These days, many people who are extremely overweight consider the option of bariatric surgery as a last-ditch effort to lose their unwanted weight. But because this is such a dangerous surgery and there are so many things to worry about post-surgery, there are many things to consider before making the decision to undergo this type of surgery.
Because bariatric surgery basically makes it so that patients are unable to eat as much, patients will have to make some changes to their dietary habits. For instance, instead of eating two or three large meals each day, it is much healthier for bariatric surgery patients to eat more meals, only smaller, and containing foods that are low in fat and calories, but high in protein. (Actually, this is good for everyone.) One way to get the protein needed in the diet is to start eating foods that are high in protein. Another way is to use protein supplements as meal replacements.
Protein Bar
Surgery of any kind can be hard on the body, but bariatric surgery is especially hard. In order to get the energy for the muscles and soft tissues to heal following bariatric surgery, patients need plenty of protein in their diets. In fact, proteins are so important that they should be the first food eaten in any meal. Most adults need 50 to 75 grams of protein each day, but bariatric surgery patients require as much as 100 grams daily. Protein supplements are a terrific way for patients to get the protein they need in their diets without adding fat and calories.
Protein Supplements as Meal Replacements
Protein supplements have come a long way in recent years. Now, there are many different types of protein supplements available, so there should be something to suit everyone's tastes. Because it is important to eat small meals throughout the day, there are a number of delicious snacks available that are loaded with protein, including meal replacement bars and other snacks. These snacks are not only protein-packed, they also contain many of the vitamins and other nutrients the body needs.
Another great way that protein supplements can be used is to make great-tasting shakes and smoothies from protein powders that can be used as meal replacements or just enjoyed for a delicious snack. These powders are available in a variety of delicious flavors, including berry, fruit punch, chocolate and vanilla. There are also flavorless protein powders that can be used in many recipes.
There are also liquid protein supplements available.
In addition, some of the liquid supplements can be mixed to make shakes and smoothies, and others are available in pre-mixed drinks that are portable, so they can be taken along anywhere. Many liquid protein supplements are made from milk-based products such as whey and casein, so those who are allergic to milk and milk products or are lactose intolerant, should make sure that their liquid protein supplements are made from other proteins, such as soy or rice.
Adding Protein Supplements to Your Meals
When a patient is recovering from bariatric surgery, it is important that he or she eats meals that are low in fat and calories, but high in protein. Of course, it only makes sense to begin eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, including such high-protein foods as fatty fish, poultry, milk, eggs and red meat, but adding protein supplements to meals can boost the amount of protein the patient is getting. Plus, eating a meal that is high in protein will help curb cravings for snacks later on.
Types of Protein Supplements
When it comes to protein supplements, there are all kinds of proteins that are used, and many of them are great for everyone, including vegetarians. It is essential that patients discuss protein supplements with their doctor before beginning any sort of diet plan, to make sure that this is the right thing for their treatment.
Some of the most commonly-used proteins used in supplements include:
Whey - This is a protein that is a milk derivative, and a by-product of the cheese-making process. Whey is considered to be a complete protein, because it has all 22 of the essential and non-essential amino acids. Whey is very easy to digest, but because it does come from milk, people who are intolerant to milk and milk products should not use it.
Casein - Another milk derivative, casein, takes longer to digest than whey, but its effects last longer. For this reason, it is often advised that whey and casein be combined, so those using the supplements will get the full effects of both proteins. Casein is also a complete protein, and there are even some lactose intolerant people who are able to use it without any side effects.
Soy - Here is yet another complete protein. Soy is a protein that is ideal for vegetarians, and it is also great for people with milk allergies or intolerances. Soy protein is gluten-free and low in fat and carbs, so it is ideal for dieters, and those recovering from bariatric surgery. Sometimes soy is known to cause digestive problems, and if this should happen, patients must try a different protein.
Rice - This protein is considered hypoallergenic and is ideal for most people to use. It is great for vegetarians because it is not an animal-based protein, and it contains no cholesterol or saturated fats, making it the perfect supplement for bariatric surgery patients. Also, rice protein will not cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Egg - Egg protein is one of the most well-known proteins used for supplements. Long before supplements were created, bodybuilders and other athletes were using eggs to get the protein they needed. There are many protein supplements, from powders to liquids to snacks, that are made with egg protein, but it should not be used by those who have allergies to poultry or eggs. Egg protein is not a complete protein, but it does contain all eight of the essential amino acids.