Protein and Bariatric Surgery
What is protein anyway?
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Proteins (made up of amino acids) are the building blocks of your body
About 75 percent of your weight is protein : Muscle, bone, skin, hair, and virtually every body
part or tissue
Your body needs protein for building and repairing muscles and organs
Why is protein important after bariatric surgery?
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Protein is necessary for the body to heal following surgery, and helps support immune
function
Protein delays stomach emptying and helps keep you satisfied for a longer period of time
after a meal, aiding in successful weight loss
It is difficult to get enough protein through diet alone after surgery because of the small
portion sizes you are limited to. Protein supplements can help fill the gap when you can’t
meet your protein needs with food alone
What are the consequences of not getting enough protein?
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The body must continue to use protein to build cells even when you don’t consume enough
The body takes protein from your muscles and organs – to build and repair elsewhere
Eventually muscles and organs weaken
Hair loss
Impaired immune function- leading to infection and illness
How much Protein do I need?
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60 to 80 grams of protein a day minimum of high quality protein (whey protein isolate or or
soy protein if using a supplement)
You can meet these requirements with 3 protein shakes per day
Refer to food list on the back of this sheet to determine how you can meet these needs with
foods
How can I get more protein in my diet?
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Consume protein with each meal and snack. When eating meals, consume your protein
supplement (or protein food) FIRST.
Vary your protein sources to avoid monotony. While on the liquid diet, make your own shakes
in a blender, and try different flavors for different meals.
Once you are able to tolerate solid foods, continue to consume your protein food first. If you
are unable to consume enough protein from food sources due to a busy lifestyle, protein
supplements can continue to help meet the gap.
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MEET YOUR PROTEIN NEEDS FIRST. After
consuming your protein, move on to nonstarchy vegetables, fruits, and lastly, starchy
vegetables (potatoes, corn, peas), and grains
(bread, pasta, cereal)
If tolerated, mix protein supplements with
skim or 1% milk for an additional 8 grams of
protein per 8 ounce serving.
Choose unsalted nuts or beans as a snack, on
salads, or in main dishes
Mix unflavored protein powder in soups,
oatmeal, or casseroles.
What foods contain Protein?
Food Item
White fish
Cottage cheese (nonfat or low
fat
Milk (skim or 1%)
Non fat, sugar free yogurt
Soy Milk
Nonfat, sugar free greek yogurt
Nonfat, sugar free pudding
Peanut butter, reduced fat
Egg
Egg whites
Fat free cheese
Beef (lean)
Poultry
Soy nuts
Hummus
Cooked beans (kidney, black,
navy, lentils, etc)
Almonds, peanuts, pumpkin, or
sunflower seeds
Quinoa
Special K Protein Plus + Skim
Milk
String Cheese
Oatmeal
Spinach
Broccoli
Brown Rice
Black bean burger
Serving size
1 oz
½ cup
Protein (grams)
7
14
1 cup
8 oz
¾ cup
6 oz
8 oz
1 ½ teaspoon
I medium
2
1 oz
1 oz
1 oz
2 tbsp
½ cup
½ cup
8
8
5-7
14
8
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
¼ cup
5-7
½
¾ cup +1/2 cup
4
14
1 stick (24g)
1/2 cup
½
½
½
1 burger (67g)
6
3
2.5
2
2.5
11
Sample Menu 1: With Protein Shake
Sample Menu 2: Without Protein Shake
7:00-8:00-
8 oz decaf coffee or tea
7:00-8:00-
8 oz decaf coffee or tea
8:00-8:30-
½ cup oatmeal
8:00-8:30-
¾ cup Special K Protein Plus;
½ cup skim milk
¼ cup almond slices
4 oz sugar free, fat free yogurt
4 oz sugar free, fat free yogurt
9:00-10:00
8oz of water
10:30-11:00- ½ cup fat free cottage cheese
9:00-10:00
10:30-11:00- 1 ½ Teaspoon peanut butter
6 whole wheat saltine crackers
¼ cup peaches
11:30-12:00- 2 ounces grilled chicken
8oz of water
11:30-12:00- 2 ounces sliced turkey breast
¼ cup cooked carrots
1 slice whole wheat bread; 1
oz fat free cheese
¼ cup cooked broccoli
1 slice tomato; ¼ cup spinach
12:30-1:30-
8oz of water with crystal light
12:30-1:30-
8oz of water with crystal light
1:30-2:00-
4 oz. Nonfat, sugar free
chocolate pudding
1:30-2:00-
4 oz. Sugar free Greek yogurt
3:00-4:00-
8 oz Chike Protein shake
3:00-4:00-
8 oz water
4:30-5:30
8 oz water
4:30-5:30
8 oz water
6:00-6:30-
2 ounces grilled white fish
6:00-6:30-
3 ounces lean beef
2-3 tbsp brown rice
2-3 tbsp mashed potatoes
½ cup vegetable medley
(broccoli, carrots, cauliflower)
¼ cup green beans
7:30-8:00
4 oz sugar free jello
7:30-8:00
2 tbsp light whipped topping
¼ cup strawberries
4 oz sugar free pudding
8:30-9:30
8 oz water
8:30-9:30
8 oz water
TOTALS:
Protein: 87g
TOTALS:
Protein: 90 g
Calories: 958
Calories: 1044
Carbohydrate: 93g
Carbohydrate: 109 g
Fiber: 15g ; Fluids: 48oz
Fiber: 15 g; Fluids: 48oz