Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook

34 Part I: Eating Right with Every Bite

Stage 4: Soft Foods

Soft foods — finally! (Some surgeons consider this part of the puréed phase,

so be sure to check your personal instructions.) By now you’re probably

feeling and looking pretty good but are a little tired of the liquids and smooth

foods and ready to kick things up a bit. Be patient. This fourth stage may last

two to three weeks, but remember, the slow progression your surgeon has

prescribed is for the best. The last thing you want to do is get a piece of food

stuck. We’ve seen it happen, and trust us, it is not pleasant!

If you’re bored with your diet, look at what you’re eating. Is it the same thing

over and over? Get creative! Use some of the recipes in this book. You can

make each stage more interesting and satisfying by using a little creativity.

You can eat hassle-free

This is a good time to begin to think about how to meet your nutritional

needs without the use of supplements. As you eat, ask yourself “Is this a

healthy food for me that will help me reach my health goals?” A well-balanced

diet can provide all the vitamins and minerals you need. This means lean

protein, low-fat or fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and small

amounts of healthy fats. Variety is key! Keep healthy foods handy and get

unhealthy foods out of the house.

In this stage you’ll find it a little easier to get your protein requirements

without using supplements. You can add in the following soft foods, some of

which are high in protein:

✓ Finely ground or minced tuna, shrimp, scallops, and whitefish

✓ Finely ground or minced chicken, turkey, veal, pork, and beef

What can I eat between meals?

You may feel hungry between meals, but eating

all day long will sabotage your weight-loss

efforts, even if you only eat a little at one time.

People often think they’re hungry when they’re

actually thirsty. Since you’re not drinking with

meals, between meals is the perfect time to

be sipping liquids, which may keep hunger

pangs at bay. If you’re lacking enough protein

for the day, having a small amount of protein

supplement between meals may be your

answer. (Just remember to wait 30 minutes

after drinking a supplement before you begin

sipping other liquids.) You can also indulge in

some sugar-free gelatin, a sugar-free ice pop,

or sugar-free pudding.