Weight Loss Surgery Diet

Stage 4 - Soft Diet

Posted: 10/4/23Updated: 2/8/24By Jason Richardson, MD

After completing the pureed diet, patients often move on to the fourth stage, which also lasts for 2 weeks. During this stage, individuals begin consuming slightly more solid foods but still need to choose items that are soft and easy to chew. Examples of suitable foods include soft vegetables, soft fruits, eggs, fish, and tender cuts of meat. It's important for patients to continue avoiding any hard, crunchy, or tough textures as these can cause discomfort or complications. Do not consume more than ½ cup of food during any single meal, and stop eating and drinking before that amount if you start feeling full or uncomfortable. After surgery, patients should only consider moving to a subsequent diet stage if they are tolerating their current diet stage without any problems.

Options to Consider:

Anything from diet Stage 1, Stage 2, or Stage 3

Eggs

Stage 3 items that have been cooked or ripened until soft but not necessarily pureed

Notable Things to Avoid:

Caffeine containing liquids (like coffee or green tea) - May contribute to reflux and heartburn

Avocado - High fat

Beets - Will make your bowel movements appear to be bloody

Especially spicy foods (hot peppers, etc.)

(For surgery that involves stapling) Papayas or pineapples - Might injure some healing tissues

You should make sure that any diet or recipe is approved for you by your own qualified healthcare provider. Do not consume more than ½ cup of food during any single meal. Stop eating and drinking before that amount if you start feeling full or uncomfortable.