The Staged Path
Bariatric programs progress through phases to protect the healing pouch and teach new eating:
| Phase | Timing | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear/full liquid | Weeks 1–2 | 300–600 | 40–60 g (liquid) |
| Soft/pureed | Weeks 3–6 | 600–800 | 60–80 g |
| Stable | 2+ months | 1000–1200 | 60–100 g |
Calorie needs also fall because the surgery restricts volume and (for bypass/duodenal switch) reduces absorption.
Rules That Hold Across Phases
- Protein first at every meal.
- No drinking with meals (fills the pouch, leaches nutrients) — separate fluids by ~30 min.
- Chew thoroughly and stop at fullness.
Our Bariatric Calculator models these ranges by phase. See bariatric protein needs and the Bariatric hub.
Educational only. Follow your surgical team's exact protocol; ranges here are planning estimates.