1. After 2 weeks on the Soft Diet, you may begin the Regular Diet if ready. You may be ready for this phase 1 or 2 months after weight loss surgery. Everybody progresses differently.
2. This is the last stage of the diet progression following weight loss surgery. Continue to add new foods in slowly. Raw fruits and vegetables can be added in as tolerated. You may want to avoid the skin and membranes on fruit.
3. Follow a low fat diet and avoid simple sugars for life. Your protein goal remains at a minimum of 60 grams each day. For successful weight loss, caloric intake may range between 800-1200 calories each day. Ask your registered dietitian how many calories is appropriate for you.
4. Continue to eat 5-6 small meals each day. As your pouch expands, 3 small meals and 1-2 high protein snacks may be more appropriate.
5. Continue to take your prescribed supplements for life.
6. Keep yourself hydrated! Always include 6-8 cups of water and low calorie beverages daily.
7. Continue to track your daily intake and activities. Include calories, protein, fluids, supplements, and exercise.
The following are examples of foods from each food group that are included on a Regular Diet.
Meat Group (7 grams protein per serving)
¼ cup egg substitute, 2 egg whites, or 1 egg
¼ cup fat free or 1% cottage cheese
1 ounce cooked lean meats (chicken, turkey, pork, fish, beef)
1 Tbsp peanut butter
1 ounce lean luncheon meats
1 ounce low-fat cheese
½ cup cooked beans, peas, or lentils
Milk Group (8 grams protein per serving)
1 cup fat free or 1% milk
¾ cup no sugar added/low fat "lite" yogurt
1 cup sugar free pudding made with fat free or 1% milk
1 cup cream soup made with milk
Starch Group (3 grams protein per serving)
1 slice of bread (may be tolerated better toasted
4-6 crackers
½ cup cooked cream of wheat/rice/oatmeal
¾ cup unsweetened dry cereal
½ cup potatoes, winter squash, corn, or peas
1/3 cup rice, pasta
1 cup broth based soup
Fruit Group (0 grams protein per serving)
½ cup canned "lite" fruit
½ banana or small fresh fruit (avoid skins and membranes)
½ cup unsweetened, diluted fruit juice (limit to ½ cup a day)
Vegetable Group (2 grams protein per serving)
½ cup cooked non-starch vegetables
1 cup raw non-starchy vegetables
Fat Group
1 tsp margarine or oil
2 tsp diet margarine
1 tsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp low fat mayonnaise or salad dressing
