The Full Liquid Diet: Here is What and How to Eat

Name: Protein-Packed Cream of Wheat
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups Water or Skim Milk; 3 tbsp Cream of Wheat (Red Box); 1 Scoop Vanilla or Chocolate Protein Powder; 1/4 cup Skim Milk (Or amount needed to thin-down)

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Recipes

It’s fun to start getting a little creative during this stage. You might be craving something to chew, at which point I’d suggest sugar-free ice pops from the clear liquid stage. Some of these recipes are pretty basic, but provide tips for eating the foods at this stage that I wish someone had told me.

Protein-Packed Cream of Wheat

Nicky

Cream of Wheat is always a comfort food, but adding some protein powder provides sweetness and helps us get closer to our protein goals during the full liquid diet.

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Prep Time 2 mins

Cook Time 5 mins

Course Breakfast

Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups Water or Skim Milk
3 tbsp Cream of Wheat Red Box
1 Scoop Vanilla or Chocolate Protein Powder
1/4 cup Skim Milk Or amount needed to thin-down

Instructions

Bring water to a boil, or if using milk, bring just to a boil.
Add Cream of Wheat, stirring constantly with a wire whisk until well blended
Return to a boil, reduce heat to low, simmer uncovered for 2 1/2 minutes, stirring frequently
Cool completely. Once cool, add the protein powder of your choice.
Add in 1/4 cup milk, or enough milk to thin it down. It should be the consistency of smooth applesauce.
Divide into servings and reheat as necessary.

Notes

The first part of the recipe are the instructions from the Cream of Wheat box. Wait until the Cream of Wheat is cooled down before adding the protein powder, as adding protein powder to hot liquids creates an unpleasant consistency.

Keyword cream of wheat, protein

A container of Greek yogurt against a pink background. The Full Liquid Diet: Here is What and How to Eat | Plus 5 Recipes | Graphic | Full liquid diet menu, full liquid diet plan for weight loss, foods for full liquid diet

Thinned Down Yogurt

Nicky

Yogurt provides a good flavor change during the full liquid diet while providing some extra protein.

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Prep Time 3 mins

Course Breakfast, Snack

Servings 3 Servings

Ingredients

1 5.3 oz Container of low sugar, low fat Greek Yogurt
5.3 oz Skim, almond, or soy milk

Instructions

Measure out 2 ounces of yogurt from the container
Mix with 2 ounces of milk to make it thinner. You can adjust the amount as needed. You're looking for the consistency of thin applesauce.

Notes

My favorite yogurt for this stage is Dannon Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt. It’s all the flavor you crave without the fat and added sugar. The coffee and banana cream flavors are awesome.

Keyword milk, yogurt

Tomato soup in a white bowl surrounded by cherry tomatoes. The Full Liquid Diet: Here is What and How to Eat | Plus 5 Recipes | Graphic | Full liquid diet menu, full liquid diet plan for weight loss, foods for full liquid diet

Thinned-Down Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is so savory and delicious, and a nice break from the other sweet items on the full liquid diet.

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Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 3 mins

Course Soup

Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients

1 can Tomato Soup
1 can Milk or Water

Instructions

Open the can of tomato soup and pour into a blender
Fill the empty can with water, or use milk for added protein and richness
Empty the water or milk into the blender. Blend until smooth and well combined.
Pour through a fine-mesh sieve to make sure there are no bits remaining.
Heat in a pan on the stove for 2-5 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes

Notes

Remember that you don’t want any chunks of food at this stage, as it will cause pain and a possible blockage.

Keyword milk, tomato soup

An orange creamsicle protein shake surrouned by oragned and a banana. The Full Liquid Diet: Here is What and How to Eat | Plus 5 Recipes | Graphic | Full liquid diet menu, full liquid diet plan for weight loss, foods for full liquid diet

Orange Creamcicle Protein Shake

Nicky

Who doesn't love a good creamcicle? This shake feels decadent and smooth during the full liquid diet.

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Prep Time 5 mins

Course Side Dish

Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients

2 Scoops Vanilla Protein Powder
1 tsp Orange Extract
1/2 Cup Ice
6 ounces Milk

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a blender
Blend until smooth

Notes

Remember not to use a straw at this point. You could eat this with a baby spoon if you it’s too cold against your teeth to drink from a cup.

Keyword orange creamcicle, protein shake

Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake

One of my absolute favorite protein shakes, this peanut butter banana version feels a bit guilty, but it's totally perfect for the full liquid diet.

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Prep Time 5 mins

Course Drinks

Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients

2 Scoops Banana Cream Protein Powder
2 tbsp Peanut Butter Powder Like PB2
1/2 Cup Ice
6 ounces Skim Milk

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a blender.
Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

Notes

Again, remember not to use a straw at this point. You can eat this shake with a baby spoon if the cold is too much for your teeth.

Keyword banana, peanut butter, protein shake

Healing and Energy

The best part of the full liquid diet is that you start gaining your energy back. The protein you consume helps heal your body, and you start feeling like yourself again. The full liquid diet after surgery focuses on hydration and protein to promote healing. It allows your new stomach to easily digest food, so it doesn’t interfere with the healing process. You’ll consume products with added milk like pudding, yogurt, blended soups and Cream of Wheat. Start protein shakes now to meet your protein goals. Soon, you’ll be ready for the next stage — pureed foods! Stay tuned for the next stage!

Don’t forget – you can download a complete full liquid diet grocery list and menu plan. You need this valuable download to know the exact foods to buy to prepare for life after bariatric surgery. Plus, get exclusive tips and a daily sample menu for you to use after your surgery. Take the stress out of bariatric surgery and get your free download today!

In Summary

What can I eat on the full liquid diet after bariatric surgery?

In addition to your protein shakes, which you can make with milk for added protein, or blend until smooth with ice in a blender for a thicker taste, you can also have soups, thinned-down Cream of Wheat or oatmeal, yogurt and pudding. When you have soups, make sure they are blended and strained so that you don’t get any bits of food. Tomato soup with milk tasted so good at this point. To thin-down Cream of Wheat, oatmeal, yogurt, or pudding, add some milk, about a tablespoon. Stir well to combine. Check out the recipes in this post for more information.

Is oatmeal considered a full liquid diet?

Oatmeal is allowed at this stage, but you must cook the oats well. Pour the cooked oatmeal into a blender and add an equal amount of milk or water. Blend thoroughly until it’s completely liquified. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer to get out solid pieces that remain. Remember, after bariatric surgery you cannot have pieces of food until you get to the soft foods stage.