Dietary Stage 3A

7 Days After Surgery

Start Date:

Follow a high protein, pureed diet for days 7-14 after surgery.

Meal Plan:

Goal: minimum 60 grams of protein per day for women and 80 grams of protein per day for men. Continue to avoid straws, caffeine, carbonation, juice, sweet drinks, and alcohol.

• Do not drink anything for 30 minutes before and after your solid meals.

• For 1-2 meals per day, have a “solid meal” that could include a total 1-2 TBSP of:

• Cottage cheese, ricotta cheese

• Fat-free, sugar-free yogurt or fat-free, sugar-free Greek yogurt

• For the other 1-2 meals per day, you can have protein shakes and any of the stage 2 liquids.

• You should have 3 meals per day total from here forward.

• If a food does not settle well, wait to try it again until the next dietary stage.

• Drink 64+ ounces of clear liquid that is sugar-free, calorie-free, and not carbonated. Servings should be less than 10-15 calories.

• Water should be your biggest source. Remember to drink lots!

• Sugar-free popsicles & gelatin

• Sugar-free, non-carbonated waters (Crystal Light, Powerade Zero, Vitamin Water Zero)

• Decaf tea and decaf coffee (avoid caffeine because it is dehydrating)

• Clear broths (chicken, beef, vegetable). Choose low-sodium options.

When in doubt, drink more water. Appropriate hydration is key to the success of this procedure and will help you achieve your long-term health goals.