and lemon popsicles that meet all the requirements for gastric bypass recipes, you can still indulge in your favorite summer treat.

Blend together lemon juice, water, sugar, and strawberries, place the mixture in popsicle molds, and put them in the freezer.

The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for the popsicles to freeze!

Tip: Swap out the strawberries for whatever fruit is in season.

8. Vegan Lentil, Haricot Bean & Chickpea Soup

Searching for high protein recipes bariatric patients that are vegetarians can enjoy?

This simple dish is just what you are looking for! Lentils, chickpeas, and beans are the star of this soup that is full of protein and will keep you feeling full for hours.

Tip: If you like your soup on the spicier side, try adding some chili powder for a hit of heat.

9. Easy Cajun Cauliflower Rice

Who doesn’t love a healthy one-pan meal that is low in carbs? This is one of those weight loss surgery recipes that checks off all the boxes!

This easy cauliflower rice dish is full of flavor, requires only six ingredients, and can be prepared in under 20 minutes.

It is filling enough to serve as a main meal and goes great with a salad or veggies.

10. No-Carb Cloud Bread

Have you heard of cloud bread yet? It is the bread that has no carbs, making it one of the best choices for any weight loss surgery recipes that require bread. Only four basic ingredients are needed to make cloud bread and the process is fairly simple.

Tip: Make sure to take the time to beat the egg whites until they are completely stiff, as that is key to making the bread fluffy and soft.

11. Keto Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

Are you looking for a way to incorporate a wider variety of veggies into your menu planning for bariatric diet recipes?

This spaghetti squash recipe is a delicious and healthy choice, especially in the fall when the squash is in season.

By using spaghetti squash, it puts a low-carb spin on traditional potatoes au gratin. This recipe is easy to make and will make the perfect side dish for any meal.

12. Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Verde

How can you go wrong with chili? Especially if it requires little prep, tastes delicious, and is healthy for you!

With this recipe all you have to do is prep a few veggies, combine them with chicken, seasonings, and a bit of broth and water.

Let them cook and do their thing and then using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your preferred consistency.

While the original version of this recipe uses an InstaPot, it could also be prepared as one of those bariatric slow cooker recipes.

13. Golden red & orange bell pepper soup

Wondering if it possible to make a creamy soup, without using any dairy? With these bariatric diet recipes, you can!

The secret is using sweet potatoes in place of the dairy. Simply cook onions, carrots, and celery until tender, add in some bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and broth, and let simmer until everything is tender.

Once the soup has cooled a bit, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.

The final result is a vibrant colored creamy soup, that packs a powerful nutritional punch.

14. Whole30 BLT Chicken Salad

In search of a healthy alternative to a traditional BLT? This is one of those gastric bypass recipes that puts a healthy twist on an old favorite.

All you have to do is cook your bacon and chicken and then mix them together with mayonnaise, green onions, pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Serve this keto-friendly salad in lettuce cups or just on its own.

Tip: To save time and make this recipe even easier, use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.

15. Powder mug cake recipe

Fudgy gooey brownies that are healthy and full of protein? Yes, please! Not many weight loss surgery recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth, like this one for keto brownies does.

The secret ingredient that makes this magic possible is protein powder. As an added bonus, this recipe is for a single serving which helps to keep your portion control in check.

Tip: To make your brownies even more fudgy and moist, cook them for slightly less time than listed.

16. Bacon cheeseburger cauliflower casserole

Need a sure-fire dish to impress any crowd? With this recipe, ground beef, cheese, and bacon are layered over a cauliflower crust and topped with sauce to create a delicious casserole that would rival any hamburger.

This is one of those bariatric diet recipes that will become a family favorite and might even replace a traditional hamburger.

17. The Best Keto Meatloaf Minis With Low Carb Ketchup

Looking for gastric by-pass recipes that can be prepped ahead of time and are pre-portioned?? Stop searching, these easy mini meatloaves are a perfect idea.

They have a shortlist of ingredients, come together quickly, and are keto-friendly.

Do yourself a favor and make a double batch of these, serve some immediate and keep the rest in the freezer.

18. Low carb pizza casserole

Love pizza but not all the calories and carbs that come along with it?

This is one of those weight loss surgery ideas that let you indulge in the taste of pizza, without the guilt.

Sausages, mushrooms, green peppers, and cauliflower are mixed together and layered with cheese and sauce to make a pizza-like casserole that will win over even the pickiest eaters.

Tip: Customize this and try adding in any of your favorite pizza toppings.

CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME, Liquid Diet Post-Surgery Recipes

18 of the Best Bariatric Diet Recipes (2)

18 of the Best Bariatric Diet Recipes

Instructions

  1. Choose your favorite diet dish!
  2. Prepare ingredients according to the recipe.
  3. Be ready in 30 minutes or less!

Did you make this recipe?

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18 of the Best Bariatric Diet Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best diet after bariatric surgery? ›

High-protein foods include eggs, meats, fish, seafood, tuna, poultry, soy milk, tofu, cottage cheese, yogurt and other milk products. Your goal should be a minimum of 65 to 75 grams of protein a day. Don't worry if you can't reach this goal in the first few months after surgery.

What chocolate can I eat after bariatric surgery? ›

If it's chocolate you crave, a small piece of dark chocolate might do the trick. Be careful using sugar-free candy, because it has a lot of calories and is usually high in fat. The fat and sugar alcohols in sugar-free candy also can bring on dumping.

Can I have cool whip after gastric sleeve? ›

You can also have low-sugar strained soups, sugar-free Carnation Instant Breakfast drink, sugar-free pudding, sugar-free Jello, and sugar-free Cool Whip. Drinking and sipping throughout the day not only keeps your body nourished, it also helps you feel full and satisfied.

Can I ever eat popcorn again after gastric bypass? ›

Because of these characteristics, you must not eat popcorn soon after your bariatric procedure and should consider eliminating it altogether. However, if you decide to have an occasional popcorn snack once you're back to eating solid foods, it should be plain popcorn with no added butter or salt.

Is pineapple good after bariatric surgery? ›

Eat small, frequent meals (three to six small meals a day). Eat slowly to avoid stomach problems. Choose foods that can be pureed, such as: Fruits: apple, pears, peaches, apricots, pineapples, bananas, melons.

Is there anything you can never eat again after bariatric surgery? ›

Since your stomach is about the size of an egg after bariatric surgery, it will need to get enough daily nutrition by you making wise diet choices. A bariatric surgery diet means avoiding foods that provide little or no nutritional value. This includes pastries, sweets, chips, pretzels, rice cakes, and popcorn.

What is the fastest way to lose weight after bariatric surgery? ›

Two-Year Milestone
  1. Eat smaller meals. Pureed foods are on the menu immediately following bariatric surgery and you'll gradually work up to solid foods. ...
  2. Reduce caloric intake. ...
  3. Incorporate daily exercise. ...
  4. Prioritize sleep. ...
  5. Reduce stress.

How to lose belly fat after bariatric surgery? ›

  1. Eat more fiber. People who increase the amount of soluble fiber they eat every day build up less visceral fat over time than people who eat less fiber. ...
  2. Get plenty of protein. ...
  3. Get more aerobic exercise. ...
  4. Reduce stress. ...
  5. Eat more healthy fats. ...
  6. Get enough sleep.
Sep 18, 2017

Can you ever eat pizza again after bariatric surgery? ›

If you frequently enjoy a slice of pizza, you may wonder, 'When can I have pizza after gastric bypass surgery? ' Fortunately, you do not have to eliminate pizza from your diet forever after a bypass surgery, but you should wait for at least 6 weeks before you can comfortably enjoy your delicacy.

Can I eat a cheeseburger after bariatric surgery? ›

Burgers (whether they are turkey burgers or lean beef burgers) make a great 'go to' meal for gastric sleeve patients. Burgers are packed with protein, can be made small to accommodate the smaller portion size of weight loss surgery patients, they are inexpensive, and quick to make.

Are bananas good after bariatric surgery? ›

Bariatric Surgery patients are able to incorporate bananas and other fruits back into their diet at five to six weeks after surgery, as the stomach needs to slowly regain the strength to digest fibrous foods.

What can you never do again after bariatric surgery? ›

Avoid the use of drinking straws, carbonated beverages, chewing gum and ice. They can introduce excess air into your surgically created pouch and cause discomfort. Avoid sugar, sugary foods and beverages, and fruit juices.

Can I eat Ritz crackers after gastric bypass? ›

Dry, crunchy foods are not recommended after gastric bypass surgery because they can be challenging to digest. Dry-roasted nuts, crackers, and pretzels should all be avoided, as these can create a blockage in the stomach or intestine.

When can I eat mashed potatoes after gastric sleeve? ›

After surgery
Time since surgeryRestrictions
24–48 hoursDrink clear, room temperature fluids only
3–7 daysIntroduce liquid foods.
1–2 weeksMove to pureed or mashed foods
2 weeksAdd soft foods and crackers to the diet
2 more rows
Dec 13, 2019

Can you ever eat sweets after gastric bypass? ›

If you've had weight loss surgery, we recommend no more than 2.5 teaspoons of sugar per meal. If you stick to natural, whole foods, staying under this limit will be a breeze. Some common foods to avoid include ice cream, pastries, cakes, sugar-sweetened beverages, and other desserts.

Can you have dessert after bariatric surgery? ›

Can you still eat dessert? Prior to surgery, patients are encouraged to find healthier alternatives to their favorite desserts. That way, you can still enjoy special treats on occasion but avoid regaining weight after surgery. An example of a healthy dessert alternative is a sugar-free popsicle in place of ice cream.

Can I eat dessert after gastric bypass? ›

Sugary foods can spike your blood sugar levels, which can cause weight gain and other health issues. Many of such foods are also high in calories and low in nutritional value. Examples of sugary foods to avoid include candy, cakes, pastries, cookies, ice cream, sodas, and other sugary drinks.

Can you have sugar free hard candy after bariatric surgery? ›

Don't chew gum or eat hard candy. If swallowed, they may block stomach pouch outlet. Sip drinks slowly. Avoid using straws.

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