Protein Intake
       Following Weight Loss Surgery

Unless we provide the necessary daily volume of protein in our diet, our body will need to utilize the internal reserves stored in the muscles and bones. This will result in a substantially unhealthy weight loss, malaise, fatigue. Taking 60-80 gramms of protein is not a problem for the general population, but after weight loss surgery, for the first few weeks, when the intake of solid food is limited, it can be a significant issue. Nature does not provide such quantities of protein in liquid format.

Therefore, the use of high quality concentrated protein drinks is necessary in the immediate post surgical period to supply you body with the essential protein calories, until you are able to consume solid food.

"What are these drinks and where can I obtain them?"

Although, retail stores do carry some whey protein products, specifically engineered protein shakes provide better absorption and carry more nutrients for the bariatric patients. These are available through online ordering and the links to the vendorare available on our Web Store.

These products are tipically whey protein isolates and come in various flavors. They are supplied in a powder form, should be mixed with cold water or skim milk. Use a blender and add the recommended amount of fluid to the standard dose in the packet, or the scoop, if the product came in a tub. Blend the mixture for 45 seconds, than add some ice chips. Adding a few pieces of fruit may also help adjusting the flavor as well as adding sugar-free artificial flavoring. Blend for another 15 seconds and the result should be a smoothie-like pleasant drink.

We do not recommend Carnation Instant Breakfast, Muscle Milk or Boost products for weight loss surgical patients! Although, they taste good and are easy to consume, they were designed for an entirely different purpose and carry a lot more calories than you want to take at this phase.

• You should definitely use a blender, don't try to shake it together!
  
  
• Read the packaging to know how much protein is present in each serving. Different products have different protein content! Then you can calculate how much you will need for the whole day.
  
  
• If you absolutely hate the taste or the consistency, experiment with a different flavor and adjust the powder/liquid ratio to make the shake thicker or thinner. You need to be comfortable with this by the time of the surgery. If you leave this for after surgery, you may become extremely discouraged.
  
  

"How long should take these drinks?"

Two weeks before surgery you will start an aggressive protein shake diet. This will asssure some weight loss and some shrinking of your liver. Studies have proven that while preoperative weight loss does not predict the ultimate success of the surgery, may significantly reduce the perioperative risk of the surgery itself.

Following surgery, protein shakes will be the only source of protein for your body for 2 weeks. Then you will be slowly advance to a high protein soft diet and 2-3 weeks later to a regular diet. The protein shakes should be slowly weaned off to make sure you will receive the combined total of 60-80 gramms of protein daily. We strongly recommend taking 1-2 shakes daily for the first 3-6 months to assure healthy overall protein intake.

You may download any of the following documents for mor more information regarding the postopertaive diet plan:

Diet stages following gastric bypass surgery

Diet stages following sleeve gastrectomy

Diet stages following adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band^TM or Realize^TM Band)