Description
A comprehensive liquid nutrition drink specifically designed for bariatric surgery patients. This creamy seed-based beverage provides 20+ grams of protein, 15+ grams of fiber, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and broad-spectrum vitamins and minerals in an easy-to-digest form. Perfect for all post-surgery stages, from full liquids onward.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons chia seeds (whole, not ground)
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (buy pre-ground or grind fresh)
2 tablespoons hemp seeds (hemp hearts)
12–14 ounces unsweetened almond milk (or dairy milk, soy milk, coconut milk)
2–3 ounces cold water (to adjust thickness)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional, adds 20-25g protein)
Flavor Enhancers (Choose 1-2):
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
⅓ cup frozen berries
1 tablespoon sugar-free syrup
Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Add 2 tablespoons chia seeds to your blender or shaker bottle with 4 ounces of your liquid. Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes minimum to allow chia to form gel (prevents clumping).
2. After chia has soaked, add remaining ingredients: ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, remaining almond milk (8-10 oz), protein powder (if using), chosen flavor enhancers, and cold water to reach desired consistency.
3. Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy with no visible seed particles—should have thick milkshake consistency.
4. If mixture is too thick, add 2-4 ounces more liquid and blend briefly. If too thin (unlikely), add 1 tablespoon more chia seeds and let sit 5 minutes to thicken.
5. Consume immediately for best texture, or store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before drinking as ingredients may separate slightly.
Notes
Pre-soaking chia seeds is CRITICAL for smooth texture—skip this step and your drink will be gritty and unpleasant.
Use ground flaxseed, not whole—whole flaxseeds pass through undigested, providing zero nutritional benefit.
Always use adequate water when consuming high-fiber drinks: drink at least 8 oz water within 2 hours after consuming seed drink.
This drink is best consumed 30 minutes before or 60 minutes after solid food meals—treat it as a meal, not a beverage.
If within 6-8 weeks of surgery, start with 8 oz portions and gradually work up to 16 oz as tolerance improves.
The drink continues thickening over 5-10 minutes after blending—adjust consistency accordingly.
Can be made dairy-free by using plant milk and plant-based protein powder (pea, hemp, or rice protein).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage, Bariatric Nutrition, Meal Replacement
- Method: No-Cook, Blended
- Cuisine: Health Food, Bariatric
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 ounces (entire recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: bariatric seed drink, liquid nutrition post-surgery, high protein smoothie, meal replacement shake, fiber drink for weight loss surgery, chia flax hemp drink