Bariatric surgery is a big step towards better health and conquering your weight, but with it comes some big responsibility. After the procedure, you must pay close attention to what and how much you eat. One of the most important aspects of your new diet will be your protein intake. Read below to learn why protein is important after bariatric surgery.
Why Protein Is Important After Bariatric Surgery
Every cell, every muscle, and every organ in your body is made up of protein, and that protein breaks down. You have to replace it, and this becomes even more important after bariatric surgery because you are limiting how many calories you take in throughout the day. This means many of those calories need to be from protein sources.
Protein helps your body in a number of ways after your surgery. It maintains and builds muscle mass that is essential for weight loss. Because of your low-calorie diet, you are already at risk for reduced muscle mass. If your body does not receive enough protein from outside sources, it will break down even more of your muscle mass to compensate.
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3 comments
Hi Im out 2 years after my surgery. And both of my legs are in so much pain. and very very swollen . To the point where my legs hurt really really bad. I don’t know what to do any more to help the pain. Its to the point where I don’t or cant walk without pain. Ive talk to my doctor but nothing. My legs hurt so bad even when I sleep. Please help
I had an RNY 11/19/19. I am doing well following the plan. I went to my post 2 month and saw a nutritionist and she told me to reduce to 1 shake 30 grams protein and 3 meal of protein 1/4 cup each and possibly next month i’ll drop to no shakes and three protein meals 1/3 cup each. She states my blood work looked great including the protein levels. I workout about 20 minutes 5 days a week and feel great. Another bara patient said they never heard of dropping shakes totally. I drink at least 64 ounces a day of fluids. Is what she stating about no shakes normal to follow? Thank you in advance 🙂
Hey Nancy! First – always follow your surgeon/dietitian/nutritionist/nurse’s advice. No one else is going to know your specific situation like they do (nor are they qualified probably!).
Protein shakes aren’t necessary – if you can get your protein with real food AND stay within your calorie goal then do that. But protein shakes are pretty much straight protein without the calories that come with other real foods like carbs and fats. Just think of your diet in terms of reaching those macronutrient goals and you’ll be fine!
Hi Im out 2 years after my surgery. And both of my legs are in so much pain. and very very swollen . To the point where my legs hurt really really bad. I don’t know what to do any more to help the pain. Its to the point where I don’t or cant walk without pain. Ive talk to my doctor but nothing. My legs hurt so bad even when I sleep. Please help
I had an RNY 11/19/19. I am doing well following the plan. I went to my post 2 month and saw a nutritionist and she told me to reduce to 1 shake 30 grams protein and 3 meal of protein 1/4 cup each and possibly next month i’ll drop to no shakes and three protein meals 1/3 cup each. She states my blood work looked great including the protein levels. I workout about 20 minutes 5 days a week and feel great. Another bara patient said they never heard of dropping shakes totally. I drink at least 64 ounces a day of fluids. Is what she stating about no shakes normal to follow? Thank you in advance 🙂
Hey Nancy! First – always follow your surgeon/dietitian/nutritionist/nurse’s advice. No one else is going to know your specific situation like they do (nor are they qualified probably!).
That said, the general recommendations for macros are summed up here: https://www.barilife.com/bariatric-4-phase-post-op-diet/
Protein shakes aren’t necessary – if you can get your protein with real food AND stay within your calorie goal then do that. But protein shakes are pretty much straight protein without the calories that come with other real foods like carbs and fats. Just think of your diet in terms of reaching those macronutrient goals and you’ll be fine!