There is no doubt about it -protein is right on trend at the moment. A visit down the food aisle will see protein added to a huge amount of foods with banners proclaiming all sorts of health benefits. If you have had or are thinking about bariatric surgery you will also hear protein mentioned a lot. So is it something that you should be thinking about or just another fad?
What does protein do?
It is vital in our bodies it helps in the growth and repair of muscles (especially vital after rapid weight loss where muscle wasting can occur). Hormones and blood and most other systems in the body are made up of protein and so we really need it in order to function effectively.
How much do I need?
After bariatric surgery you should aim to have at least 60g of protein a day a typical day could look something like this:
meal food Protein
Breakfast Egg on ½ slice of toast 7g
Mid morning snack Small handful of plain nuts 7g
Lunch ½ chicken breast with lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber 15g
Mid afternoon snack 2 crackers with 30g soft cheese 2g
Evening meal 1 sausage, 3 heaped tablespoons mashed potato and 25g gravy (with vegetables) 10g
Evening Yogurt, fruit 9g
Drinks Total of 2/3 pints of skimmed milk, water, no added sugar squash 14g
Total 64g
Supplements
We don’t recommend supplements as most people over time can get the protein they need from their diet, it is important to prioritise food and get into good eating habits. Some people may need a supplement if they are struggling with protein intake but it shouldn’t be in place of good food.
Tolerating protein
Protein foods can be the ones that are more difficult to eat after surgery, one of the reasons that protein is being so heavily marketed is that it is very filling- it stays in the stomach for the longest time out of any of the foods. It is important to chew your food well and experiment with different textures and cooking methods
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Disclaimer: Please note that weight loss surgery results and benefits are unique to each individual and in such The Bariatric Group cannot guarantee specific weight loss goals as results for each surgery can vary. If you have any questions or would like to know more about weight loss surgery please contact our expert team.
