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Bariatric Phase 3: Soft Foods
Bariatric Phase 3 adds soft, easy-to-chew foods to your diet, giving you more choices while keeping your protein at 60–80g a day. This phase typically lasts 4–8 weeks and teaches you to chew slowly, eat small bites, and pick moist foods to get ready for normal eating. We put together this collection of bariatric-friendly soft foods to make shopping simple simpler for you.
Shop Other Bariatric Phases: Bariatric Phase 1 - Clear Liquids | Bariatric Phase 2 - Full Liquids | Regular Bariatric Foods
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After comfortably progressing through the full liquids and purees in Phase 2, Phase 3 - the soft foods diet - further progresses your bariatric recovery by adding tender, mashable solids that require minimal chewing to support sustained nutrition and portion control. This stage, typically lasting 4-8 weeks (starting around week 4-6 post-surgery and up to week 8-12 at home), maintains high-protein intake (60-80g daily) while introducing variety through well-cooked, soft textures to ease the transition to regular eating.
Key Guidelines for the Soft Foods Phase:
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Allowed Foods: Tender, fork-mashable solids (no tough chewing required) that are moist and easy to digest. Prioritize protein sources. Examples include:
- Soft-cooked lean proteins (flaky fish, ground turkey, scrambled eggs, low-fat cottage cheese)
- Well-cooked vegetables (mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, soft green beans; no raw)
- Soft fruits (canned peaches in juice, ripe bananas, applesauce; rinsed to reduce sugar)
- Low-fat dairy (Greek yogurt, soft cheeses, ricotta)
- Soft grains (oatmeal, cream of wheat; small portions)
- Protein-enriched soups (blended with soft chunks, low-sodium)
- Moistened lean meats (shredded chicken in broth, tuna salad without chunks)
- Protein & Fluid Goal: Aim for 60-80g protein daily (15-20g per meal) and sip 64 oz total fluids (separate from meals by 30 minutes). Track to promote muscle maintenance and hydration.
- Avoid: Tough, dry, or stringy foods; raw fruits/veggies; high-fat/fried items; sugary treats (>5g/serving); carbonated drinks, alcohol, or nuts/seeds (at least 3 months); nothing dry or chewy.
- Tips for Success: Chew thoroughly (20-30 times per bite) over 20-30 minutes for 3-5 small meals (4-6 oz each); introduce one new food weekly; keep proteins moist with broth; continue bariatric multivitamins, and continue supplementing with bariatric protein shakes. Advance to Phase 4 (regular bariatric foods) when tolerating varied soft foods and full portions comfortably.
Phase 3 is where patients truly begin to feel like they're eating "real food" again. The key is patience and proper food preparation. Every food should be cooked until it's tender enough that you could mash it with a fork if needed. This ensures your healing stomach can handle the texture safely
— Dr. Kevin Huffman, Bariatric Physician
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does bariatric phase 3 last?
The bariatric phase 3 diet typically lasts 4–8 weeks after surgery, depending on your procedure and tolerance. Most patients transition to phase 4 (regular foods) around week 8–12 when handling soft textures and portions without discomfort.
Can I eat solid proteins right away in phase 3?
Start with moist, tender options like flaky fish or scrambled eggs; introduce one new protein weekly. Chew thoroughly to ensure easy digestion—dry or tough meats are for later phases.
How do I meet my protein goal with soft foods?
Incorporate soft proteins like cottage cheese or ground meats at every meal (15–20g each); supplement with shakes if needed. Aim for 3–5 meals totaling 60–80g to sustain energy and healing.
What if soft foods cause discomfort?
Revert to purees briefly, chew slower (20–30 bites), and reduce portions (start at 2–4 oz). Persistent issues? Contact your team—it may indicate dehydration or rapid eating.
Are raw fruits and veggies allowed in phase 3?
No, stick to cooked or canned soft varieties (e.g., steamed carrots, peaches in juice); raw items risk irritation. Introduce gradually, rinsed to minimize sugar/fiber.
When can I progress to phase 4?
Typically when you can comfortably chew and tolerate varied soft foods at 4–6 oz meals without pain, around week 8. Confirm with your surgeon's follow-up and guidelines.
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