Wondering what to eat after gastric sleeve surgery? Focusing on proper nutrition after surgery is key to supporting your recovery, preventing complications, and setting yourself up for long-term success.

The best part of the gastric sleeve is that, with time, you’ll be able to enjoy all the foods you love—just in smaller portions.

Making healthy choices and maintaining those habits will help you get the most out of your surgery. There’s no secret here—the sleeve is a tool to help with weight loss, but a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise are what will help you keep it off.

The MyLife Bariatrics team is here to support you every step of the way.

The diet pre-gastric sleeve surgery is important, but so is the after-surgery diet.

You want to make sure you’re eating nutritious foods that are also easy on your stomach. Having menu options is important and helps you get through the transition period.

We explore some of the best foods that pack a nutritious punch, ensuring that you prevent nutrient deficiencies, especially in protein, iron, calcium and vitamins.

What To Eat After Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Top 10 Foods

After gastric sleeve surgery, you will need to transition from liquids to solids over the course of the first month. By one month after surgery, you’re eating regular solids in smaller portions. This list includes both, liquids and solids, giving you ideas on what to include on your menu as you recover from surgery.

Aim to include protein-rich foods – at least 80 grams of protein per day. These will help with the healing process post-surgery.

1. Broth-Based Soups

Let’s start with clear broths, which are essential for the first stages post-surgery. Broths are an excellent transition food, full of nutrients and hydration in an easy-to-digest form. They also don’t strain your stomach while ensuring you have the essential electrolytes your body needs.

Ideally, make your broth-based soup at home so you can control the quality of your ingredients. Low-sodium, low-fat options of chicken, beef or vegetable broth are best.

To add some variation, drop in egg whites for an “egg drop” broth.

2. Low-Fat or No-Fat Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is an ideal option for meeting your protein needs. High in protein and low in sugar, it’s not heavy on the stomach. Greek yogurt assists with muscle recovery and contains probiotics that support gut health.

Opt for low-fat or non-fat versions without added sugars first. Later on, you can mix in soft fruits to make it into a snack.

3. Soft Scrambled Eggs

Another protein-rich source is eggs. They also have essential minerals and vitamins such as Vitamin D, B12 and iron. To ensure they are easy on the stomach serve eggs scrambled softly, just until they have a tender consistency. Start with small portions first to avoid discomfort.

4. Cottage Cheese

Another versatile and high source of protein is cottage cheese. When it’s low in fat, cottage cheese is a perfect option that satiates. In the initial transition period, the soft texture of cottage cheese makes it easy to digest.

While you can eat it plain, you can also include soft fruits in your cottage cheese for added flavour and nutrients.

5. Mashed Vegetables

Pureed carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and zucchini are all soft and easy to digest. They’re also full of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Steam or boil them until tender and then blend them until easy to digest.

Pair them with mashed potatoes and cottage cheese for a meal.

6. Mashed Potatoes

These are an ideal transition food when kept plain without butter. Super gentle on the stomach, they satiate and are a tasty addition to your meal. Season them with herbs for flavour.

7. Protein Smoothies

Protein shakes or smoothies are a great way to get nutrients and hydration, as well as fruits and vegetables in a drinkable form. You get the protein, vitamins and minerals that you need.

Choose smoothies or shakes that are low-sugar. A good blend includes unsweetened almond milk, spinach, protein powder, and berries. Avoid using sugar additives like honey or maple syrup.

8. Soft Fruits

The best fruits to have in the beginning are those that don’t have seeds or skins. This is why bananas, peeled peaches and avocados are great choices.

Bananas are rich in potassium, and peaches are full of Vitamin C. Meanwhile, avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, supporting healing and nutrient absorption.

Mash and puree them and add them to your smoothies, Greek yogurt and cottage cheese to change things up.

9. Pureed Soups

Once the initial transition period is over, you can graduate to pureed vegetable and chicken soups. They’re nutritious, comforting and gentle on the stomach.

To control ingredients and sodium levels, opt for homemade versions. Consider soups like butternut squash, creamy carrot and ginger soup, or pureed chicken vegetable soup. There are many other options with ingredients such as sweet potato, lentil, tomato basil, broccoli and cauliflower.

The trick is to make it smooth and easy to digest.

10. Ground or Shredded Chicken

It’s easy to chew and digest and adds a punch of lean protein to your diet. Ground or shredded chicken is a great addition to your post-gastric sleeve surgery menu.

Ideally, use it in a broth or with a low-fat sauce to keep it moist and easy to eat. Pair it with your mashed potatoes and vegetables and you have a complete meal. Season it with herbs for added flavour.

MyLife Bariatrics Aftercare: Helping You On Your Journey

You now have a list of ideas of what to eat after gastric sleeve surgery, to keep your body nourished and healing. By making smart food choices, you’ll be on the road to recovery faster.

At MyLife Bariatrics, our comprehensive AfterCare program is designed to give you the support and confidence you need. Our bariatric surgeons, Dennis, Ari and Karim and dedicated dietitians, Sarah and Ellie, are experts in the field, guiding you every step of the way. You can trust that you’re in capable hands, with a team committed to your success and well-being, ensuring you feel fully supported before, during, and after surgery.

Book a consultation with us today or call MyLife Bariatrics at (416) 249-7899 to learn more about gastric sleeve surgery in Toronto.

You can also visit mylifebariatrics.com and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.