Following bariatric surgery surgeons recommend a high protein, low carb, low sugar diet. It is very difficult given the limited capacity of our newly surgically altered anatomy to consume enough protein from food sources alone. Most bariatric post-ops will find it necessary to supplement with a protein shake or two during their day in order to reach their surgeon’s recommended daily minimum protein gram goals.
The benefits of protein to the bariatric surgery patient:
* Protein aids in proper wound healing after bariatric surgery and later in reconstructive post weight loss plastic surgery. Both before and after surgery a diet high in protein can help your body prepare to repair.
* Protein helps your body burn fat instead of muscle. Have you heard people tell you you need to eat to lose weight well it’s not just eat. It’s consuming a diet high in protein that helps us lose the weight without losing lean body mass.
* Protein elevates your natural metabolism so you burn more calories. More energy is required for your body to digest protein than fats or carbs. So a diet high in protein kicks our sluggish metabolisms into high gear and we get faster results.
* Protein helps suppress your appetite. Hungry happens even after weight loss surgery but a high protein diet can help you consume less by keeping you fuller longer.
* Protein helps keep your body including your hair, skin, and bones healthy. Weight loss surgery and the rapid weight loss that is achieved from it takes its toil on the body. Maintaining surgeon recommended levels of nutrients is key to weight loss surgery success and continued good health.
Finding a protein I love has been key to my continuing success. Max/Ultimate Protein by SEI gives me 22 grams of low calorie, low carb, GREAT tasting protein in each scoop. Add it to milk and you have even more protein. I use it in a variety of delicious ways… smoothies, shakes, protein ice cream, mixed in oatmeal, puddings, any dish I can add a little protein boost.
And… Max/Ultimate is truly the best tasting protein powder available.
Bio: Michelle “Shelly” Vicari is currently the author of the popular blog “The World According to Eggface - Recipes and Ramblings of a Former Fat Chick”
www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com
Michelle had Gastric Bypass Surgery in June 2006. At the time she weighed 295 lbs., suffered from sleep apnea, GERD, and high blood pressure. Three years later, she’s ditched the 8 medications she was on, lost 150 pounds and has enjoyed resolution of all co-morbidities.
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