If you have bariatric surgery in Maryland, then you can lose weight and feel better at the same time. However, this doesn’t mean that you can simply sit around and eat whatever you want. You will need to make some lifestyle changes.
This is particularly true in the first couple months after your gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery. Your digestive system is going to be different and your stomach is going to be healing. So good nutrition is going to be key. One of the keys to this nutritional plan is eating high protein foods for bariatric patients.
Protein and Bariatric Patients 101
Protein has a lot of benefits for your body and weight loss goals. Ideally, you would eat around 60 to 80 grams of protein per day. Now this may be difficult as you will have a much smaller stomach.
Still, this is the target to move towards. So in this article, let’s talk about ways to eat more high protein and the best snacks to ensure you get your daily nutrition.
Protein For Bariatric Patients: The Importance
The first thing to understand is to eat your proteins first in every meal. That’s almost more important than the type of protein that you eat. As long as you prioritize your protein, you won’t be as hungry for other things like carbs or sugar.
So that being said, let’s talk about some specific foods that you can eat that are great for your muscle, immune system, and fat loss. That’s not to mention the positive effect that protein has on your nails and bones and skin.
Protein After Bariatric Surgery That You Should Eat
Eggs
Eggs are one of the most total and complete sources of protein you can eat. They also taste very rich and are very filling. You can use eggs in a salad, you can eat them for breakfast or even mix them into other foods like soups and pastas.
Meat and Poultry
Chicken is an excellent choice for high protein. Consider chicken soup or even grilled chicken. This is one of the best high protein meals for bariatric patients.
Fish
Eating grilled fish is a wonderful way to get a lot of protein. Fish also has omega 3 fatty acids and other natural nutrients that make them nutritious.
Soy Milk And Tofu
|Soy milk and tofu both have proteins in them. You can add these to salads, soups or anything else. They’re also a nice vegetarian or vegan substitute if you prefer not to eat animal products.
Cottage Cheese Or Yogurt
These have probiotics and protein. This is a nice double bonus if you’re looking to get a lot of nutrients in your diet.
Beans, Lentils And Chickpeas
Any type of bean is a great addition to your meal. They have complex carbohydrates which means your body has to work harder to break them down.
Ultimately this boosts your metabolism and makes you store less fat. They also have a good source of protein.
This being said, what are some things that you should avoid?
Foods to Avoid
Let’s touch on some foods to stay away from briefly. (For a full list, go here). You should avoid sugary foods, fatty foods and acidic foods. And stay away from bread, pasta, cake, candy and soda.
If you stick to vegetables, proteins and the occasional fruit, you’ll be able to keep your weight down and help your body heal.
Learn About Bariatric Surgery Today
Consider reaching out to the experts in bariatric surgery in Maryland right now at Ascension St. Agnes. Our expert doctors are waiting to help you with your weight loss surgery.
You can drop the pounds, gain more energy and ultimately feel the same way you did in your early 20s again. All you have to do is click a button or make a quick phone call and you’re on your way.
FAQs
Some examples of foods full of protein you can include in your healthy breakfast meal are greek yogurt, eggs, soy chorizo, turkey sausage, cottage cheese (low fat), nuts, and nut butters. Eggs are super versatile, too, and great for bariatric breakfast meal prepping.
What happens if you don't get enough protein after bariatric surgery? ›
Without an adequate amount of proteins in the diet, the body can begin to show signs of a deficit. Increased Hunger: Cravings and poor food choices can be accelerated with irregular eating patterns and skipping meals. Unlike carbohydrates which provide the body with quick energy, proteins take longer to digest.
Can bariatric patients eat protein bars? ›
Protein bars are a great way to supplement protein intake and can be easily incorporated into a bariatric patient's diet. However, not all protein bars are created equal. Some may contain high amounts of sugar or unhealthy ingredients that can hinder weight loss progress and impact overall health.
What protein powder do doctors recommend? ›
“I usually recommend plant-based protein powders that come from pea, rice, sunflower or hemp,” Komar says. “They are typically well-digested by the average person because they have fiber and digestive enzymes.
What is the best meat to eat after bariatric surgery? ›
You can eat deli meat, but only sparingly because of the high sodium content, and choose meats that are highest in protein, such as turkey breast, ham, and top round roast beef. Other foods high in protein include dairy products, such as cheese and milk.
How to get 60 grams of protein a day after bariatric surgery? ›
Preserve muscle tissue by eating foods rich in protein. High-protein foods include eggs, meats, fish, seafood, tuna, poultry, soy milk, tofu, cottage cheese, yogurt and other milk products. Your goal should be a minimum of 65 to 75 grams of protein a day.
Is 100 grams of protein too much after gastric sleeve? ›
It is good to set a goal of consuming 60 to 80 grams of protein every day after a RNY or sleeve procedure and 100 grams of protein every day after a BPD/DS procedure. Following your bariatric procedure the amount of calories you can eat per sitting and per day will be greatly limited.
What happens to your stomach when you don t get enough protein? ›
Swelling. One of the most common signs that you're not getting enough protein is swelling (also called edema), especially in your abdomen, legs, feet, and hands. A possible explanation: The proteins that circulate in your blood -- albumin, in particular -- help keep fluid from building up in your tissues.
How many protein shakes a day after bariatric surgery? ›
Drink at least 3 protein shakes per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the first 4-6 weeks after your surgery. This will allow time for your new stomach to heal. As your food intake increases, shake requirements decrease.
Can bariatric patients eat burgers? ›
You can put a burger on a salad, wrap it in a lettuce leaf, or eat it with a knife and fork. You can dress up your burger with toppings that fit into your bariatric lifestyle by providing protein, vegetables, heart healthy fats, or even fruit.
The Bottom Line
Protein bars often contain compounds called sugar alcohols, which are lower in calories than traditional sugars. Sugar alcohols are associated with multiple gastrointestinal side effects including abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.
What is the protein recommendation for bariatric surgery patients? ›
Your goal should be a minimum of 65 to 75 grams of protein a day. Don't worry if you can't reach this goal in the first few months after surgery.
What is the best protein for post op? ›
What type of protein is the best for post-surgery? Good protein sources include lean poultry, fish and seafood, nuts, legumes and seeds. Red meats may trigger inflammation, so cut back on fatty red meats.
Can bariatric patients take protein pills? ›
A few weeks after bariatric weight loss surgery, you will begin using protein supplements after each meal to meet your daily protein requirements. You will continue to consume protein supplements until you reach the Phase 4: Stabilization Diet.
What is the protein target after gastric sleeve? ›
After having bariatric surgery you should aim to consume 60 to 80g protein a day. This may be difficult to achieve immediately following surgery, due to the small amount of diet that you are able to take.
