Dietary Stage 4

4-6 Weeks After Surgery

Start Date:

Follow a high protein, low-fat solid diet from 4-6 weeks after surgery until 6-8 weeks after surgery.

Meal Plan:

Goal: minimum 60 grams of protein per day for women and 80 grams of protein per day for men. Protein is still the focus of your diet.

Continue to avoid straws, caffeine, carbonation, juice, sweet drinks, and alcohol. Add new foods slowly, one at a time to build up tolerance.

• Diet (2-4 Tablespoons of food per meal, depending on the density of food)

• All stage 3B foods

• Tuna, egg, or ham salad with low fat or fat free mayo or plain Greek yogurt

• Lean, moist meats (fish, shellfish, chicken, turkey, ground turkey)

• Deli meats & sliced low-fat cheeses

• Mild chili

• Meatloaf

• Hard boiled or poached eggs

• As food portions increase, your need for supplement protein shakes will decrease.

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

• Foods that are not well-tolerated (avoid these):

• Spicy foods

• Red meat & dry poultry

• Bread, pasta, rice

• Acidic foods like tomato sauce

• Raw fruits and vegetables

• Fibrous foods like popcorn, nuts, and seeds

• Sweet foods

• High fat foods (fried food, dressings, high fat sauces)

Make exercise a regular & long-term habit: 30-60 minutes, every day if possible.

Eat slowly & mindfully. Sit down to eat, and do not snack between meals. Keep daily food records to ensure you are meeting your nutritional goals.