Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in many functions of the body, including building and repairing tissues, synthesizing hormones and enzymes, and supporting the immune system. After bariatric surgery, maintaining required protein amounts is crucial after metabolic and bariatric surgery to ensure muscle mass, wound healing, healthy hair, and metabolism. Protein helps your body burn fat instead of muscle for a healthier weight loss.
Why do bariatric patients need so much protein?
Bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, can significantly reduce the size of the stomach, which can affect the amount of food a person can eat at one time. This can lead to decreased intake of protein and other essential nutrients. In order to meet their protein needs after a bariatric surgery, bariatric patients may need to consume more protein per calorie than non-bariatric individuals.
The surgery can also change the way the body absorbs nutrients. For example, gastric bypass surgery can cause malabsorption, which is when the body is unable to fully absorb nutrients from food, leading to deficiencies in protein and other nutrients if not properly managed.
Finally, protein is important for maintaining and repairing tissues, synthesizing hormones and enzymes, and supporting the immune system. Ingesting protein after a bariatric surgery becomes crucial for the healing process and can also help prevent muscle loss, which can occur after surgery due to decreased food intake and changes in metabolism.
How do you get enough protein after bariatric surgery?
There are several strategies that bariatric patients can use to ensure they are getting enough protein after surgery.
One way to ensure adequate protein intake after bariatric surgery is to incorporate protein-rich foods into every meal and snack. It is also important to spread protein intake throughout the day, rather than getting it all at once, to help the body better utilize the nutrient.
Another way to boost protein intake is to use protein supplements, such as protein powders, bars, and drinks. These supplements can be convenient and easy to incorporate into a busy schedule, and can help bariatric patients meet their protein needs if they are struggling to get enough through food alone. It is important to choose protein supplements that are high-quality and low in sugar and free of artificial additives like sweeteners and colors.
What kind of protein do bariatric patients need?
After bariatric surgery, it is important for patients to focus on high-quality protein sources to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need. High-quality protein sources are easily digested and utilized by the body, and are generally rich in essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Some examples of high-quality protein sources include:- Lean meats: chicken, turkey, beef, pork
- Poultry: chicken, turkey
- Fish: salmon, tuna, cod, halibut
- Eggs
- Dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt
- Beans: lentils, kidney beans, black beans
- Nuts: almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews
- Tofu
Plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, nuts, and tofu, can also be good options for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. It is important to choose protein sources that are low in fat and calories to help bariatric patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
What is the importance of collagen in the recovery after bariatric surgery?
Collagen is the protein found in the body that makes up bones, tendons, cartilage, skin and muscles. Some of the concerns of metabolic and bariatric patients after surgery is supporting joint health and healthy hair, skin and nails. Collagen supplements may help to support the natural collagen formation in the body. Collagen supplementation combined with other protein sources in the diet can ensure that there is adequate protein intake needed to support muscle mass, wound healing, healthy hair, and a healthy metabolism. Combining this with added Vitamin C, E, Zinc and Biotin can improve the natural collagen production.
Getting enough protein after bariatric surgery is essential for maintaining good health and optimal nutrition. By incorporating protein-rich foods into every meal and snack, and choosing high-quality protein sources, bariatric patients can ensure they are getting the nutrients they need to support their bodies after surgery. By paying attention to protein intake and choosing the right protein sources, bariatric patients can successfully meet their protein needs after surgery and support their overall health and well-being.