Gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure that provides an answer to many struggling with lifelong obesity and tackles stubborn weight gain. Also known as bariatric surgery, its patients report that the procedure has given them a new start to life as it kick-starts a weight loss process unlike any other.
According to the board-certified surgeon and president of NOVA Bariatrics and General Surgery, Dr. Mustafa H. Alibhai, “Protein is one key nutrient that gastric-sleeve surgery patients need to prioritize. It is the difference between maintaining your results and health, or you risk losing both.”
However, it can be difficult for patients to tackle the dietary limitations after gastric sleeve, so it can be tricky to incorporate protein into a regular diet. In this blog, let’s find out the best way to get protein after gastric sleeve surgery and what happens when you don’t.
The Importance of Protein After Bariatric Surgery
After gastric sleeve surgery, protein plays a vital role as it prevents muscle loss during extreme weight loss. Additionally, it is essential for wound healing and recovery. Prioritizing enough protein in the diet can also help patients feel full despite reduced food portion sizes. Healthline says 60-100 grams of protein per day is important according to bariatric surgery programs. Focusing on high-protein foods and avoiding high-fat or sugary foods is essential.
After gastric sleeve surgery, patients must learn to adjust to a whole new way of life. It’s because the surgery involves removing a significant portion of the stomach. Life post gastric sleeve surgery means you must gradually ease into eating solid foods. So, many of your usual protein sources might be off the table.
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Protein Shakes Fool-Proof Way to Maximize Protein-intake
Protein shakes are a great way for patients to get the right intake without stressing their healing stomach. On average, protein shakes contain 30 grams of protein per serving.
Dr. Alibhai adds, “Muscle loss is one of the issues that gastric patients are likely to face. Pure whey protein shakes are a great recommendation for gastric sleeve surgery patients as they are easy to digest. Also, they contain a high amount of amino acids that are essential for muscle growth and repair. ”
Another benefit of protein shakes is that they can be easily mixed with other foods. The Mayo Clinic advises bariatric patients to have high-protein foods first in meals, and protein shakes are a great choice for this practice.
Key Tips For Prioritizing Protein After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
While it can seem confusing to effectively include protein in your diet, all it takes is a few small changes. With these strategies, you can improve your protein intake with ease.
1. Protein-Rich Meal Toppers
Eating whole protein sources might not be an option for gastric sleeve patients. However, you can top your meals off with high-protein foods like cottage cheese and scrambled eggs.
2. Replace Regular Yogurt with Greek
A simple way to add protein to your diet without feeling like you’re missing something is to replace regular foods with their high-protein alternatives. For example, try to use Greek yogurt in place of regular yogurt.
3. Clear Broths and Soups
High-quality broths have a great protein content and are easy on the stomach. Gastric sleeve patients can easily consume them and benefit from their protein content.
4. Don’t Stay Hungry
Gastric patients can sometimes feel demotivated to eat. However, staying hungry can make you likely to eat unhealthy alternatives to protein-rich foods. It’s recommended to plan your meals and stay on track so you don’t ever go deprived of protein.
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Takeaway
Protein is essential for post-gastric sleeve diets, as its benefits go beyond muscle recovery. It helps preserve existing muscle, manages hunger, and improves metabolic health. However, the dietary restrictions that come with gastric sleeve surgery can be difficult to tackle.
You can take the initiative by making a few simple changes to your daily diet. One effective way is to add protein shakes to your diet because of their high protein content and versatility. Additionally, preferring high-protein foods like Greek yogurt, broth, and other soft foods can help maintain an adequate protein intake.
