Protein, protein, protein.

Protein is essential to the efficiency of one’s bodily functions. This includes maintaining lean muscle mass, regulating blood sugar, and creating a strong immune system. If you have recently undergone weight loss surgery, your body needs protein more than ever. Protein will counteract your body’s weakened ability to fight against sickness and maintain proper metabolism or hormone balances. It will also help you burn fat rather than muscle, easing your appetite and giving you a leaner look. In this article, you will find advice about the importance of protein after weight loss surgery.

The Importance of ProteinIf you need to up your protein intake after weight loss surgery, there are plenty of options for you. White meat is a highly recommended source of protein, especially chicken and fish. An ideal meal may be a chicken breast with a side of quinoa and broccoli. Make sure to consider your doctor’s recommendations as well, especially if you’re a recent surgical patient.

Some of the best-recommended protein sources are:

  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Fish
  • Tofu
  • Eggs
  • Lean beef
  • Lean pork
  • Reduced-fat dairy products

…. And the list goes on and on!

I’ve got my protein… Now what?

Protein Is a Brain Food

Now that you have an idea of what to eat, it’s just as important to know how much to eat. After gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery, your daily protein intake should be between 60-80 grams. After duodenal switch surgery, you will increase your protein to anywhere between 80-100 grams. It may seem like you’re eating a lot of protein daily, but don’t fall under the illusion that this will “bulk you up” or derail your body’s nutritional state. In fact, it will do the exact opposite! Remember, protein after weight loss surgery is essential to recovering your strength.

Did you know that protein is brain food? That’s right! Protein powers your body in more ways than one. A diet focused on protein after weight loss surgery will make your physical and mental health reach new heights. Imagine feeling energized at work or school without the help of coffee or energy drinks! Protein is going to help you feel like a stronger, healthier version of yourself.

Some Tips & Tricks.

Some tips for how to regulate your consumption of protein after weight loss surgery include the “plate order” strategy and laying out your meal plan for each day. The “plate order” strategy is simply the order in which you eat your food. As you may have guessed, it is very important to start with your protein. Eating protein first (and slowly) will give your stomach time to tell your brain whether or not it is still hungry, preventing overeating or under-eating. When it comes to meal prep, this can be much more exciting than it sounds.

Making Healthy ChoicesHaving a plan will give you a sense of control, which is part of your body’s post-surgery strengthening process. To give you an idea of how to plan out your meals, consider the following: aim for 20 grams or 3 ounces of protein per meal and 5-10 grams per snack. A couple of protein-packed snacks are boiled eggs, light string cheese, and deli turkey. Essentially, following a plan and working towards nutritional goals will help you maintain your ideal weight.

A word of caution regarding your protein consumption is to keep an eye on the fats and carbohydrates that come with many protein products. For example, nuts are a great source of protein, but they are extremely high in fat. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid cashews or almonds, but you should stick to a handful or two if you wish to have some. 

Let’s Wrap It Up.

Weight loss surgery takes a toll on your body, so why not help it out? Taking on new goals and challenges is part of your journey to health. This article will help you take that next step forward… Look, you’re already making progress! With increased protein intake post-surgery and a positive mindset, you will experience mental and physical health unlike anything else.


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