Final answer:
The diet progression following bariatric surgery involves four stages: clear liquid, liquid, pureed, and regular. Each stage introduces foods with increased texture and consistency, gradually transitioning the patient back to a regular diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diet progression following bariatric surgery typically involves four stages: clear liquid, liquid, pureed, and regular. The diet gradually progresses from clear liquids, such as water and broth, to liquids that are slightly more thick, like milk or protein shakes. Then, the diet transitions to pureed foods that are smooth and easy to digest, and finally, the regular diet is reintroduced.
For example, a clear liquid diet may consist of water, broth, and sugar-free gelatin. In the liquid diet phase, the patient may consume milk, protein shakes, and soup. In the pureed diet phase, the patient would consume foods that are blended to a smooth consistency, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and scrambled eggs. The regular diet phase allows for normal, solid foods to be consumed.