Congratulations! You’ve made the life changing decision to have weight loss surgery and begin the journey to a life full of possibilities you didn’t have before. We created this website to make your journey as easy as possible by providing you with various products, services, recipes, and to make the experience that much easier.
These are great recipes for the puree phase after weight loss surgery
In your aftercare packet, your doctor probably provided detailed expectations for what your diet should look like in the weeks leading up to and following your operation. But what it might not contain, is a recipe book full of delicious puree phase options for you to enjoy as your stomach continues to heal!
For our friends still within a week of your surgery date, this blog isn’t for you! Not yet at least. During the first week of your post-op diet, most doctors will recommend you consume ONLY clear liquids as to not agitate your healing stomach! But you can still bookmark this page for when it’s time!
“What about two weeks?”
Nope! Not yet. Still too soon. However, most doctors will graduate you from the clear liquids onto full liquids, like blended soups. Better than clear liquids I’m sure, but still not quite to the puree stage, which is what this blog is about!
Now, for the main event…of this blog.
You’ve made it through the clear liquids. You’ve made it through the full liquids. It’s time for a bit of texture – purees! Though more filling than your previous two food stages, you may find yourself inundated with recipes on the sweeter side of things while what you really crave is a nice savory meal! Well, we’ve got good news for you. We did the homework and compiled an extensive list of puree recipes for you to pick your favorites and make this post-op stage a breeze!
Check out our YouTube Playlist full of bariatric puree phase recipes
The first thing to be aware of with this stage is your macronutrients. Definitely abide by the recommendations provided by your doctor, but generally speaking, women should aim for 50 to 60 grams of protein daily, and 60 to 70 grams daily for men. (Protein supplements can help you achieve this goal as well – take a look through our Bariatric Product Directory if you’re in need of supplements!) And, as always, PLENTY of water! Add all this into your 20 minutes of exercise and your well on your way to achieving your goal weight!
Keep scrolling for more recipes to help you get through the puree phase after bariatric surgery
So, with that out of the way, let’s discuss a few misconceptions and common questions that might come along with the phase.
Purees vs. Mushies
At first glance, it might appear that the two are one in the same. But that is a painful mistake to make! Consuming food that is too thick for your stomach to break down can lead to a stuffed esophagus, uncomfortable gas pains, dumping, bloating, and other super uncomfortable symptoms! So. steer clear until then.
“Well then how do I differentiate between purees and mushies?”
Pureed foods are your foods that won’t be thicker than the consistency of a dense yogurt, and without any lumps, bumps or clumps, whereas the mushy foods typically let you get away with mashed vegetables and soft cooked meats. But it is very important for both your healing and comfort that you don’t mix the two! But don’t fret. We have created for you an all in one guide full of puree phase bariatric recipes to enjoy that won’t upset your stomach!
Breakfast
Strawberry Chia Overnight Oats https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/strawberry-chia-overnight-oats/
The perfect way to avoid impulse breakfast buys, check out this Strawberry Chia Overnight Oats recipe! Preparing the recipe was done in less than 15 minutes, and in the morning, we had a light and satisfying breakfast in a cute mason jar to treat us all week! Feel free to substitute with your favorite seasonal fruit or berry to personalize it!
Savory Grits https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/savory-grits/
We revamped your favorite breakfast recipe for the bariatric patient and hungry diner alike! Delicious flavor aside, we love how versatile this recipe is in that it can easily be adapted for after you have graduated the puree phase! Add your favorite protein like turkey sausage or shrimp for a real treat!
Apple & Ricotta Puree https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/apple-and-ricotta-puree/
Sweet and absolutely tasty, we guarantee this will be at the top of your puree phase favorites during those chilly nights. Everything you love about holiday flavors is brought to you in puree form. Don’t just keep it around for the pureed diet, this can be a favorite for years
Lunch/Dinner
Zesty Lemon Ricotta Puree https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/lemon-ricotta-puree-bariatric-recipe/
Our Lemon Ricotta puree phase recipe is dense and very filling. The combination of ricotta and lemon zest make for a vibrant pop of flavor as soon as you take your first bite.
Lemon Dill Salmon Puree https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/lemon-dill-salmon-puree/
Bursting with nutritional value, we couldn’t complete the list without at least one salmon recipe to benefit your body! High in B Vitamins, protein, and more, this salmon will help control your calorie and nutrient intake! We are so confident that you will enjoy this recipe far past your puree phase. Feel free to pair it with your favorite low-carb cracker, or even spoon onto crunchy cucumber slices for a real nutritional boost!
Black Bean Puree https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/black-bean-puree/
For the protest-free dinner meal, definitely start here! This black bean puree reminds us of the best part of a hearty nacho dish made post-op friendly. Bursting with flavor and protein from the black beans, you will be shocked something so healthy can taste so good! It’s not just for the pureed phase, you can enjoy this bariatric recipe for years after surgery.
Garlic & White Bean Puree https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/delicious-garlic-white-bean-puree-bariatric-recipe/
The main ingredient, white beans, will help fulfill your protein goals for the day AND makes the dish very filling! Perfect for weight loss and post-bariatric surgery patients, this recipe will keep you full with delicious and healthy ingredients.
Ricotta Bake
https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/ricotta-bake/
This is probably one of the most popular savory-pureed recipes for after weight loss surgery. Here is our version. This is also great for a regular bariatric meal prep recipe after surgery.
Pumpkin Soup
https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/my-bariatric-solutions-pumpkin-soup/
OK, just because we made this recipe in fall does not mean you can only eat it in cooler weather! This pumpkin soup is savory and filling. Did we also mention that it’s delicious? If you are looking for a recipe to help you get through the puree phase, you need to make this soup
Spinach Artichoke Bake https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/spinach-artichoke-bake/
This mouthwatering, savory dish will help you through the pureed diet stage. We changed up a spinach artichoke dip to be lower calorie and made sure to blend until it was pureed. This is the most important part of the recipe, so take your time. This makes enough that you can share as a dip, or meal prep and have a non-sweet pureed option every day!
Chicken Congeehttps://wlsafterlife.com/blog/chicken-congee/
Chicken congee, also called rice porridge, is an Asian comfort food. We think it’s also perfect in the pureed phase after weight loss surgery. Basically it is rice cooked down to the consistency of oatmeal, seasoned with salt, pepper and a little soy sauce, chicken congee is a savory break from the many sweet options of the pureed diet.
Pureed Egg Salad https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/pureed-egg-salad/
Our pureed egg salad is a must-try for those that are a fan of regular egg salad. You still get the same great taste, just with a pureed texture. This recipe is incredibly nutritious since eggs, in general, are among the most nutritious foods, containing a variety of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B5, B12, and more.
Chili Lime Bean Puree https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/chili-lime-bean-puree/
This puree is an explosion of Mexican-inspired flavors that will have you looking forward to your next meal. For those of you who have passed your puree phase, you can still enjoy this recipe as a side dish for your favorite Mexican dish.
Sweet Potato Quinoa Puree https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/sweet-potato-quinoa-puree/
Stick to your healthy habits during the holidays with our Sweet Potato Quinoa bariatric puree. Perfect for those who is in the puree phase of the bariatric diet but easily enjoyable for anyone looking for a healthy dish and doesn’t want to sacrifice taste.
Harvest Puree https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/harvest-puree/
Our fall-inspired Harvest Puree Recipe is a combination of squash, apples, corn, and sage. Unlike any puree phase recipe you’ve had, our Harvest Puree is loaded with vitamins and is so good we dare you to only take one bite.
Dessert
Chocolate Chia Protein Pudding https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/chocolate-chia-protein-pudding/
For those new to the chia seed kick, these mighty seeds pack a punch in fiber and protein intake. We combine these nutrient benefits into a fluffy, chocolatey delight with this Chocolate Chia Protein Pudding! Though we didn’t do so before prepping this item, you can definitely pre-soak the chia seeds in the milk so that they can expand and enhance that chocolate flavor we love so much!
Protein Whip: https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/neapolitan-protein-whip/
One of us in the office said this tastes like cake batter, but we want you to take the test! Airy from the sugar free Cool Whip and delectably sweet from the cake mix and protein powder, this is hands down one of our favorite guilt-free sweets. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try pouring the mixture into popsicle molds for an icy treat!
Strawberry & Almond Butter Whipped Puree https://wlsafterlife.com/blog/whipped_cottage_cheese_puree_recipe/
This recipe makes for a delicious whipped puree with the natural sweetness of strawberries and almond butter.
Keep checking back as we will continue to add recipes to this page!
If you need a bariatric tool to help with your puree phase recipes, head over to our Amazon Storefront for tools like these!
We hope this guide armed you with plenty of recipes to test, modify, and enjoy! Made any of our recipes? Take a food pic and tag us on social! Happy cooking!
We recommend our WLS Afterlife viewers follow their doctor’s dietary guidelines, regardless of our recipe instructions. Don’t forget to control your portions after weight loss surgery.
WLS Afterlife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking tohttps://www.amazon.com/. WLS Afterlife will earn from qualifying purchases. This will not increase your cost.
Recipe videos by MD Integrated Marketing
