Currently, people’s sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits have significantly increased the incidence of obesity. After unsuccessful diet and exercise stories, the orientation to obesity surgery options is quite large.
The importance of adequate protein after bariatric surgery, changes in eating habits after surgery and plays a key role in the success of surgery. Yes, after obesity surgery, the nutritional process is of great importance.
Protein sources account for the vast majority of post-operative nutrition. Proteins are the building blocks of tissues and organs in our body. Therefore, their role in the tissue repair process is great.
In addition, it prevents feeding in large volumes with the feeling of early saturation, prevents dumping syndrome with the fact that they do not affect blood sugar quickly.
The amount of protein that the surgical person should take is 60-80 grams on average daily. Since it is not possible to reach this amount in the first month after the surgery, it is supported with protein powders. In addition to daily nutrition, 1 scoop (30 grams) of protein powder will be sufficient.
When choosing protein powder, attention should be paid to the presence of essential amino acids and a protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of 100. The sugar content of protein powder should also be an important factor in its selection. Sugar-free ones should be preferred as much as possible.
The maximum tolerable sugar level is 5 grams. High-sugar protein powders taste better, but can cause dumping syndrome.
After the first month, protein powders are no longer needed as protein sources can be consumed adequately. Meatballs, chicken, fish, cheese, eggs, yogurt, milk, etc. emphasis should be placed on protein sources.
Importance of protein after bariatric surgery
After bariatric surgery, protein consumption should be done in the form of external supplements to prevent muscle loss with rapid weight loss. Since solid nutrition cannot be made in the first month after the surgery, meat group foods, which are the most important protein source, cannot be consumed.
For this reason, it is very important to use protein powder supplements to complete the protein deficit, especially in the first months.
The best sources of protein after bariatric surgery can be listed as red meat, poultry, fish, milk and dairy products and eggs. However, meat should be cleaned of excess fat, milk and dairy products should be consumed with or without fat.
Since solid food intake is insufficient in the early postoperative period, patients need to use additional foods. It is very important for patients who cannot take enough protein with liquid and pureed foods to take protein powder supplements during this period.
Protein powder should be in the amount recommended by the bariatric dietitian. Formulations such as whey protein isolate, which have better absorption, should be at the top of the choices.
Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery should follow a diet to adapt to the new working order of the digestive system, which has been changed by surgery, and to avoid protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies in the long term.
Your Bariatric Dietitian will assist you in determining the most appropriate diet for you on this path.
How do you get enough protein after bariatric surgery?
Although the protein requirement after gastric sleeve varies according to individual differences, it should be at least 60-80 g/day. Problems such as decreased albumin level, muscle wasting, asthenia, and alopecia are seen in insufficient protein intake.
In addition to protein deficiency, hyperinsulinemia with excessive carbohydrate calorie intake prevents fat and muscle breakdown. Decreased protein synthesis, hypoalbuminemia, and anemia occur. This causes the preservation of fat stores, a decrease in lean body mass, and extracellular edema.
There is a feeling of hunger in a person, and there is enough protein, vegetables and if the consumption of fruits is up to the recommended amounts; carbohydrate products can be included in the menu.
What Kind of Protein Do Bariatric Patients Need?
After undergoing bariatric surgery, patients must focus on their protein intake. Bariatric surgery programs typically recommend that their patients consume 60 to 100 grams of protein per day.
High protein foods should be eaten in addition to low-calorie, starch-based food. A lack of protein after bariatric surgery can cause the patient to lose muscle mass and become weak. Lack of protein can also have serious consequences.
Fortunately, there are a variety of sources of protein for bariatric patients. Many people find that roasted meat isn’t palatable after bariatric surgery, and it is best to opt for other cooking methods. Aside from meats, seafood and dairy products are also good sources of protein.
Raw seafood, however, shouldn’t be combined with a lot of rice. Protein-rich foods are also available in soy milk, cottage cheese, fruit, and other dairy products.
In addition to milk and eggs, bariatric patients can mix their protein shakes with low-calorie fruit juices or vegetables. They can also take a multivitamin supplement.
Many protein-rich beverages contain no more than 200 calories. To make your protein shake even more appealing to a bariatric patient, consider adding some low-calorie peanut powder to half a cup of milk or other thick liquids.
Protein intake will vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the bariatric diet prescribed by your surgeon. Basic guidelines suggest that patients consume between 60 and 80 grams of protein per day.
For patients who had gastric sleeve and duodenal switch, this number can be increased to 100 grams daily. Overeating protein can lead to excessive caloric intake, which is stored as fat.
References:
https://asmbs.org/patients/life-after-bariatric-surgery
