Knoxville Weight Loss Surgeon On the Importance of High-Protein Diets after Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgeon Stephen G. Boyce, MD, the founder of Bari Life Bariatric Supplements, says protein supplements and high-protein diets are extremely important for patients to maintain good nutrition and a successful weight loss after surgery.

Knoxville, TN – Dr. Stephen Boyce, a Knoxville weight loss surgeon and the founder Bari Life Bariatric Supplements, says weight-loss surgery offers one of the most effective treatments available for patients suffering from morbid obesity.

However, Dr. Boyce notes, bariatric surgery is only the first step on the journey to safe, successful, and healthy weight loss. “The true key to your success [after bariatric surgery] lies with your new lifestyle – namely, your diet.”

Like many bariatric surgeons, Dr. Boyce tells patients that weight loss surgery is an advanced tool to help them live a healthier life – but, how effective that tool works depends on the patients’ adherence to dietary and nutrition requirements after the procedure.

Dr. Boyce notes that one of the most important components of any diet is protein, which can provide the body with essential amino acids. He says studies have shown a diet high in protein is better at promoting fat loss while preserving muscle.

Dr. Boyce reveals that high-protein diets can also help fight hunger, giving people a feeling of fullness that can decrease spontaneous eating, in addition to helping stave off osteoporosis and degenerative loss of muscle during the natural aging process.

After bariatric surgery, Dr. Boyce says it’s crucial for patients to make sure they are getting necessary daily nutritional requirements. This often necessitates the inclusion of bariatric vitamin and protein supplements.

He says many weight loss surgery programs advise 60-80 grams of protein each day for patients, and that protein powders such as Whey Protein, Casein, Rice Protein Powder, and others can be useful for helping patients attain daily protein targets.

Dr. Boyce notes that about 50% of daily protein requirements coming directly from whole food sources and about 50% from protein supplements is often a good balance. He says protein supplements can often be mixed with a variety of meals, offering individuals a convenient and tasty way to hit their targets.

“What is most important is that you find the protein source that works best for you and your needs.”

Dr. Boyce says Whey Protein is the most popular protein powder, largely because it is cost-effective, quickly digested, and efficiently absorbed by the body. He notes there are three kinds of Whey Protein: Whey Isolate; Whey Concentrate; and Whey Hydrolysate.

Dr. Boyce says, while Whey Isolate and Whey Hydrolysate are often more expensive than the others, these particular forms of Whey Protein can often be found to have a higher concentration of actual protein. “A safe way to look at protein is: you get what you pay for.”

Dr. Boyce notes that Whey Isolate products, including Bari Life’s own 100% pure supplement called Natural Whey, are often the strongest choices for bariatric patients because of the rapid absorption rate and because they are often easy on the stomach, particularly for patients with lactose intolerance.

Overall, Dr. Boyce says, protein is vital to maintaining lean body mass during calorie-restrictive dieting.

He believes that, with comprehensive weight loss surgery support programs and individuals who are committed to success, patients can successfully adapt to their new diets and lifestyles and maintain a healthy weight loss.

About Stephen G. Boyce, MD

Dr. Stephen Boyce is the founder of Bari Life Bariatric Supplements. He is also the Medical Director of the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, a facility that has been nationally accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).

Dr. Boyce has obtained special training in laparoscopic surgery and holds a Masters Certification in Bariatric Surgery. In addition to offering his own line of bariatric and vitamin supplements, Dr. Boyce’s weight loss surgery practice offers comprehensive surgical programs designed to help patients fight morbid obesity with procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric banding. Dr. Boyce is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Dr. Stephen Boyce and his practice, please visit BariLife.com, newlifebariatricsurgery.com, facebook.com/barilife, or facebook.com/newlifecenterbariatricsurgery.

New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery
(865) 694-9676
Physicians Plaza I, Suite 305
Turkey Creek Medical Center
10810 Parkside Drive
Knoxville, TN 37934

Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com