The first reason we have prepared this site for you is to provide recipes that calculate the amount of protein. Because protein is the most important food group that an individual who has had bariatric surgery should consume. In this article, we explained why it is important, protein sources, and what to pay attention to when obtaining protein.
Proteins are an important nutrient group responsible for the construction and repair processes in our body. They are found in all tissues such as bones, muscles, organs and even hair and skin. In addition, protein is necessary for the proper functioning of the body and tissue healing.
An individual who has had bariatric surgery needs to consume 60-80 grams of protein daily to live a healthy life. This intake amount may vary depending on gender, age, physical activity or disease status.
In order to avoid muscle loss along with the rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery, protein consumption should be done in the form of external supplements.
Since solid nutrition cannot be done in the first month after surgery, the most important protein source, meat group foods, cannot be consumed. For this reason, the use of protein powder supplements is very important to complete the protein deficit, especially in the first months.
What are the sources of protein?
The best sources of protein are red meat, poultry, fish, milk and dairy products, and eggs. However, it is important to cleanse meat from excess fat and consume low-fat or low-fat milk and dairy products.
Since solid food intake is insufficient in the early postoperative period, patients need to use supplementary foods. It is very important for patients who cannot get enough protein from liquid and pureed foods to take protein powder supplements during this period. Protein powder should be in the amount recommended by the bariatric dietitian. Formulations such as whey protein isolate, which are better absorbed, should be at the top of the list of choices.
Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery need to follow a diet to adapt to the new working order of their digestive system, which has changed with the surgery, and to avoid protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies in the long term. Your bariatric dietitian will help you determine the most appropriate diet for you on this path.
What should be considered when choosing a protein supplement?
There are a number of protein powders on the market, and they are quite different from each other. Here are some important things to consider when choosing a protein powder:
- the type of protein the powder contains
- how much protein is in each serving
- how much sugar is added, how much fat is added
- whether it contains food coloring or artificial sweeteners.
Benefits of protein for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery:
- promotes wound healing after bariatric surgery
- helps in the formation of hormones
- creates enzymes and immune system antibodies
- Provides fat burning instead of muscle
- Supports and accelerates metabolism
- It controls hunger between meals by slowing down digestion.
Along with protein supplements, of course, determination and consistency in changing eating habits and lifestyle are essential for permanent and healthy weight loss after bariatric surgery. The aim of losing weight after gastric sleeve surgery is to reduce calorie intake by reducing stomach volume and mobilize body fat for energy production. However, muscle mass should be preserved. Therefore, fat and carbohydrates, not protein, are targeted in calorie reduction, and patients are planned a protein-rich diet low in carbohydrates and fat. This diet includes a liquid diet for a certain period of time, followed by soft and pureed foods, and finally more solid foods. Your doctor and bariatric dietitian will support you in this process by explaining in detail the diet you need to follow after surgery, what types of foods you can consume and in what quantities.
