After bariatric surgery, protein is a key part in maintaining your health and achieving your weight loss goals. Protein supplements offer a reliable source of protein for people who have recently undergone bariatric surgery. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of protein supplements after bariatric surgery and their role in recovery and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

We’ll also discuss the different types of protein supplements available, how much protein you need after bariatric surgery, and why it’s essential to supplement your diet with high-quality protein. Let’s dive in!

Importance of Protein After Bariatric Surgery

As a bariatric surgery patient, it's important to understand the significance of protein in your post-operative diet. Protein is a key nutrient that helps maintain muscle mass and aids in proper healing after surgery. 

According to the ASMBS nutritional guidelines, you should aim to consume at least 60 or 80 grams of protein every day, depending on your surgery. Meeting this goal can be challenging, especially when you’re eating smaller portions.

This is why we recommend eating 3 ounces of foods high in protein at each meal along with a protein supplement as a snack.

These protein supplements provide concentrated amounts of protein to support recovery and prevent muscle loss and help reach your protein goal if you cannot reach it from food alone.

When selecting a protein supplement, choose high-quality ones with minimal added sugars and fillers. Some good sources of protein found in supplements include whey protein isolate and plant-based protein.

Sources Of Protein For Bariatric Surgery Patients

You can reach your protein goal through foods and protein supplements. Foods that are high in protein include eggs, lean meats, seafood, and low fat dairy products like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and cheese. Plant based alternatives include nuts, seeds, tofu, and seitan.

Bad options for protein foods include bacon, sausage, spam, hot dogs, salami, and pepperoni. These are considered high fat foods, and contain very little to no protein. When you do not have a lot of space for foods, it is important to select high quality protein foods.

There are different sources of protein found in protein supplements as well including whey protein isolate and plant-based proteins. 

Guidelines and Recommendations For Protein Supplements

To ensure optimal recovery and prevent muscle loss, it's recommended that gastric bypass and sleeve patients take in 60-80 grams of protein supplement a day. Duodenal switch and revision patients are advised to consume at least 80 grams of protein daily. 

Make sure you consume about 3 ounces of protein foods at each of your 3 daily meals and have 1 protein supplement per day as a snack to reach your goal.

When selecting a protein supplement, whether it is a premade drink or powder, keep the following recommendations in mind when reading the nutrition label.

• Total Carbohydrates: less than 15 grams
• Fiber: less than 5 grams (for the first 3-4 months after surgery)
• Total Sugar: less than 5 grams
• Protein: 20-40 grams

For Sleeve and Gastric Bypass patients, keep the total amount of protein from supplements less than 40g total in a day to avoid severe constipation.

When looking at protein bars, keep the following guidelines in mind. Protein bars are fairly challenging to digest, so we suggest waiting about 6 months before introducing one as a supplement.

Different Sources of Protein Found in Protein Supplements

Whey Based Protein Supplements

As we mentioned earlier, ASMBS recommends a minimum of 60 or 80 grams of protein per day, and protein supplements can be a great way to help meet these goals. 

Whey protein isolate, in particular, is a high-quality and nutritious option that is often recommended. It is easily digestible and absorbs quickly into the body, making it a great choice for post-surgery recovery. 

A few great brand options that contain whey based protein include Premier Protein, Fairlife Core Power, Pure Protein, Dymatize Iso-100, Quest, Isopure, and Ensure Max.

Plant Based Protein Supplements

Plant-based protein is a great option for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, and for those who want to incorporate more plant-based protein sources. Look for protein supplements made with pea protein, hemp protein, or brown rice protein. 

Just make sure to choose a complete plant-based protein supplement that provides all essential amino acids that your body needs. Blends of different plant-based protein sources can ensure you get all the necessary nutrients.

A few great brands include Owyn, Vega,GNC Total Lean, and Orgain.

Remember, protein supplements are a convenient way to meet your daily protein goals, but they should not be the only source of protein. Be sure to incorporate protein-rich foods into your diet as well.