What type of diet is introduced during Stage 3 of the post-bariatric diet?

In Stage 3 of the post-bariatric diet, the focus is on introducing foods that are more substantial while still being manageable for individuals whose digestive systems have undergone significant changes. The correct choice is pureed food, which aligns with the goals of this dietary stage.

During this stage, the body is beginning to adapt to processing more complex forms of nutrition after weight loss surgery. Pureed foods are typically smooth and easy to swallow, which minimizes the risk of complications such as dumping syndrome or stricture, where food can become stuck. This dietary phase allows for a gradual introduction to flavors and textures while ensuring that the nutritional needs are met, facilitating healing and adjusting to new eating habits.

Other options, like a soft diet, might imply the inclusion of more varied textures that could be challenging for patients still adjusting to their new stomach size and capacity. Clear liquids generally precede this stage and serve as an initial recovery phase, while a full solid diet is typically the next phase before returning to a diverse, balanced diet. Each of these stages serves a specific purpose in the recovery and adaptation process following bariatric surgery.