Why Do Bariatric Surgery Patients Need Additional Protein in Their Diets?
Anyone who is considering undergoing bariatric surgery to lose weight and be healthy will need to do as much research as possible about the procedure. They should also ask their physicians many questions in order to be fully prepared for the surgery. One thing that they will need to learn about is nutrition. There are many nutrients that will be needed before and after the surgery, and one of the most important is protein.
Bariatric surgery patients require smaller meals throughout the day, and these meals need to contain certain amounts of protein. Patients who undergo this type of surgery need a minimum of 100 grams of protein daily, so they must make sure that their meals, while being low in fat, carbohydrates and calories, are high in protein. Protein is needed to help with the healing process, as it is essential for the building and recovery of muscles and soft tissues. Protein also helps dieters feel more satisfied after eating, which will make them less likely to have cravings and eat unhealthy food.
Using Protein Supplements
One good way for bariatric surgery patients to get the protein needed in their diet, which is going to be very strict following their surgery, is to use protein supplements. By using supplements, they can get the nutrients they need without the fat, carbs and calories. In fact, many patients opt to use protein supplements as meal replacements. There are many types of protein supplements, and before starting any type of diet, patients should discuss it with their physicians in order to make sure that they are getting a diet that is tailored specifically to their needs.
Sources of Protein Supplements
There are many wonderful sources of protein that are used to make protein supplements. Some of these proteins include whey, casein, soy, rice and egg, and they are all great for bariatric surgery patients.
Whey Protein – This is a protein that is quickly and easily digested, so it provides immediate muscle recovery effects following workouts. Whey is a complete protein, containing all eight of the essential amino acids and all 14 of the non-essential amino acids. Because whey is a milk derivative and a byproduct from the cheese-making process, it is not good for people who are lactose intolerant or for those who are allergic to milk and milk products.
Casein Protein – This is another protein that is a milk derivative and another complete protein. Casein is very popular for protein supplements, and although it is slower to digest than whey, its effects are longer lasting. Some lactose intolerant people have reported using casein with no adverse effects on their health.
Soy Protein – This is the best type of protein for people with allergies or who are lactose intolerant. Because it is made totally from soy and is vegetable-based, it is ideal for vegetarians as well. Soy protein contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, and is considered safe for everyone, although some people may experience some digestive troubles. Soy protein is also considered to be a complete protein.
Rice Protein – Rice protein is a terrific protein supplement for vegetarians, people with allergies and the lactose intolerant. Gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, fat and sugar, it is available in powdered forms and can be used to make delicious shakes and smoothies or sprinkled into your favorite recipes. Rice protein comes from brown rice and is considered to be a complete protein.
Egg Protein – Long before the introduction of protein supplements to the general public, many athletes and bodybuilders were known to use egg proteins as a part of their diets. There are a number of great protein supplement made from egg protein. This is another protein that should not be used by people with certain allergies, such as to eggs or chicken.
Types of Protein Supplements
There are a number of types of protein supplements, and the one that you choose depends on your tastes and lifestyle (many are available in ready-to-drink forms that are very small and portable.) Some of the most popular types of protein supplements include protein powders and liquid proteins.
Powdered Protein Supplements – There are also protein supplements in powdered form. All you need to do is put a couple of scoops of the powder into a healthy smoothie or shake, or into one of your favorite recipes, and enjoy. There are even flavored protein powders, such as fruit punch, that taste great when blended with juice, berries and ice. You can also get chocolate and vanilla flavored powders that taste great when blended with skim milk and ice (or ice cream if you want the occasional sweet treat.) Both smoothies and shakes make great meal replacements and can be enjoyed on the go. Here is a recipe for a delicious breakfast smoothie that you can mix up quickly and put it in a travel mug to drink on the go:
- 1 Banana
- 1 Cup Orange Juice
- 2 Scoops Berry or Fruit Punch Flavored Protein Powder
- 1 Cup Ice
Mix all of the above ingredients in a blender for an awesome-tasting smoothie that is loaded with protein, as well as a number of other vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins C and potassium.
This is also a great drink for those who tend to skip breakfast and kids who don’t like to eat fruit.
Liquid Protein Supplements – Liquid protein supplements are another option, which can either stand alone as drinks or be mixed into shakes and smoothies. These supplements are often used by people on liquid diets and are common meal replacements. There are many liquid protein supplements available that are already pre-mixed, including the popular Profect, by Protica. This protein shot provides 25 grams of protein in each three-ounce serving, but only contains 100 calories and is low in fat and carbohydrates. Profect has 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, and 10% of the B complex vitamins. This is an ideal supplement for bariatric surgery patients, as it is low-cal and high in protein, which is essential for recovery following surgery. Profect is available in a number of delicious flavors, including Fresh Citrus Berry, Grapefruit-Mango, Blue Raspberry and Cool Melon Splash.
About Protica Research
Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm specializing in the development of capsulized foods (dense nutrition in compact liquid and food forms). Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and more than 100 other brands in its GMP-certified, 250,000 square foot facility. One area of specialty is the manufacturing of Medicare-approved, whey protein supplements for bariatric surgery patients.
You can learn more about Protica at http://www.protica.com
Become a Protica affiliate.
Copyright – Protica Research – http://www.protica.com/terms.htm