Bariatric Surgery & Protein Intake

Bariatric Surgery & Protein Intake

Protein is the building block of the human body; it's in every cell, tissue, and organ. That’s why protein supplementation is essential for bariatric surgery patients since much of the protein in the body will be lost during the procedure. This protein will need to be replaced before the body starts to break down lean body mass to compensate for poor nutrition. It’s vital to maintain the body strong by supplying adequate amount of protein through all stages of the procedure.  

Protein Requirements Prior to Bariatric Surgery

All patients are required to follow a pre operative diet before weight loss surgery. It is recommended that individuals follow a diet that is low in fat and carbohydrates and high in protein. This diet is geared towards reducing the fat around the liver which will reduce the risk of complications during the surgery. 

A pre op diet generally includes liquids and high protein foods that are easier to digest. The goal of protein is to keep the body strong and maintain good nutritional status prior to surgery. A pre op diet should reduce body fat, protect muscle tissue, and prepare the body for surgery and recovery. This will also ensure a swift transition into a post surgery diet.

Why is Protein so Important After Bariatric Surgery?

Optimal nutrition after bariatric surgery is key for the long term success of the procedure. Since the amount of calories, as well as the amount of properly balanced meals, will be limited, it's important to follow the guidelines set forth by health care providers to prevent any nutritional deficiencies from occurring. Protein supplementation after bariatric surgery is key to maintain the body functioning and on its way to a strong recovery. 

After bariatric surgery individuals will be required to follow a low calorie diet. These low calorie diets must be high in protein because if you don’t have enough protein in your body, the body will take the protein from the muscles and you can become weak. Protein will allow the body to maintain and build muscle mass which is essential for weight loss. Protein will also help the body heal from the surgery, promote the immune system, and encourage a healthy metabolism. The additional protein will also benefit the joints, skin, hair, and nails, allowing them to become strong and healthy during the recovery period.  

How Much Protein Should You Consume?

After bariatric surgery it is recommended that individuals aim to consume between 60 to 80 grams of protein each day. However, your doctor or dietician will tell you exactly how much protein your body needs. It’s important to include protein in all of your meals and to eat high protein foods first to avoid becoming too full to eat.

Why Liquid Protein?

Keeping up with protein requirements after surgery can be difficult due to volume or food restrictions, especially since bariatric patients are placed on a full liquid diet following the days after surgery. During this time, it's important to stay hydrated and consume adequate amounts of protein to keep the body healing and recovery properly. Opting for liquid protein supplements can help individuals meet their daily needs while reducing cravings and keeping the body satisfied. Even after the initial stages of bariatric surgery protein is still a key component of the stabilization diet. 

Proteinex is a hydrolyzed liquid protein source that provides all essential and non essential amino acids in a small serving size. Proteinex has been used in the medical industry for over 20 years providing individuals with a complete protein source broken down into its simplest form of amino acids.   

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5347111/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4142593/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29035973 

https://asmbs.org/patients/life-after-bariatric-surgery