Suggestion for a liquid diet due to Bariatric surgery?

Posted by Laurie, Volunteer Mentor @roch, Jan 16 5:13pm

There is a great discussion about "How do I eat after digestive tract surgery?" https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/

I would like to start a subset of that discussion about how to survive a liquid diet. I had a gastric bypass in 2012, and over the last few years, I have had escalating problems with hypoglycemia. I had a TORe procedure on Jan 5, 2026, at Mayo Rochester to prevent episodes. I am on a liquid diet for 4 weeks. Not quite done with two weeks in, and getting harder. Not really hungry, just bored. Guess part of my addiction to food.

Every clinic or provider may have different guidelines; these are my restrictions.
Full liquids, less than 1000 cal per day
- 64 oz liquids per day, sips only
- Dilated fruit juice ( 50 / 50)
- Gatorade or similar
- Bullion, Broth, sugar-free gelatin/popsicles
- Skim Milk
High Protein / low-fat drinks
• 10-15 grams of protein in 8-12 oz (most I see have higher protein)
• Less than 15 carbs in 8-12 oz
• 100 - 200 cal in 8-12 oz

Been using various protein shakes, but I have to dilute them because I don't like the thickness. There are many protein drinks that I do not like.

Eager for any suggestions within guidelines that give variety.

Today I took chicken broth, added veggies, let it simmer for a while, then strained it through a very fine strainer so it was back to liquid, and it tasted so much better than the original broth.

If you have suggestions for surviving a liquid diet, please share.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Support Group.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | 3 days ago

In reply to @roch "Learn something else from a nutritionist today. While concentrating on protein shakes, I was missing electrolytes...." + (show)

Hi @roch - that was helpful information about the electrolytes. What volume of electrolytes was the nutritionist recommending for you daily? You said this was missing while concentrating on protein shakes. Did your nutritionist say how our bodies usually get electrolytes when not recovering from surgery?

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | 3 days ago

Learn something else from a nutritionist today. While concentrating on protein shakes, I was missing electrolytes. Adding Gateraid (or something similar) to my list of liquids to drink every day.

Another 10 days on liquid and then on to blended.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | 5 days ago

In reply to @myralynnette "The only protein drink I tolerate due to the after taste is the Shamrock Rockin Protein..." + (show)

@myralynnette, Thanks for the suggestion. That is one I have not tried. Will be picking some up some to try. Even after I am off a liquid diet, I will still be using protein drinks to meet my protein requirements.

Myra | @myralynnette | 5 days ago

The only protein drink I tolerate due to the after taste is the Shamrock Rockin Protein drinks. I think the lowest one is 20g of protein.

marymatthys | @marymatthys | 5 days ago

I like the pre-made Premiere Protein and Fairlife shakes (chocolate) . My surgeon said he likes the flavor of Fairlife better. He thinks the Premiere Protein has a chemical taste.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | 6 days ago

@roch - I honestly can't speak as someone who has had bariatric surgery or a TORe procedure. Yet, I'm trying to find protein drinks that don't taste like a large helping of sugar.

For those who are trying to stay with high protein and low-fat drinks post bariatric surgery (or otherwise, just during a weight loss journey, like me), have you or others found protein drinks that are not full of sugar or sugar substitutes that you like?

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