Bariatric Soup Recipes bring warmth, comfort, and healing to the table—especially on cold winter days. I remember my Thompson standing over a gently simmering pot of soup, ladling out warm, soothing bowls packed with love and healing ingredients. Years later, when I began cooking for friends recovering from bariatric soup recipes surgery, I turned back to those nourishing roots—adding a modern, American dietetic twist. This chicken and vegetable bariatric is not only comforting but precisely balanced for post-op recovery: low-carb, high in lean protein, and gentle on the stomach.
Whether you’re meal prepping after surgery or just looking for clean, healthy sustenance, this soup checks all the boxes—and it tastes incredible, too.
Why Bariatric Soup Recipes Matter
Bariatric soup recipes serve a special purpose: they must be nutrient-dense, easy to digest, and portion-controlled, helping patients recover and thrive after weight-loss surgery. After procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach’s reduced capacity means every bite (or sip) counts.
Soups like this one allow for:
- High hydration
- Easy satiety with small portions
- Digestive comfort with soft, cooked ingredients
- Rich sources of lean protein (like chicken breast)
- A way to include low-carb vegetables without bulk or irritation
It’s not just about eating less—it’s about eating smarter. And this soup is a bowl full of smart, healing choices.
Ingredients for 4 Servings
This recipe makes 4 small, balanced servings—ideal for one bariatric-friendly meal or for prepping ahead.
Protein
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 250g / 9 oz)
Vegetables
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1/4 small onion, finely minced (optional for sensitive digestion)
Flavor & Broth
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or fresh garlic if tolerated)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tbsp unflavored collagen peptides (for added protein)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (to brighten the flavors)
Nutritional Highlights per Serving (approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fat | 3.5g |
| Fiber | 1.8g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and dice into small, bite-sized cubes.
- For added tenderness and easier digestion, poach the chicken pieces gently in water until just cooked (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over low heat.
- Add the onion (if using), celery, and carrot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
- Add garlic powder, thyme, and parsley. Stir for 1 minute.
Step 3: Simmer with Vegetables
- Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the diced zucchini and poached chicken.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are completely tender.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Stir in chopped spinach and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Optionally, stir in collagen powder and lemon juice before serving.
Tips for Bariatric Soup Recipes Success
- Strain and blend: In the early post-op stages, blend the soup for a smooth consistency or strain out the solids for a clear broth base.
- Freeze in portions: Use silicone muffin tins or small containers to freeze individual servings.
- Protein boost: Add unflavored whey isolate or collagen peptides as tolerated.
- Skip the onion: If you have a sensitive palate, feel free to omit the onion altogether.
- Chew, even soup: It sounds odd, but “chewing” your soup trains your body to digest mindfully and helps with satiety.
Why This Soup Works Post-Bariatric Surgery
This soup shines among bariatric soup recipes because:
- It’s gentle, warm, and easy to consume
- The lean chicken provides complete protein
- Zucchini and spinach are fiber-rich but low in residue
- It’s low-carb and won’t cause dumping syndrome
- It can be adjusted for every healing stage—from clear broth to soft foods to solid meals
Reader Engagement: Your Turn!
Have you tried this chicken and veggie soup after your surgery?
How did it sit with your stomach? Did you add your own twist?
Comment below or tag us on Instagram with your version—we’d love to feature your journey in our next roundup of bariatric soup recipes.
