What is the best protein powder for bariatric patients

What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Protein After Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach as well as alters the function of the digestive system. This makes the task of consuming an adequate amount of protein even more challenging than it was before surgery.

We must consume high-quality protein in sufficient amounts because our body does not store protein. If we do not get enough protein in our diet, our bodies will steal it from our muscles. After undergoing weight-loss surgery, the subsequent very-low-calorie diet always causes some loss of some lean muscle mass.

Protein deficiencies adversely affect the immune system, can cause hair loss, and lead to skin and nail problems. A lack of protein can also lead to fatty liver disease, edema, and increase your risk of a bone fracture. Although none of these issues would be something anyone would want to endure, there are two more issues that protein deficiencies cause that directly affect someone who is trying to lose weight.

Lack of protein will cause the loss of muscle mass which helps us burn fat and also creates a greater appetite and most often results in overeating. To prevent protein deficiency complications including loss of muscle we need to supplement our body’s protein intake.

What Protein Is Best after Gastric Sleeve?

This is a good question and the subject of protein is a bit misunderstood. There are two different types of proteins:

• Complete proteins contain all the amino acids your body needs and are primarily found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, eggs. Soy and Quinoa are the two plant-based complete proteins.
• Incomplete proteins are missing or contain very low amounts of one or more of the essential amino acids like foods such as beans, grains, nuts, and veggies. Most plant-based proteins are considered incomplete proteins.

Now that you understand more about what protein is, the importance of protein, and sources of protein, you can appreciate the challenge presented to a bariatric weight loss patient. The good news is that there are many bariatric protein shakes available to help weight loss surgery patients fulfill some of their daily protein requirements, even when they are in their “liquid diet” phase.

What Protein Shakes Are Good For Bariatric Surgery?

This is a great question and if you have ever tried to find a protein powder you already have observed how daunting it can be to know how to choose the right one! To break it down simply, protein shakes come in two basic forms but are available in many textures, flavors, preparation methods, and price points.

The most important thing to concentrate on when choosing one for use after weight-loss surgery is the level and composition of amino acids in the product. There are 9 amino acids that are critical to your body’s needs, these are IAA amino acids. Then, there are 11 more that are non-essential called DAA amino acids.

The IAA amino acids must come from our diet so these are the ones to look for on the label.
The US FDA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (UN/WHO) use a scoring system to determine the quality of amino acid protein and the ability for it to be digested easily by humans.

This scoring system is called “the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score” (PDCAAS). Avoid protein shakes that contain collagen or hydrolyzed gelatin. These are not recommended for weight-loss surgery patients because they do not provide all the necessary amino acids.

How Do I Choose A Good Bariatric Protein Shake: Isolates or Concentrates?

The next thing to consider is the two basic forms that protein supplements are available: isolates and concentrates.

Bottom line: look for high amounts of IAA amino acids with scores of 100 or close to 100 on the PDCAAS scale and choose an Isolate. They are a bit more expensive but let’s face it, the digestive challenges faced after bariatric surgery are already enough. Protein is non-negotiable and you need between 60-80 grams a day. Your doctor will provide you with your unique dosage.

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Liven Up Your Bariatric Protein Shakes

You can add other approved ingredients into your protein shakes to help keep things interesting. This will assist you in getting your 64 oz of liquid a day as well as help to meet your daily protein requirements.

• Try adding pure extracts like almond, vanilla, coconut, or peppermint;
• Use chocolate protein powder and decaffeinated coffee for a mocha twist;
• Add unsweetened cocoa powder to chocolate protein powder to make the chocolate flavor richer;
• Add a splash of yogurt to make your shake creamier and increase protein content;
• Freeze a prepared protein shake in ice cube trays and then either blend them up for a nice frozen treat or incorporate them when making other protein shakes.

Use your imagination, think outside of the box. As long as the protein content is high, carbohydrates and sugars are low and you are following other dietary restrictions, you can be creative!

What Can I Drink Instead of Protein Shakes?

Consult with your bariatric surgeon or nutritionist if you cannot tolerate protein shakes at all. There are some alternatives to protein shakes after bariatric surgery. Unsweetened soy milk is a good source of protein or If you just want to add some variety, there are clear protein shakes that come in flavors like berry, orange, lemon and there is also protein water.

Unflavored protein powders can be added to your choice of zero-calorie drink and some specialty bariatric vitamin companies also offer soups that are low carb and high protein that mix with hot water for a nice change.