Bariatric Products to Know About
Bariatric Products to Know About
Good news: the bariatric product list is endless!
Welcome to the exciting journey of bariatric surgery! (Unless you’ve been on the journey for a while, but greetings just the same.)
I’ve compiled several images of bariatric products to know about. Some may be familiar and some may be an exciting new idea for you!
When you first embark on the journey of having Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass Surgery, the world of new foods and new diet changes can be downright overwhelming.
When so many things about your daily life need to change for this adventure to be successful…where do you even start? Cutting out starches and sweets when it’s been the main staple in your home? GASP!
As I walked through the aisles of my local Aldi, Costco or Target, I began snapping a few photos of items I think my new patients should know about.
This is just the tip of the ice-burg. There are way more products out there than I could ever snap some photos of during my weekly shopping trip, but may it get your wheels turning!
Meats & Dairy
The first four items shown below were purchased at Aldi (turkey burgers, chicken sausages and salmon). Many of the following were purchased at Costco. Other photos are a mixture of Target and Sam’s Club.
If you are feeling limited when you think of all the things you need to give up after bariatric surgery, I would encourage you to carve out an extended amount of time to walk around your favorite grocery store. Then slowly go through all the aisles that contain meat or dairy. You will be very encouraged to see all the flavors, textures and cooking methods you can use to keep the post-op lifestyle exciting!
Breakfast Chicken Sausage, Aldi
Apple and Gouda Chicken Sausage, Costco
Reduced Fat Cheese Slices, Costco
Cooked Cheddar Chicken Sausage, Costco
Fage® 0% Fat Greek Yogurt, Most Groceries, Image Credit: Fage.com
Chicken Sage Sausage, Target
Turkey Meatballs, Sam’s Club
Cheese Sticks, Sam’s Club
Cooked Jumbo Shrimp, Sam’s Club
Cooked Turkey Sausage Links, Sam’s Club
Turkey Bacon, Aldi
Italian Turkey Sausage, Aldi
Light and Fit® Greek Yogurt, Sam’s Club
Cooked, Flavored Chicken Sausage, Target
Smoked Turkey Sausage, Target
Breakfast Links or Patties, Target
Protein Shakes, Bars and Snacks
Protein shakes, bars and snacks can start to get very overwhelming. Possibly your bariatric program sells or prefers certain brands such as Unjury. You can purchase from their website or other online retailers but I’ve found it dissolves the best and has great flavor.
If you are just starting your bariatric journey, get yourself acclimated to some protein shakes. For my patients, I recommend shakes on their pre-op diet and for 2-4 weeks after surgery but not longer after that. Each program is different, but I do have a video course on the Do’s and Don’ts of Protein for website members.
Atkins® and Pure Protein® pre-mixed shakes are a popular item for may patients. They are creamy and a great breakfast or snack option for keeping you full. Atkins has a little more fat than it’s competitor EAS AdvantEdge Carb Control shakes. I recommend either one in most cases.
You can read more about protein snacks for purchase online (many shown here) at this blog: Bariatric Friendly Snacks and Treats
Unjury Protein, Unjury.com
Jay Robb Egg White Protein Powder, Amazon
Quest Vanilla Protein Powder, Amazon
Health Wise Protein Chips, Bariatric Food Source>
Protein Hot Chocolate, Diet Direct>
Protein Oatmeal, Diet Direct
Cheddar Crunchers, Diet Direct
Caramel Crunch, Bariatric Food Source
Salted Toffee Pretzel Bar, Bariatric Food Source
Protein Pretzels, Bariatric Food Source
Barbecue Crunch O’s, Bariatric Food Source
Detour Bars, Sam’s Club
Beverages
As you likely already know, fluids are a BIG deal after bariatric surgery. Staying hydrated is super duper important as patients are at an increased risk for dehydration. Bariatric products to know about for drinks include Smart Water® (as well as PowerAde Zero® and Gatorade Zero®) which are zero calorie drinks that have added electrolytes – which is great for keeping you hydrated!
Thank goodness there are also many options out there for changing up the flavors of your drinks. Even more than the first time I wrote this post when I was on a Tangerine Orange kick!
Veggies and Sides
This section contains bariatric products to know about for vegetables and basically everything else that contributes towards side dishes and flavor variety to keep your bariatric diet exciting!
Many of these products were purchased at Aldi including Edamame Spaghetti and Parmesan Crisps. Some were purchased from Trader Joe’s including Everything but the Bagel Seasoning and Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip.
Get the most out of your weight loss surgery!
I hope that helps you get your feet wet! Welcome to one of the most amazing of journeys.
I’m Steph Wagner, bariatric dietitian and owner of this site! Subscribe to my for updated information or find out more about what membership has to offer (hint: includes meal plans, recipes, video courses, closed members group and more!)
Hey Steph!! The cauliflower tots sound great!! You mentioned in the second step to add eggs. There aren’t any in the ingredients so I was just wondering how many. Thanks!!
Yes that was a goofy thing that it wasn’t saving the eggs in my ingredient list!!! I had to add the word “large” for it to recognize it…what the hey! But yes…two eggs and it should be on there now if you hit refresh!! :) Thank you for the message!
I had RNY and am vegetarian. Would love some tips on getting my protein in
@Christine is certainly is tricky! Meat free proteins tend to be a little softer and high in carbs so finding the ones that keep your hunger most controlled is key. I’m not sure if you eat any fish, eggs or dairy but salmon would be more filling than tilapia for example. Greek yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese and eggs. Soybean proteins like edamame. Beans are higher in carb but adding them to dishes brings in more protein.
How can i bcome a member
@Robin thanks for your interest! You can click on this link to find out about membership and for the checkout process to join. https://www.bariatricfoodcoach.com/product/premier-access/
Thanks for ideas, Steph!!
Hi Steph. Can you explain how the dessert hummus is Bariatric approved?
Hi Gigi! Here is an excerpt from the Aldi Shopping guide about the dessert hummus:
2 tbsp Vanilla Bean provides 50 calories, 1 gram protein, 9 grams carbs and 1 gram fat.
2 tbsp Brownie Batter has 80 calories,1 gram protein, 7 grams carbs and 6 grams fat.
These hummus have a strong taste and while they can satisfy a sweet craving they aren’t terribly tempting to over indulge. You could even have a strawberry or two, cut in half with a spread of dessert hummus and have less than the 2 tbsp serving.
Hello. I’ve read a lot of your information. I’m 3 months post op RNY. I’m lost at trying to find recipes that I would enjoy or buying items that are prepared and healthy. I wasn’t sure if I could have these items from Aldi’s, Costco, etc, as I was told these are processed. Can you please enlighten me.
@Lillie Patterson every program and dietitian is different so you can certainly refer back to your programs guidelines! Any product that I provide here is bariatric friendly from my perspective!
Hello Steph…. I had my surgery 5 yrs ago and fell of the wagon during long Covid scare. Just staying in and taking care of my Mom. Anyway put on weight and developed diabetes. Non insulin… just diet. So this is mind blowing.. I need to loose weight and keep my sugar down. Please help. Can you tell me what you would do?
Hi Beverly!
You’re definitely not alone. One of the biggest reasons I started a membership website was to create lots of resources and community for the more ‘alumni’ surgery patients. Members connect in smaller groups on the group me app and we have groups for those 5+ years out.
I have a lot of video courses to help get a refresh of the surgeries plus a course on hunger control after surgery (which I think is a really helpful one…control hunger and we can control weight and blood sugar!)
I am also available to members to answer any questions over email and review food journals for feedback. If it ever feels beyond what I can help with online, I can help you get connected with a dietitian licensed in your state.
The membership also unlocks all 600+ recipes and menu planner, written meal plans, PDF guides like shopping guides at popular stores and more. We meet on Zoom live at least once a month.
Let me know if you have any other questions for me!
Steph