What you should know about protein
According to all bariatric guidelines, bariatric patients need a required amount of protein each day. Protein is needed to preserve muscle mass – and for overall health reasons. Most guidelines will state to have a minimum intake of 60-80 grams of protein daily.
It can be really hard to meet your protein recommendations after bariatric surgery. You feel restriction, you can’t eat and drink at the same time, you’re more likely to have food intolerance and your appetite is reduced.
It’s important to have an eating strategy. And it’s recommended to follow-up with a bariatric dietitian to discuss your nutrition goals.
4 reasons why you need protein after bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery leads to rapid weight loss. But it also leads to the breakdown of your muscles – which may leave you fatigued, weak and more prone to nutritional hair loss. Here are 4 reasons you need protein after bariatric surgery.
- Protein is used as a building block for your muscles and will help you to preserve more muscles after bariatric surgery
- Your metabolic rate is higher if you have more muscle mass
- A higher metabolic rate will lead to more efficient weight loss
- You need protein for overall health – to recover from surgery, and to maintain bodily functions like enzyme & hormone production
Protein is constantly broken down and needs to be replaced. This process is called protein turnover. You can’t store protein, so it’s necessary to get your protein from your diet.
What you should know about protein
According to all bariatric guidelines, bariatric patients have to commit to consuming a specific amount of protein each day. Protein is needed to preserve muscle mass – and for overall health reasons. Most guidelines will state to have a minimum intake of 60-80 grams of protein daily.
It can be really hard to meet your protein recommendations after bariatric surgery. You feel restriction, you can’t eat and drink at the same time, you’re more likely to have food intolerance and your appetite is reduced.
It’s important to have an eating strategy. And it’s recommended to follow-up with a bariatric dietitian to discuss your nutrition goals.
4 reasons why you need protein after bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery leads to rapid weight loss. But it also leads to the breakdown of your muscles – which may leave you fatigued, weak and more prone to nutritional hair loss. Here are 4 reasons you need protein after bariatric surgery.
- Protein is used as a building block for your muscles and will help you to preserve more muscles after bariatric surgery
- Your metabolic rate is higher if you have more muscle mass
- A higher metabolic rate will lead to more efficient weight loss
- You need protein for overall health – to recover from surgery, and to maintain bodily functions like enzyme & hormone production
Protein is constantly broken down and needs to be replaced. This process is called protein turnover. You can’t store protein, so it’s necessary to get your protein from your diet.
What are high-protein food sources?
Animal food sources contain more (high quality protein) than plant-based food sources. It can be especially challenging to meet protein requirements with a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
High-protein food sources to remember:
- 90% lean ground meat
- Pork
- Beef
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Fish and other seafood
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Cottage cheese
- Lentils
- Peas
- Chickpeas
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Edamame beans
- Pumpkin seeds
- Hemp hearts
- Quinoa
- Nuts
- Protein supplements (protein water, protein powder, protein bars)
Did you know that?
Protein consist out of amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids that can all be linked together in a different sequence to create different types of protein. There are 9 types of amino acids that your body can’t make on its own. These are called the essential amino acids. The nutritional value of a protein food source is measured by the amount of essential amino acids it contains.
How to meet your protein goals after Bariatric Surgery
Are you struggling to get all your protein in every day? Well…you’re not alone. Protein is dense and you may deal with food intolerances too. Add restriction on top of that and you have the perfect recipe for the struggle to stay on top of your nutrition goals after bariatric surgery. Let’s take it one step at a time, okay? And start with these 5 simple strategies to eat more protein!