How to choose bariatric protein shakes

Protein shakes are essential to any post-bariatric surgery diet.

Following a bariatric weight loss surgery such as gastric bypass or gastric banding, it is important to ensure you are ingesting enough protein. This aids in the promotion and maintenance of muscle tissue during the recovery phase. Meal replacement protein shakes can be an easy way to keep protein levels up during the transition to solid foods over the course of two to three months post-surgery.

Instructions

1. Compare the amount of protein in one serving of each meal replacement shake. Make sure that there is at least 25 grams of protein per serving to help you reach your daily goals as recommended by a bariatric surgeon or nutritionist.

2. Compare the amount of sugar in each meal replacement shake. Following a bariatric surgery, excess amounts of sugar can irritate the digestive system, leading to dumping syndrome. This syndrome can cause symptoms including cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating and dizziness. Meal replacement shakes should have less than 2 grams of sugar per serving.

3. Compare the vitamins and minerals included in the shake. A good variety of vitamins will help keep your body's systems functioning normally following a bariatric surgery. Specifically, look for high levels of Vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, E, Iron, Folic Acid and Selenium.

4. Choose a brand that offers all the basic nutritional requirements in a flavor you enjoy. It is important that the shake tastes good to you so you will be able to tolerate it for several weeks post-surgery. Most people are restricted to a liquid diet for two to four weeks after a bariatric surgery.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow your bariatric surgeon or nutritionists advice following a surgical procedure.

References

• Stop Obesity for Life: Meal Replacement Shakes
• Mayo Clinic: Protein Shakes

Resources

• New York Bariatric Group