Post ESG Diet: Transitioning from Liquids to Solid Foods

Patients who follow the proper diet after ESG procedure are 80-90% more likely to achieve their weight loss goals. But this journey is about so much more than losing weight - it’s about reclaiming your health, building confidence, and creating a better future for yourself.

Making the decision to have Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a major milestone. While adjusting to a new way of eating can feel daunting at first, you can overcome challenges and take control of your health by approaching it one step at a time. The post-ESG diet is designed to help your body heal, maximize your weight loss, and lay the foundation for lifelong healthy habits.

Below, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to navigate the post-ESG diet confidently. You’ll find everything you need to stay on track, overcome obstacles, and achieve the results you’ve been working toward.

What is the ESG Diet?

The ESG diet is the structured eating plan patients follow after Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG). ESG is a noninvasive weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach, allowing patients to eat less while still feeling full and satisfied. But ESG isn’t just a one-time fix—it’s the first step in building a healthier, more confident you.

Following the ESG diet after your procedure is important for two reasons: it supports your body’s healing process and helps you develop sustainable eating habits that lead to long-term success. By following the carefully designed phases of the ESG diet, you’ll give your stomach the time it needs to recover while learning how to nourish your body with smaller portions and nutrient-dense foods.

Success after ESG is about reclaiming control over your relationship with food. As you progress through the phases, you’ll learn how satisfying it can be to fuel your body with good nutrition while you move closer to your health and weight loss goals.

Proper Diet After ESG Procedure

Following the eating plan outlined by your doctor in the first few weeks after ESG procedure is crucial for your recovery and minimizing any potential discomfort. The ESG diet helps protect your stomach as it heals, ensures your body gets the nutrients it needs, and sets you up for sustainable weight loss.

Each phase of the diet builds on the last, gradually introducing different types of foods while teaching you how to listen to your body and embrace healthier eating habits. Let’s break down each phase so you’ll feel confident and prepared every step of the way.

Phase 1: Day 1

For the first day after your procedure, you’ll consume only clear liquids to allow your stomach to recover without added stress. This stage focuses on hydration and gentle nourishment while avoiding overfilling your stomach or putting stress on your sutures.

Stick to clear, non-carbonated liquids like water, herbal teas, broth, and electrolyte-dense drinks without added sugar. Prioritize electrolyte-rich fluids over plain water, as plain water can sometimes exacerbate nausea or discomfort during the initial recovery phase.

Remember to sip slowly and avoid drinking more than 8 ounces per hour. This not only prevents discomfort but also helps establish cognitive habits around portion control—a helpful foundation for long-term success.

Although this phase of the ESG diet may feel restrictive, it’s an essential step in your recovery. Allowing your body to heal properly sets the stage for the next phase and lays a strong foundation for your journey ahead.

Phase 2: Day 2 to Week 6

After the first day, you’ll transition to full liquids for the next six weeks. This phase introduces more nutrients to support healing while protecting your stomach from strain as it continues to recover.

While following a liquid diet might sound challenging, many people find it easier than expected. After ESG, your smaller stomach and reduced cravings make it more manageable to stick to this phase.

Your goal is to consume high-protein, nutrient-dense liquids to aid recovery and maintain muscle mass. Excellent options include protein shakes, blended soups, and protein powder mixed with milk or water. Aim for 60-80 grams of protein daily and at least 64 ounces of fluids for hydration—but take it slow. In the first few days (days 1-5), many patients find it difficult to reach 8 ounces of liquid per hour. That’s okay! Listen to your body and focus on consistent hydration at a pace that feels manageable.

To avoid feeling overly full, alternate between protein shakes and clear liquids throughout the day. Consuming two protein shakes back-to-back, for example, can leave you too full to tolerate other fluids, potentially causing spikes and drops in blood sugar. These fluctuations can lead to that “ghost hunger” feeling, which is best avoided.

Pay attention to your body, sip slowly, and stop drinking before you feel full. Avoid sugary or carbonated drinks, as they can cause discomfort and bloating. Studies show it takes 4-6 weeks for the stomach to fully heal after the procedure, so it’s crucial to avoid solid foods and overfilling your stomach during this phase.

Phase 3: Weeks 6-8

As you move into weeks 6-8, you can begin to incorporate soft foods into your diet. This phase is an exciting milestone as you are now able to comfortably tolerate soft-consistency foods and more diverse flavors while still prioritizing healing and portion control.

Focus on smooth, easy-to-digest foods that are high in protein and nutrients. Great options include cottage cheese, yogurt, soft-consistency animal proteins such as ground or stewed meats, and moist/soft-consistency fish and seafood, mashed vegetables, and scrambled eggs. Remember to keep your portions small, around ¼ to ½ cups per meal, and chew thoroughly to aid digestion.

Eat mindfully and listen to your body’s signals. Stop before you feel full and stick to nutrient-dense foods to ensure your body gets the nutrition it needs for energy and proper healing.

Phase 4: Week 8 Onward

From week 8 onward, you’ll gradually reintroduce regular foods into your diet as tolerated. Focus on establishing a sustainable, balanced diet to support your weight loss journey and overall health.

Steer clear of tough meats, fibrous vegetables, nuts, and seeds until you get the okay from your doctor. Eat slowly and stop as soon as you feel satisfied, focusing on easy-to-digest foods that are high in protein and nutrient-dense, such as baked or grilled fish, cooked vegetables, eggs, tofu, and lean ground meats. 

As you progress, you can begin to incorporate other foods, but remember to keep portions small and pay close attention to your body’s hunger and fullness signals. This is a great time to start experimenting with meal prep and planning to ensure that your meals are both nutritious and enjoyable. Establishing these healthy habits now will build a solid foundation for healthy and sustainable weight loss.

Why Do Some Doctors Recommend 2 Weeks of Liquid Diets After ESG?

You may come across ESG doctors who recommend transitioning to the next phase of eating after only two weeks of a liquid diet. While this may sound appealing, it’s worth noting that this approach may not align with the most current recommendations based on available research.

Research shows that it takes approximately 4 weeks for your stomach to heal fully after ESG and for the sutures to firmly attach to your stomach lining. Moving to solid or semi-solid foods too soon can increase the risk of sutures breaking or weakening, which might reduce the long-term effectiveness of the procedure.

It’s critical to give your stomach the time it needs to heal and adjust to its new structure. Sticking to the recommended 4-6 week liquid diet significantly reduces risks and sets you up for long-term success. Taking the time to follow this phased approach ensures the procedure delivers the best possible outcomes.

How to Make the Process Easier

Following a liquid diet might sound daunting, but most patients find it easier than they expect. With a smaller stomach and fewer cravings after ESG, sticking to liquids becomes more manageable.

To support your journey, consider asking your doctor what kind of coaching or dietitian support they can provide, especially during the first three months. Many practices offer regular check-ins and personalized advice to help you stay on track. It’s particularly helpful to have at least weekly follow-ups during the first month, when habits are still forming, and your body is healing.

Having a trusted support system in place—whether from your doctor’s office or a registered dietitian—can make a significant difference in how smooth and successful your post-ESG recovery is.

Tips for Success on the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Diet

Transitioning through the phases of the ESG diet may be challenging at times, but every step you take brings you closer to your goals. With the right strategies, you can build habits that will serve you for years to come. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed on the ESG diet!

Don’t Eat Anything On the Day of Your Procedure

Your healthcare team will likely recommend that you follow a clear liquid diet on the day before your procedure, and then stop eating or drinking completely after midnight. You should not to eat or drink anything on the day of your procedure. 

This is crucial for your safety, comfort, and recovery. Following this guideline reduces the risk of complications and discomfort while allowing your stomach to rest and recover from the procedure.

Prioritize Protein and Nutrient Dense Foods

Lean protein is your biggest ally on the ESG diet. It helps your body heal, preserves muscle mass, and keeps you feeling satisfied as you adapt to eating smaller portions. Your goal is to consume 60-80 grams of protein daily, starting the day after your procedure.

Pair lean proteins with nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, which provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs for long-term health. Making protein and nutrient-rich foods the foundation of your diet fuels your body and supports recovery while setting the stage for healthy weight loss.

Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is an essential skill that can make all the difference in your weight loss journey. By slowing down, paying attention to your meals, and tuning into your body’s hunger and fullness cues, you’ll build a healthier, more intentional relationship with food.

Take small bites and chew thoroughly - at least 20-30 times per bite. Eat slowly and give your stomach time to communicate with your brain so you can stop eating as soon as you feel satisfied. Avoid distractions like screens or multitasking during meals, and focus on enjoying the flavors, textures, and nourishment your food provides. 

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is essential for recovery and overall health after ESG. Drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily will keep your body functioning at its best, support digestion, and help you avoid dehydration.

Sip water slowly throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once to make hydration work for your new stomach size. Avoid drinking during meals, as this can overfill your stomach and make it harder to focus on your food. 

Avoid Carbonated Beverages and Hard to Digest Foods

Some foods and drinks can be harder on your stomach than others. Carbonated beverages, for example, can cause bloating and discomfort. Tough meats, fats, fibrous vegetables, nuts, and seeds can also be difficult to digest, especially in the early stages of recovery.

To protect your stomach and support healing, avoid these foods until your doctor says it’s safe to reintroduce them. Then, reintroduce them slowly and gradually to minimize the risk of any potential discomfort.

Don’t Reintroduce Trigger Foods

Your ESG journey provides an opportunity to break free from old habits and build a healthier relationship with food. One of the most important steps is to avoid reintroducing “trigger foods”—those highly processed carbohydrates, sugary, calorie-dense, low-nutrient foods that may have contributed to overeating in the past.

Foods like chips, candy, baked goods, and fast food can make it harder to stay on track and may lead to binge eating. Stay focused on protein and nutrient-dense whole foods to fuel your body and align with your goals. 

Enlist a Strong Support System

You don’t have to navigate your weight loss journey alone. A strong support system will help you stay motivated, overcome challenges, and celebrate your wins. Lean on family, friends, support groups, and your medical team. 

Share your goals, progress, and roadblocks with those who encourage you to stay on track. With a strong support system, you’ll feel empowered and confident in your ability to succeed, knowing you have a network that believes in you and your journey.

Attend Follow-Up Appointments

Bariendo’s team of dietitians and medical professionals is here to guide and encourage you every step of the way. Attending your follow-up appointments is crucial for your success.

These check-ins allow your healthcare team to monitor your progress, address any challenges, and adjust your healthcare and weight loss plan. Your healthcare team can help you stay accountable, offer solutions to help you overcome roadblocks, and ensure that you’re meeting your nutritional needs.

Check ins also offer an opportunity to ask questions, share your wins, and get reassurance when needed. By staying engaged in your follow-up care, you’re giving yourself the best chance to achieve your goals.

Take Vitamins and Supplements as Directed

Taking your vitamins and supplements as prescribed is a simple yet crucial step in your recovery. Your smaller stomach limits the amount of food you can eat, and supplements fill in any gaps to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Essential nutrients are also crucial for healing and recovery, so be sure to stay consistent and give your body the support it needs.

Lasting Weight Loss on the ESG Diet

Of course, your weight loss journey doesn’t end once you’ve transitioned through the phases of the ESG diet—it’s just the beginning of a healthier life and sustainable weight loss. To maintain your ongoing success and continue feeling your best, continue to build on the habits you’ve established and stay focused on your long-term goals.

Integrate Exercise

Exercise is crucial for sustainable weight loss and overall health after ESG procedure. Regular physical activity boosts your metabolism, builds muscle and strength, and supports your mental well-being.

You can start with light activities such as walking and yoga a few days after your procedure, as long as you’re careful not to strain your abdomen. You can gradually increase intensity as your body adjusts. Finding forms of exercise that you enjoy, such as swimming or dancing, can make staying active fun and sustainable.

Continue to Eat Mindfully

Mindful eating is a lifelong practice that can help you maintain your weight loss and promote a healthy relationship with food. As you settle into your new routine, remember to stay present while you eat to be better equipped to make intentional, healthy choices. Carrying this habit forward is crucial for lasting success.

Reassess and Adjust Your Diet Over Time

As your body and lifestyle evolve and your weight loss progresses, so will your dietary needs. Periodically reassessing your diet ensures that you’ll continue progressing while maintaining weight loss.

Weight loss plateaus are frustrating, but they’re a normal part of the journey. They often occur as your body adapts to its new weight and routine, so it needs fewer calories to maintain body functions and energy levels.

To overcome plateaus, start by evaluating your eating and exercise habits. Keeping a food journal or using a tracking app can help you identify areas where adjustments may be needed. Increasing your physical activity can also make all the difference.

Don’t hesitate to consult with your team for personalized guidance. Plateaus are not the end of your weight loss journey; they’re a chance to fine-tune your plan and keep progressing toward your goals.

The Foundation for Lasting Results

Following the ESG diet is just the beginning of your transformative journey to better health and greater confidence. By transitioning slowly to regular foods, practicing mindful eating, and embracing a healthy lifestyle, you’re setting yourself up for lasting success.

At Bariendo, our team of compassionate experts is here to support you every step of the way. Ready to take the first step? Schedule a free consultation and discover how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals!