Cleanse for Bariatric Patients: Is It Safe? Read This First!

Key Takeaways

• After bariatric surgery, traditional cleanses can be harmful, causing nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, and digestive issues.
• Safe alternatives include focusing on protein-rich foods, staying hydrated, simplifying your diet, and incorporating probiotics to support digestion.
• Always consult with your bariatric healthcare team before attempting any cleanse to ensure it aligns with your nutritional needs and health goals.

If you’ve had bariatric surgery, you might be wondering if cleanses are good for you. 

Something to consider is that after weight loss surgery, your digestive system works differently. 

What might be fine for someone with a regular-sized stomach could be harmful for you.

That’s why it’s so important to understand the dos and don’ts of cleansing after bariatric surgery.

Let’s talk about what’s safe and what’s not when it comes to cleansing for bariatric patients.

Why Bariatric Patients May Consider a Cleanse

There are several reasons you might be thinking about doing a cleanse after your surgery.

• Weight Loss Plateaus: It happens to almost everyone who’s undergone surgery. The scale stops moving, and you think a cleanse could help jumpstart your weight loss again.
• Feeling Bloated or Sluggish: Sometimes, you might feel like your digestive system needs a reset, especially if you’ve been eating foods that don’t agree with your post-surgery stomach.
• Constipation: This is a common issue after bariatric surgery. When things aren’t moving as they should, you may think a cleanse could help get things going again.
• FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out): You may have friends who talk about their amazing cleanse experience. It’s natural to wonder if you’re missing out on something beneficial.
• Getting Back On Track: If you’ve strayed from your post-surgery eating plan, you might see a cleanse as a way to hit the reset button and get back to healthier habits.

These are all understandable reasons for wanting to try a cleanse. But remember that not all cleanses are safe for bariatric patients. 

However, there are better alternatives you can try that don’t put your health at risk.

Safe Cleansing Options for Bariatric Patients

Popular cleanses that involve juices and liquid-only diets may not be safe after bariatric surgery. These are too extreme and don’t support the body’s nutritional needs post-surgery. Instead, we want to focus on gentle ways to support your digestive system while boosting health.

Focus On Protein-Rich Foods

Unlike regular cleanses that might cut out protein, you need to prioritize protein after bariatric surgery. 

A protein-focused reset might include protein shakes, clear broths with added protein, and easily digestible proteins like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.

This gives your digestive system a break while maintaining your essential protein intake.

Bari Life offers a wide range of protein-rich beverage options.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Sometimes, what your body really needs is proper hydration. 

Focus on getting in all your fluids. Aim to meet your healthcare provider’s fluid intake recommendations on waterer or sugar-free, caffeine-free drinks. 

Add some lemon or cucumber for flavor, but skip the artificial sweeteners that can cause bloating for some people. 

Remember to drink between meals so that you get enough nutrition at mealtime.

Simplify Your Eating Plan

Rather than a traditional cleanse, try simplifying your diet for a few days. Stick to foods that you know digest easily—usually soft proteins, well-cooked vegetables, and easily digested fruits. This will give your system a break while still providing nutrition.

Adjust Your Fiber Intake

If constipation is your concern, work with your bariatric dietitian to find the right balance of fiber. Too little can cause constipation, but too much too quickly can cause discomfort, especially after surgery.

Increase Your Probiotic Intake

Adding probiotic-rich foods like sugar-free yogurt and kefir or taking a probiotic supplement (approved by your healthcare provider) can help restore healthy gut bacteria, which in turn may improve digestion.

Remember, any cleansing approach after bariatric surgery should include adequate protein intake and hydration. These are not optional—they’re non-negotiables for your health after surgery.

Cleanses to Avoid for Bariatric Patients

Some cleansing methods can be downright dangerous if you’ve had bariatric surgery. Here are the ones to steer clear of:

• Juice Cleanses: These are problematic for multiple reasons. They’re super high in sugar and carbohydrates while lacking protein. Concentrated fruit sugars can cause dumping syndrome (rapid heart rate, sweating, diarrhea, and dizziness) in gastric bypass and sleeve patients. Plus, the high volume of liquid could stretch your pouch.
• Detox Teas: Many of these contain harsh laxatives that can cause dehydration, which is particularly dangerous for people after bariatric surgery who already have difficulties staying hydrated.

• Water Fasting: Going without food is never a good idea if you’ve had bariatric surgery. You need consistent protein intake to prevent muscle loss, and fasting can lead to nutritional deficiencies that bariatric patients are already at risk for.
• Colon Cleanses and Enemas: These can disrupt your electrolyte balance and potentially cause dehydration. After surgery, your body is more sensitive to these imbalances.
• Over-the-Counter Cleansing Products: Many of these aren’t tested for safety in bariatric patients and may contain ingredients that could irritate your smaller stomach or cause dumping syndrome.
• Extreme Low-Calorie Cleanses: After surgery, you’re already following a restricted diet. Cutting calories further could lead to malnutrition, muscle loss, and metabolic problems.

Be skeptical if someone is trying to sell you a cleansing product specifically for bariatric patients. Always check with your healthcare team before trying any new product or cleansing regimen.

How to Safely Do a Cleanse After Bariatric Surgery

If you still want to give your system a reset, first discuss your plan with your healthcare provider. Here are several tips.

• Timing Matters: Wait at least 6-12 months after surgery before doing any cleanse. Your body needs time to heal and adjust to its new way of processing food.
• Consult Your Bariatric Team: Always talk to your surgeon, doctor, or dietitian before starting any kind of cleanse, even one that seems gentle. They know your specific medical situation and can give you individualized recommendations.
• Maintain Protein Intake: No matter what cleansing approach you choose, make sure you’re still getting enough protein—typically 60-80 grams per day for most bariatric patients.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout the day, but remember to separate liquids and solids by drinking 30 minutes before or after eating.
• Listen To Your Body: If something doesn’t feel right during your cleanse—you feel nauseous, extremely tired, dizzy, or have unusual pain—stop immediately and call your healthcare provider.

• Keep It Short: A two to three day simplified eating plan is long enough to help you feel refreshed without risking nutritional deficiencies.
• Have a Plan For Afterward: The best cleanse is one that helps transition you back to healthy, sustainable eating habits, not a quick fix, before returning to problematic patterns.

The goal isn’t to deprive your body but to support it with clean, simple nutrition that’s easy to digest.

Sample 3-Day Bariatric-Friendly Cleanse Plan

Here’s what a gentle 3-day reset might look like.

Day 1

Morning:

• 16-20 oz water with lemon upon waking 
• Breakfast: High-protein shake made with unsweetened almond milk and a small handful of berries
• Mid-morning: Herbal tea (non-caffeinated)

Afternoon:

• Lunch: 3-4 oz baked fish or chicken with steamed vegetables
• Mid-afternoon: 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt with a teaspoon of chia seeds

Evening:

• Dinner: Clear protein broth with soft-cooked vegetables
• Evening: Chamomile or ginger tea

Sip on water with cucumber slices throughout the day, aiming for 64 oz total.

Day 2

Morning:

• 16-20 oz water with fresh mint upon waking 
• Breakfast: 1/4 cup cottage cheese with 1/4 cup soft, peeled fruit
• Mid-morning: Warm bone broth

Afternoon

• Lunch: Protein smoothie with a tablespoon of nut butter
• Mid-afternoon: 1/2 cup cucumber slices with a tablespoon of hummus

Evening:

• Dinner: 3-4 oz turkey or tofu with roasted vegetables
• Evening: Caffeine-free tea

Throughout the day: Herbal teas and water, aiming for 64 oz total.

Day 3

Morning:

• 16-20 oz water with a splash of cranberry juice (no sugar added) upon waking 
• Breakfast: Protein omelet
• Mid-morning: Protein drink

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Tuna salad (made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise) with cucumber slices
• Mid-afternoon: Small protein shake

Evening:

• Dinner: Clear soup with 3-4 oz shredded chicken and soft vegetables
• Evening: Warm almond milk with cinnamon (unsweetened)

Throughout the day: Water with fresh herbs, aiming for 64 oz total.

Conclusion

The key is to focus on nourishing your body rather than depriving it. Your surgery was a powerful tool for losing weight and improving your health.

A safe, gentle reset, as described above, can help you get back on track if needed, but be careful of extreme cleansing methods as they can do more harm than good.

If you’re feeling stuck with your weight loss or having digestive issues, reach out to your bariatric team. They can help you troubleshoot without risking your health. 

How Bari Life Can Help

Bari Life offers a range of bariatric vitamins, supplements and protein products designed to support your nutritional needs, even during a gentle reset. From high-quality protein shakes to hydration solutions, Bari Life makes it easier to stay on track without compromising your health.

In addition to vitamins, Bari Life provides delicious bariatric snacks and bariatric protein bars, making it easier to stay on track without feeling deprived. For those needing extra support, their bariatric calcium chews and bariatric multivitamin with iron help maintain strong bones and balanced nutrition.

If you prefer a liquid option, their liquid bariatric vitamin offers a smooth and easy-to-absorb alternative. Plus, Bari Life’s bariatric probiotic supports gut health, while their specialized bariatric vitamins for hair loss help promote strong, healthy hair post-surgery.

Explore Bari Life’s products today and give your body the nourishment it needs to thrive!

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below: 

• Colonoscopy Prep For Bariatric Patients
• Psychiatric Evaluation For Bariatric Surgery
• Passing Cotinine Blood Test For Bariatric Surgery
• What Tests are Done Before Bariatric Surgery?

Resources

About Water and Healthier Drinks. (2024). CDC.

Bariatric Surgery and Constipation. (2013). Penn Medicine.

Dumping Syndrome After Gastric Bypass Surgery. (n.d.) Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Grosse, C.S., (2019) Dietary Fibre Intake and Bowel Habits After Bariatric Surgery: a