Bariatric Meals: Planning, Recipes, & Shopping for Your Bariatric Meal

After bariatric surgery, your nutritional needs change quite a bit. Bariatric meals are specially made to give you the right nutrients in smaller, easy-to-digest portions. We're here to offer helpful tips on meal options, share tasty recipes, and guide you on buying bariatric-approved foods online.

What Makes a Good Bariatric Meal?

Bariatric meals are created to meet the unique needs of people who've had weight loss surgery. These meals are designed to give you the most nutrition in small portions, helping with weight loss and overall health. Key things to look for include:

Nutrients

• High in protein: Protein is so important for bariatric patients. It helps maintain muscle, promotes healing, and prevents hair loss (which can happen after surgery). Aim for 60-80 grams of protein per day, focusing on lean sources like chicken, fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy.
• Low in carbs: Eating fewer carbs helps keep the weight off and prevents dumping syndrome, a common post-surgery problem. Choose complex carbs like vegetables and whole grains and avoid simple sugars.
• Low in fat: Bariatric meals are usually low in fat to help with digestion and prevent dumping syndrome.
• Nutrient-dense: Since your stomach is smaller, every bite needs to count. Bariatric meals are packed with vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients to prevent deficiencies.

Digestibility and Portion Control

• Easy to digest: After surgery, your digestive system is more sensitive. Meals should be soft, moist, and well-cooked to avoid discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. Early on, stay away from tough meats, raw veggies, and fibrous foods.
• Small portions: Eating smaller portions is key after bariatric surgery. Most meals are between 1/2 to 1 cup in size. Eating slowly helps you recognize when you're full.

Hydration

• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is very important. However, don't drink with your meals; have liquids between meals to avoid feeling too full.

Bariatric meal plans go through stages, starting with clear liquids after surgery, then soft foods, and finally, a modified regular diet. Each stage sticks to these basic guidelines, gradually introducing more variety. For more information on planning out proper nutrition for your week, check out our 7-day sample bariatric meal plan.

Tasty and Healthy Bariatric-Friendly Recipes

Here are some delicious recipes that are perfect for bariatric patients:

1. Baked Ricotta with Spinach and Herbs

This creamy, flavorful dish is great for the soft food stage. It has 18g of protein and only 6g of carbs per serving. The soft texture makes it easy to eat and digest, and the individual servings help with portion control.

2. Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki and Zucchini Noodles

This protein-packed meal offers 35g of protein per serving. Zucchini noodles are a low-carb pasta alternative, and the tzatziki adds flavor without extra calories. It’s a well-balanced, easy-to-digest meal full of nutrients.

3. Bariatric-Friendly Turkey Meatloaf

This tender and tasty meatloaf is a healthier version of a classic comfort food. With 28g of protein and just 6g of carbs per serving, it’s perfect for bariatric patients. The soft texture is easy on your stomach, and the loaf shape helps with portion control.

While these homemade recipes are excellent options for bariatric patients, preparing meals from scratch isn't always feasible. That's where convenient, pre-made options come in handy. Here's a few bariatric-friendly products that can make your meal planning easier:

Buying Bariatric Meals

While homemade meals are best, sometimes you need something quick and convenient. AmBari Nutrition has a variety of bariatric-approved foods and supplements to support your diet after surgery. Shopping for bariatric meals from a reputable online store can help you take the guesswork out of meal planning.

Bariatric Soups

Our bariatric soups come in different flavors to keep meals interesting. These soups are easy to digest and provide essential nutrients. There's a soup variety pack for anyone that prefers to taste several options before committing to one flavor.

Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal

Our Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast choice. With 15g of protein and only 100 calories per serving, it’s a great way to start your day. It’s also sugar-free and low-fat, making it good for diabetics.

Spicy Cheesy Pasta

For comfort food lovers, our Spicy Cheesy Pasta is a great choice. With 12g of protein and just 130 calories per serving, it’s a tasty meal that fits your bariatric diet plan. The cheesy flavor and spicy kick give you indulgence without the guilt.

Numetra Chocolate Banana Frappe

Our Numetra Chocolate Banana Frappe is perfect for quick meals or snacks. With 20g of protein and only 160 calories per serving, it’s a filling, nutrient-rich option for meal replacements or snacks. It’s also great for those on a full liquid bariatric diet.

Author: Carrie H. Carrie is a passionate health and nutrition writer who transforms complex medical research into accessible, evidence-based content to empower readers to make informed choices about their wellbeing. With a background in science and a dedication to helping others live healthier lives, she provides thoughtful analysis of the latest studies and practical, actionable advice readers can apply to their own lives.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kevin Huffman Dr. Huffman is an accomplished board-certified bariatric physician with extensive clinical experience and expertise in treating obesity. He has trained countless healthcare providers and founded American Bariatric Consultants to develop highly sought-after protocols, training materials and continuing education used widely by medical societies, hospitals and physicians. Dr. Huffman's impact reaches far beyond direct patient care, as he actively prepares the next generation of physicians to achieve board certification in bariatrics, thereby exponentially expanding access to this vital medical treatment.