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Recovering from bariatric surgery is a step toward better health, and your diet plays a big role in the process. In the weeks after surgery, your stomach is healing and can only handle small amounts of soft, easy-to-digest foods. That’s where bariatric puree recipes come in. These foods help you meet your nutrition needs without straining your digestive system.
During the puree stage of recovery, you’ll need to blend foods to a smooth, pudding-like consistency. This might sound limiting, but there are plenty of delicious and nourishing foods you can make and then puree to achieve the proper texture. By focusing on high protein pureed food, you’ll get much-needed protein that supports healing and prevents muscle loss while reducing the risk of discomfort, nausea, or complications. Pureed foods can also include soft fruits and vegetables, which add fiber and important vitamins and minerals to your diet.
After bariatric surgery, nutrition becomes especially important. Your body is adjusting to a smaller stomach and a new way of processing food. Eating the right kinds of foods in the right consistency can:
That’s why pureed bariatric recipes are a key step before you transition to more solid textures. They provide an easy way to get balanced nutrition in a form your body can tolerate.
This collection of bariatric pureed food recipes from the Health eCooks chefs and dietitians includes healthy, high-protein foods that can be blended into a smooth texture. These dishes don’t come with detailed puree instructions because the consistency you need may vary based on your stage of recovery and your doctor’s advice. Once prepared, use a blender or food processor, adding liquid until you reach the desired texture, and check out our blog on how to puree food for more info.
Also, keep in mind that portion sizes for the recipes will be smaller than quoted, and some people may be advised not to eat certain foods. Above all else, follow the advice of your dietitian or bariatric medical team about the foods, portion sizes, and consistency that are appropriate for you.
Cook the oats and eggs until soft, then blend them with the avocado and a splash of milk or broth to create a smooth, protein-rich pureed meal.
Once the chicken, vegetables, and rice are fully tender, blend with broth until it reaches a velvety, uniform texture that’s easy to tolerate after surgery.
This smoothie is naturally blended—just be sure it’s whipped until completely lump-free so it goes down smoothly.
Instead of serving chunky, puree the protein-packed tuna, chickpeas, and vegetables with the dressing until silky so it’s gentler on your stomach.
These can be blended warm with a little liquid, like milk or broth, to create a smooth, egg-based puree that delivers plenty of protein.
Blend the soaked oats and yogurt mixture until it’s creamy and free of any lumpy texture, turning this high-protein breakfast into a puree-friendly option.
Simmer the chili until soft, then puree the turkey, beans, and veggies until smooth and spoonable. Add a bit of broth or water if you need to thin it out.
Already an easy-to-eat food, just blend this high protein soup until completely smooth and creamy, and strain through a sieve to remove any lumps to make it easier to digest.
Cook the oats and fruit and blend with milk and fruit until silky for a nourishing, easy-to-eat puree. Use a fine mesh sieve to remove lumps, if necessary.
Blend the cooked frittata with a small amount of liquid until smooth, creating a veggie-and-egg puree that’s gentle yet filling.
When pureeing food for your post-bariatric surgery diet, keep these tips in mind to achieve the best results:
Pureed foods are a short-term step in your bariatric journey, but they’re an important one. Starting with well-balanced bariatric puree recipes will prepare you for the soft-food stage and eventually a regular, healthy diet. By using these and other high protein recipes, you’ll build confidence in making meals that nourish your body and support your new lifestyle. And once you’re ready to move on to solid food, you’ll find that these recipes may just become new favorites.
*No information provided by Health eCooks in any blog or recipe is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Health eCooks strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional.