Fact checkedEvidence Based

Evidence Based

This article is objectively based on relevant scientific literature, written by experienced medical writers, and fact-checked by a team of degreed medical experts.

Our team of registered dietitian nutritionists and licensed medical professionals seek to remain objective and unbiased while preserving the integrity of any scientific debate.

The articles contain evidence-based references from approved scientific sites. The numbers* in parentheses (*1,2,3) will take you to clickable links to our reputable sources.

Gastric Sleeve Diet: What To Eat, Avoid, Diet Plan & Tips 2024

Sarah Ryan

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN

Gastric Sleeve Diet
The Gastric Sleeve Diet supports post-surgery recovery and long-term weight management. Photo: Nghi Tran

Gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular surgery that can help you lose excess weight and improve your overall health. This procedure removes a portion of the stomach to reduce food intake and decrease hunger. The procedure itself, though, is not a silver bullet to healthy weight loss. You must also follow dietary guidelines pre and post-gastric sleeve surgery to ensure the best possible outcomes.

You can reach your desired weight loss goals safely and effectively by following a specialized gastric sleeve diet plan, plus tips and guidelines on what low-calorie foods to eat and avoid. It can all seem a little overwhelming, so we have condensed all that information for you into this handy guide!

Gastric Sleeve Meal Plan

Discover the versatility and nutrition-packed choices within our comprehensive gastric sleeve diet plan, designed to provide delicious and satisfying meals while adhering to the dietary guidelines essential for post-surgery success.

  • Breakfast: Protein-Packed Morning Delight
  • Lunch: Lean Green Salad
  • Snack: Nutrient-Packed Nibbles
  • Dinner: Healthy Protein and Veggie Feast
  • Dessert: Berry Bliss

Gastric Sleeve Diet Plan

Once you have passed the liquid diet and pureed foods stage of your post-surgery journey, it is time to reintroduce solid foods. This sample diet plan is designed for at least six to eight weeks post-surgery once your bariatric team has given you the all-clear to reintroduce solid foods to your diet. Soft foods may, of course, still be eaten!

Bariatric Surgery Meal Ideas:

Breakfast: Protein-Packed Morning Delight (Approx. 400 Calories)

Start the day with a balanced breakfast that includes a good source of protein, such as Greek yogurt or eggs. Add some fresh fruit and a whole grain like oatmeal or toast for fiber. You could also opt for a smoothie with some protein powder.

Breakfast
Scrambled eggsTwo
Herbs (e.g., parsley, chives)One tablespoon
GarlicOne clove
Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, spinach)One half cup
ToastTwo slices
Green teaOne cup

Lunch: Lean Green Salad (Approx. 400 Calories)

Choose something light, like a salad with leafy greens; add some fibrous vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers, and top it off with a lean protein, such as grilled chicken or tuna. Make sure to use a minimal amount of dressing to keep calories down. A piece of fresh fruit can be added as well.

Lunch
Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula)Two cups
Cherry tomatoesOne half cup
CucumbersOne half cup
Grilled chicken breast or canned tunaFour oz
Light vinaigrette dressing (use sparingly)One tablespoon
Fresh fruit (e.g., apple or orange)One medium

Snack: Nutrient-Packed Nibbles (Approx. 393 Calories)

Nuts are an excellent snack option because they contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which help regulate appetite hormones. Other snacks could include string cheese or hard-boiled eggs.

Snack
Mixed nutsOne oz
String cheeseOne stick
Hard-boiled eggsTwo

Dinner: Healthy Protein and Veggie Feast (Approx. 1200 Calories)

Fill plates with lean proteins such as fish, chicken, or tofu and non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or Brussels sprouts cooked in olive oil.

Dinner
Grilled or baked salmonSix oz
Steamed broccoliOne cup
Sautéed spinach with olive oilOne cup
Lemon juiceTwo oz

Dessert: Berry Bliss (Approx. 205 Calories)

Choose low-calorie options like fresh fruit with a sprinkle of cinnamon or Greek yogurt topped with berries for dessert to satisfy sweet cravings without overindulging in unhealthy treats.

Dessert
Fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)One half cup
CinnamonOne quarter teaspoon
Greek yogurtSix oz
Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)One half cup

What Is A Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

A gastric sleeve surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that helps people who struggle with obesity to reduce their daily caloric intake. A surgeon removes up to[1] two-thirds of your stomach during the procedure and seals off the remaining portion. This leaves you with a smaller stomach shaped like a sleeve or tube and is only about the size of a banana, which facilitates early satiety, alters hunger hormones, and reduces appetite so you can lose weight faster and easier.

Both pre and post-surgery, you are encouraged to follow a healthier lifestyle and consider nutritional supplementation. Some gastric sleeve procedures, such as a single-anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy,[2] will mean less ability to consume nutrients from food, as it not only reduces the amount of hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor[3] available for digestion but bypasses a part of the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed.

When all guidelines are followed, surgery patients can expect to lose at least 50%[4] of their excess weight, though a percentage do not reach this goal over the long term.

Aside from the gastric sleeve, other kinds of bariatric surgeries[5] are designed for weight loss and improved health outcomes, such as gastric bypass and lap band surgery. Every individual’s case is different, so it’s best to consult a doctor before deciding which type of bariatric procedure is right for you.

Foods To Eat On A Gastric Sleeve Diet

Foods To Eat On A Gastric Sleeve Diet
Focus on lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Photo: Sea Wave/Shutterstock

Gastric sleeve patients need to be aware of the dietary changes that come with bariatric surgery.[6] Patients will usually follow a gastric sleeve pre-op diet. A gastric sleeve liquid diet pre-op is unnecessary, but there will be a two-week liquid diet phase post-op. The dietary recommendations at every step are designed to help you lose and keep weight off. Foods recommended for a gastric sleeve diet include lean proteins, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Eating smaller meals more frequently[7] can also help control hunger and cravings. Avoid processed, refined and sugary foods along with high-fat meats. Consider that you will need supplementation for the rest of your life, even if you change your lifestyle for the better.

As your new stomach will not be able to absorb food as it used to, it could benefit from gut and digestive healing foods, such as yogurt and bone broth, or even gut and digestive healing supplements.

In addition to eating the right types of food, drinking water is essential for gastric sleeve patients, and sixty-four ounces of fluid per day is recommended. Staying hydrated helps keep you feeling full and promotes better digestion. A diet rich in protein[8] can also help preserve lean body mass during weight loss, so make sure to include some in each meal.

Finally, be patient with yourself during the process of changing your diet. Learning to eat healthier takes time, and most people make mistakes along the way. Working with your bariatric nutrition team for support as you transition to your new lifestyle is crucial.

Gastric Sleeve Meal Size And Frequency

Smaller meal sizes are important after gastric sleeve surgery. Eating larger meals can stretch the stomach and cause discomfort along with the possibility of tearing your surgical stitches, leading to internal bleeding and the need for revision surgery. Instead, eating five to six small meals throughout the day[6] or two larger meals with two snacks in between is recommended.

Foods should be soft and moist and should not require much chewing. Nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables are best for gastric sleeve patients. Eating a balanced diet with supplementation helps ensure you get all the important vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Should I Follow A Gastric Sleeve Liquid Diet?

Gastric sleeve patients must follow a liquid diet for two weeks (avoiding caffeine and sugar substitutes) after the procedure. It is a strict diet, and during this time, the body is healing and adjusting, so it is vital to give it the nutrients it needs without stressing the new stomach anatomy. Pureed foods such as yogurt, oatmeal, and soups can be eaten during this post-surgical window, but not solid foods.

After a few weeks of pureed food and with your doctor’s permission, you may add soft foods.  About eight weeks post-op, you can progress to firmer foods than your soft diet allows and start incorporating more fiber into your diet.

Foods To Avoid

Foods to avoid on a post-surgery gastric sleeve diet plan after your liquid and pureed diets include high-fat dairy products, fried foods, carbonated beverages, fruit juice, rice, pasta, and processed meats. Rice and pasta are avoided because of their starch content they tend to form a paste in the digestive tract making it difficult to swallow without liquids. You should also try to steer clear of high-calorie snacks like candy bars or chips. You only have a small amount of stomach left; best not to waste it on junk food!

Eating large portions of food after gastric sleeve surgery can lead to dumping syndrome, in which the body reacts unpleasantly when too much food is consumed at once. Drinking alcohol can also cause dumping syndrome, so it is best to avoid or limit your intake of alcoholic beverages and be sure to eat slowly.

In general, a balanced diet for gastric sleeve patients should include plenty of lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and avocado, along with supplementation of critical nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.

What Is Dumping Syndrome?

Dumping syndrome is a condition that occurs when food, especially sugar, moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine.[9] It can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, bloating, dizziness or lightheadedness, feeling overly full or tired after eating, and even diarrhea. Gastric sleeves reduce the stomach size, making dumping syndrome more likely.

Tips To Eat On A Gastric Sleeve Diet

Tips To Eat On A Gastric Sleeve Diet
Chew thoroughly, prioritize protein, limit liquids during meals for Gastric Sleeve. Photo: ovchinnikova_ksenya/Shutterstock

In addition to your healthy new diet, there are some things you should do to aid the digestion of your food.

  1. Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to aid digestion.
  2. Avoid carbonated beverages.
  3. Drink plenty of fluids between meals, but not with them, as they can fill you up too quickly.
  4. Aim for three small meals and two snacks per day instead of large meals, as this will help control hunger levels and ensure you’re getting enough nutrition.

The Importance Of Taking Supplements Pre And Post Surgery

Supplementation after bariatric surgery is paramount for successful weight loss and health maintenance. Without adequate supplementation, patients may suffer from nutrient deficiencies,[10] leading to serious long-term health problems such as anemia, osteoporosis, increased risk of infection, hair loss, and fatigue.

Supplements are generally composed of multivitamins and individual vitamins and minerals that have been shown to be deficient in post-bariatric surgery patients.

Supplement Dosages

The recommended dietary intakes of certain nutrients may not apply to sleeve gastrectomy patients; for example, gastrectomy patients need 1,200-1,500 milligrams of calcium after surgery, whereas the RDI is 1,000-1,200 mg, depending on your sex. Furthermore, to enhance absorption, calcium citrate supplementation is recommended to be taken three times a day as opposed to once and should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements. Hence, the importance of consulting a registered dietitian for your supplement regimen is crucial.

Individual supplements such as B12 should be supplemented sublingually or by injection since its absorption in the stomach is impaired from the lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach that binds to B12 to enable absorption. If taken orally, administer 500 micrograms daily. 

Supplement Options

In addition to ensuring adequate nutrition levels after bariatric surgery, supplementation also helps reduce cravings for unhealthy foods that could counter the positive effects of the surgery. Vitamins should be chewable or liquid for the first several months after surgery.

The main nutrients affected by gastric sleeve surgery are iron, B12, calcium, and vitamin D. These may need to be supplemented for life[10] due to reduced gastric acid, which helps to break down nutrients, and reduced intrinsic factor, which is important for the uptake of B12.

Final Thought

Gastric sleeve surgery, other forms of bariatric surgery, and post-op dietary requirements are effective weight loss interventions that require careful planning and monitoring. To maximize the benefits of this diet, it’s important to create a meal plan that consists of balanced meals with nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats and follow a supplementation regime.

Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding sugary drinks can help you to stay hydrated and reduce sugar and hunger cravings. Keeping track of progress with your bariatric nutrition team and adjusting the diet when necessary is essential for long-term success.


+ 10 sources

Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here

  1. Brajcich, B.C. and Hungness, E.S. (2020). Sleeve Gastrectomy. JAMA, [online] 324(9), p.908. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.14775.
  2. Andrés Sánchez‐Pernaute, Rubio, M.A., Natàlia Ferré, Rodrı́guezC., Marcuello, C., C. Pañella, L López Antoñanzas, Torres, A. and Pérez-Aguirre, E. (2022). Long-Term Results of Single-Anastomosis Duodeno-ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S). Obesity Surgery, [online] 32(3), pp.682–689. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-021-05879-9.
  3. Kines, K. and Krupczak, T. (2016). Nutritional Interventions for Gastroesophageal Reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Hypochlorhydria: A Case Report. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), [online] 15(4), pp.49–53. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4991651/
  4. Cadena-Obando, D., Ramírez‐Rentería, C., Ferreira‐Hermosillo, A., Albarrán‐Sánchez, A., Sosa-Eroza, E., Molina-Ayala, M. and Etual Espinosa-Cárdenas (2020). Are there really any predictive factors for a successful weight loss after bariatric surgery? BMC Endocrine Disorders, [online] 20(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-020-0499-4.
  5. Wolfe, B.M., Elizaveta Kvach and Eckel, R.H. (2016). Treatment of Obesity. Circulation Research, [online] 118(11), pp.1844–1855. doi:https://doi.org/10.1161/circresaha.116.307591.
  6. Bettini, S., Belligoli, A. and Fabris, R. (2020). Diet approach before and after bariatric surgery. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, [online] 21(3), pp.297–306. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-020-09571-8.
  7. Shiri Sherf-Dagan, Ariela Goldenshluger, Globus, I., Schweiger, C., Kessler, Y., Galit Kowen Sandbank, Tair Ben-Porat and Sinai, T. (2017). Nutritional Recommendations for Adult Bariatric Surgery Patients: Clinical Practice. Advances in Nutrition, [online] 8(2), pp.382–394. doi:https://doi.org/10.3945/an.116.014258.
  8. Carolina Ferreira Nicoletti, Gabriel Perri Esteves, Genário, R., Marco Aurélio Santo, Roberto de Cleva, Gualano, B. and Roschel, H. (2020). Nutritional Inadequacies Among Post-bariatric Patients During COVID-19 Quarantine in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Obesity Surgery, [online] 31(5), pp.2330–2334. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-020-05107-w.
  9. Yasmin and Afrânio Côgo Destefani (2016). PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENTOF DUMPING SYNDROME AND ITS RELATION TO BARIATRIC SURGERY. ABCD, [online] 29(suppl 1), pp.116–119. doi:https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-6720201600s10028.
  10. Lupoli, R., Lembo, E., G. Saldalamacchia, Claudia Kesia Avola, Angrisani, L. and Capaldo, B. (2017). Bariatric surgery and long-term nutritional issues. World Journal of Diabetes, [online] 8(11), pp.464–464. doi:https://doi.org/10.4239/wjd.v8.i11.464.
Sarah Ryan

Medically reviewed by:

Kathy Shattler

Sarah completed her Nutrition studies in 2011, followed by a post graduate in Biology and Health Education. She is passionate about Health Education, and a mental health advocate. She believes that with the right kind of information, support, and empathy, people are more likely to be able to stay on track to making positive changes in their lives.

Medically reviewed by:

Kathy Shattler

Journal of Physical Education and Sport

Trusted Source

Go to source

SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

Trusted Source

Go to source

African Journals Online

Non-profit Platform for African Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of The American Board of Family Medicine

American Board of Family Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

Informit

RMIT University Library

Trusted Source
Go to source

European Food Safety Authority

Science, Safe food, Sustainability

Trusted Source
Go to source

OrthoInfo

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Trusted Source
Go to source

American Academy of Family Physicians

Strengthen family physicians and the communities they care for

Trusted Source
Go to source

Agricultural Research Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Trusted Source
Go to source

The American Journal of Medicine

Official Journal of The Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Lippincott Journals

Subsidiaries of Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute on Aging

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Translational Research

The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cell

An All-science Publisher

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of Translational Medicine

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

Federal Trade Commission

Protecting America's Consumers

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Human Genome Research Institute

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Food Production, Processing and Nutrition

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

BMC Gastroenterology

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

ACS Publications

A Division of The American Chemical Society

Trusted Source
Go to source

Annual Reviews

Independent, Non-profit Academic Publishing Company

Trusted Source
Go to source

PubChem

National Center for Biotechnology Information

National Library of Medicine
Go to source

PLOS Journals

Nonprofit Publisher of Open-access Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Thieme E-books & E-Journals

Peer-reviewed & Open Access Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences

Peer-reviewed International Journal Publishes

Trusted Source
Go to source

Royal Society of Chemistry Publishing Home

Chemical Science Journals, Books and Database

Trusted Source
Go to source

Frontiers

Publisher of Peer-reviewed Articles in Open Acess Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

De Gruyter

German Scholarly Publishing House

Trusted Source
Go to source

Hindawi

Open Access Research Journals & Papers

Trusted Source
Go to source

Oilseeds and Fats, Crops and Lipids

EDP Sciences

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cambridge Core

Cambridge University Press

Trusted Source
Go to source

FoodData Central

U.S. Department Of Agriculture

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of the American Heart Association

Peer-reviewed Open Access Scientific Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The Americans with Disabilities Act

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Organization of Food and Nutrition Professionals

tr
Go to source

Sage Journals

Database From Sage Publications

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute of Drug Abuse

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The ClinMed International Library

A Repository and an Open Access Publisher for Medical Research

Trusted Source
Go to source

The Royal Society Publishing

United Kingdom's National Academy of Sciences

Trusted Source
Go to source

APA PsycNet

Database From American Psychological Association

Trusted Source
Go to source

The Pharma Innovation Journal

Peer-reviewed And Refereed Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development

Peer-reviewed Bimonthly Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

British Pharmacological Society

Journals - Wiley Online Library

Trusted Source
Go to source

American Psychological Association

Scientific and Professional Organization of Psychologists

Trusted Source
Go to source

AAP Publications

Database From American Academy of Pediatrics

Trusted Source
Go to source

Karger Publishers

Academic Publisher of Scientific and Medical Journals and Books

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Database From Cambridge University

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute of Mental Health

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

MDPI

Publisher of Open Access Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Bulletin of the National Research Centre

Part of Springer Nature

Trusted Source
Go to source

The New England Journal of Medicine

Massachusetts Medical Society

Trusted Source
Go to source

Economic Research Service

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Trusted Source
Go to source

MedlinePlus

Database From National Library of Medicine

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

National Institute of Health

An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Trusted Source
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The BMJ

Weekly Peer-reviewed Medical Trade Journal

The British Medical Association
Go to source

The British Psychological Society

The British Psychological Society is a charity registered in England

Database From Wiley Online Library
Go to source

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

PubMed

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source

DailyMed

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source

Google Scholar

Go to source

Science.gov: USA.gov for Science

Government Science Portal

Go to source

ResearchGate

Social Network Service For Scientists

Find and share research
Go to source

American Heart Association

To be a rentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives

Go to source

BioMed Central

Research in progress

Go to source

JAMA Network

Home of JAMA and the Specialty Journals of the American Medical Association

Go to source

Springer Link

Database From Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Springer - International Publisher Science, Technology, Medicine
Go to source

ODS

Database from Office of Dietary Supplements

National Institutes of Health
Go to source

Federal Trade Commission

Bureaus of Consumer Protection, Competition and Economics
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database From U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Governmental Authority
Go to source

Oxford Academic Journals

Oxford University Press

Trusted Source
Go to source

Taylor & Francis Online

Peer-reviewed Journals

Academic Publishing Division of Informa PLC
Go to source

WHO

Database from World Health Organization

Go to source

Journal of Neurology

Peer-reviewed Medical Journal

American Academy of Neurology Journal
Go to source

ScienceDirect

Bibliographic Database of Scientific and Medical Publications

Dutch publisher Elsevier
Go to source

Wiley Online Library

American Multinational Publishing Company

Trusted Source
Go to source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

U.S. National Public Health Agency

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database from U.S. National Library of Medicine

U.S. Federal Government
Go to source

U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Federal Agency

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

PubMed Central

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source
Feedback

Help us rate this article

Thank you for your feedback

Keep in touch to see our improvement