Which dietary intervention(s) should the nurse include in the plan of care for a client who had bariatric surgery? Select all that apply.

Rationale: A. Separate fluids from meals: Fluids should be consumed at least 30 minutes before or after meals to prevent gastric overdistention and dumping syndrome, which are common after bariatric surgery. B. Plan meals to include rice porridge: Rice porridge is high in simple carbohydrates, which can cause dumping syndrome and rapid gastric emptying. It is not ideal post-surgery. C. Eliminate acidic food choices: Acidic foods like citrus or tomatoes may cause discomfort, but they are not universally contraindicated. Tolerance varies by individual, so elimination is not routinely necessary. D. Offer more bread and cheese: Bread can form a sticky bolus that’s hard to swallow post-op, and cheese is high in fat. Both can cause discomfort or intolerance early in recovery. E. Provide small frequent meals: After bariatric surgery, the stomach’s capacity is reduced, so clients need to eat small, frequent meals to meet nutritional needs and prevent nausea or vomiting.