Diet & nutrition

• A registered dietitian provides personalized meal plans, education and ongoing support for both medical and surgical weight loss procedures.
• Bariatric patients follow a structured pre-op and post-op nutrition plan, including required vitamins and protein supplements.
• Long-term success focuses on high-protein foods, reduced carbohydrates and consistent meal timing to support healthy weight loss.

Our diet and nutrition program supports both medical and surgical weight loss, with expert guidance from a registered dietitian, customized meal plans and ongoing monitoring to help you build lasting healthy habits. From pre-op diet prep and post-op vitamins to protein, calcium and carb control, we provide practical guidance and support throughout your weight-loss process. 

We understand how difficult it can be to change the eating habits you may have had for many years. Whether you choose surgical weight loss [link to: Services > Total Weight Loss > Bariatric Surgery] or medical weight loss [link to: Services > Total Weight Loss > Medical Weight Loss], you will have the support of our experienced dietitian throughout the program. We provide education, counseling and nutritional monitoring to make sure you get what your body needs as it changes.

Medical weight loss meal plan

Part of our medical weight loss program is a supervised diet plan designed by our registered dietitian. The diet focuses on whole foods that are high in protein, vegetables and a moderate amount of healthy fats and fruit. You will learn about the best foods for weight loss and get bariatric-friendly recipes during the program

You will also receive a booklet with detailed information about the diet, or you can download a PDF here.
View Supervised Weight Loss Handbook

Pre-op diet progression

If you have bariatric surgery, you will follow a pre-op diet progression instructed by your Total Weight Loss team. The diet is designed to shrink the liver and reduce fat to prepare for a safe surgery and help avoid major discomfort afterward. The high-protein, low-carb diet typically starts one or two weeks before your procedure. It involves drinking protein shakes and sugar-free fluids and eliminating alcohol, caffeine and refined carbs like white bread. Your weight loss team will guide you during the process.

Post-op weight loss vitamins and supplements

After weight loss surgery, your stomach becomes smaller and your body absorbs fewer nutrients. To prevent deficiencies, you need to take bariatric multivitamins and minerals. (Please note that insurance typically does not cover the cost of supplements.) Our dietitian will help you understand more about supplements during your diet and weight loss program.

Recommended bariatric multivitamins

ProCare Health Bariatric Multivitamins Special 45
Order 90-day supply
Order 30-day supply

ProCare Health DS/SADI Bariatric Multivitamins
Order 90-day supply
Order 30-day supply

ProCare Health Bariatric Multivitamin Chew
Order 60-day supply

ProCare Health Prenatal + Bariatric Multivitamins
Order 30-day supply

Post-op nutritional supplements

Protein supplements

Protein is very important for health. To make sure you get the nutrients you need after bariatric surgery, you need to meet a daily minimum protein goal. Drink protein supplements between meals for the first several months after surgery. There are many options available. Try different brands, types and flavors to see what you prefer. Protein drinks can be water- or milk-based, thick or thin. We’ll share some recommended options.

Once you can get all the protein you need from food alone, you won’t need protein supplements. When you can eat foods of normal consistency and tolerate about 4 ounces of food per meal, aim for 20 grams of protein at each meal. Always eat your protein first to help meet this goal.

Calcium supplements

After weight loss surgery, you may be at risk for calcium deficiency. Calcium helps maintain strong bones and plays a role in muscle contraction, heart rhythm, nerve function and blood clotting. In addition to eating calcium-rich foods like dairy and leafy greens, it’s important to take calcium supplements to protect your health. The amount of calcium you need depends on the type of bariatric surgery you have. Your care team will tell you more.

Carbohydrates: Some helpful resources

Whether you are on a medical or surgical weight-loss plan, our dietitians will teach you how to reduce your carbohydrate intake. An easy rule of thumb is to choose more complex carbs and fewer processed carbs. Here are some examples:
View Carbohydrate Content Chart

Eating a consistent amount of carbs at each meal and spreading meals and snacks throughout the day can help keep your blood sugar levels stable, which helps with weight loss. Eat at regular times, every four to five hours. Don’t skip meals.

These sample five-day menus provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack ideas to help with carb control:
50 grams/day menu
75 grams/day menu
100 grams/day menu

What can I eat on the medical weight loss meal plan?
You’ll focus on high-protein foods, vegetables, healthy fats and limited fruit, while reducing processed and refined carbohydrates.

Why do I need a special diet before bariatric surgery?
The pre-op diet helps shrink your liver, reduce surgical risk and prepare your body for a safer procedure and smoother recovery.

Will I need to take vitamins after weight loss surgery?
Yes. Because your body absorbs fewer nutrients after surgery, daily bariatric multivitamins and minerals are required to prevent deficiencies.

How much protein will I need after surgery?
You’ll follow a daily protein goal, using supplements at first. Once you’re eating regular foods, aim for about 20 grams of protein per meal.

Do I need calcium supplements after surgery?
Most patients do. The exact amount depends on the type of bariatric surgery. Your dietitian will provide guidance.

How many carbohydrates should I eat each day?
Your team will recommend a carb range based on your weight loss plan and health needs.