Bariatric surgery is not something to be taken lightly, and the decision to undergo this type of surgery should only happen on a physician’s recommendation. If this is a procedure that you are considering, there are many questions you will need to ask your physician so that you understand the surgery and all of the possible complications.
Following bariatric surgery, patients must follow a very restricted diet that is low in fat and carbohydrate but high in protein. Protein not only provides energy and boosts the immune system, it also promotes tissue recovery, which is necessary following any surgery. The diet must include three healthy meals, plus healthy between-meal snacks that are loaded with protein.
Sources of Protein for Bariatric Surgery Patients
Before beginning any type of diet, especially one following bariatric surgery, it is important to check with a physician first to make sure that the proper dietary needs are being met. A protein-rich diet will definitely be recommended. There are a number of types of protein, and some types are great for some people but not so great for others, especially those with food intolerances or allergies. The main types of protein are whey, casein, soy, rice, and egg.
Dietary Sources of Protein
Some of the best dietary sources of protein are beans. Any type of beans will do, from baked to kidney to soy. Beans are just loaded with protein. In fact, red meat is also high in protein, but cup of baked beans has as much protein as a six-ounce serving of steak. Either option is a healthy, delicious choice that will provide all of your daily protein needs in one serving.
Both poultry and eggs are terrific sources of protein, but if you are eating poultry, remember to eat white meat because dark meat is much fattier. Three ounces of breast meat provides more than 25 grams of protein, which is nearly half of the recommended daily amount. Fish is another great protein source, and it is also low-carb and doesn’t have a lot of saturated fat.
Of course, milk protein is excellent, and whey is one of the most common forms of protein supplements. If you don’t want to drink a glass of milk for protein, you can also enjoy a piece of cheese, some yogurt or any other delicious milk product.
Whey Protein
One of the most popular types of protein, especially among bodybuilders and athletes, is whey. This is a protein that is quickly and easily digested, so it provides immediate muscle recovery effects following workouts. Because whey is a milk derivative, a byproduct from the cheese-making process, it is not good for people who are lactose intolerant.
Casein Protein
Here is another protein that is a milk derivative. In fact, whey comes from casein in the cheese-making process. Casein is another popular protein supplement, and although it is slower to digest than whey, its effects are longer lasting. Casein is considered to be a complete protein, and there are even some lactose-intolerant people who have reported using casein with no adverse effects.
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 the ideal source of protein for vegetarians. 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
Gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, fat, and sugar, rice protein is a terrific protein supplement for vegetarians, people with allergies, and the lactose intolerant. It is available in powdered form, and can be used to make delicious shakes and smoothies or sprinkled into your favorite recipes. Rice protein comes from brown rice, and it is considered to be a complete protein because it contains all of the essential and non-essential amino acids.
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. Often, at least from what we see in the movies and on television, these athletes would actually drink a glass of raw eggs. This is fine, if a person could actually do this without vomiting, but there is a much simpler way to get a quick egg protein fix. Just enjoy a protein supplement made from egg protein. This is another protein that should not be used by people with certain allergies, such as eggs or chicken.
Types of Protein Supplements Bariatric Surgery Patients Should Use
Bariatric surgery patients must follow strict diets after surgery to ensure healthy weight loss. These diets need to be high in protein, with patients needing at least 60 grams per day, and often, in order to get that protein, dietary supplements are used. Protein can come from dietary sources, and there are also a number of great protein supplements on the market, including Profect, from Protica, which contains 25 grams of protein per 2.9 fluid ounce serving.
If you are interested in using protein supplements, there are a few options available to you. If you are a chocoholic, you may want to try one of the many delicious protein bars, which are also chock-full of other essential vitamins and nutrients. Or, you may like one of the other protein supplements, including powder, liquid, protein shots, and capsules.
Protein Powder – These are great for people who are busy and are looking for something that they can eat or drink on the go. Protein powders can be used to make tasty shakes and smoothies, or they can be incorporated into a number of recipes.
Liquid Protein – You can also use liquid protein to make shakes and smoothies, or it can be used as a stand-alone drink. They are often used post-workout for muscle recovery, and many people, especially people on low-calorie or liquid diets, use liquid protein supplements as meal replacements.
Protein Shots – These are tasty little drinks that not only provide 25 to 30 grams of protein per shot, they also give you an energy boost without the need for one of those expensive energy drinks. These are available in a number of tasty flavors, including sour apple, grape and raspberry.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey liquid protein for cancer patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright