Hello. This is Michelle Phelan, nutritionist at Blossom Bariatrics, where expertise meets true compassion. We’re always here for you before, during, and after your weight loss surgery procedure–because it’s the after that’s the most important part.
Today, we’re going to talk about protein and why it’s so darn important for bariatric surgery patients. Well, protein–for one–helps you feel full longer. It stabilizes your blood sugar and your insulin levels. It helps with tissue repair, healing, and your immune system. It also supplies your body with the essential amino acids and minerals needed on a daily basis.
Folks, its protein, protein, protein! Bariatric surgery patients have a harder time getting in the daily required protein that they need every day just from the foods alone that they’re able to eat.
You should choose a high-quality whey protein isolate protein powder as a supplement to your daily protein intake. Look for one that has less fillers and preservatives in it. And also make sure that the one you choose has limited artificial sweeteners in it. Look for Stevia or Erythritol as a sweetener.
I get this question a lot. What the heck is whey protein? Well, whey protein is made from milk, and there’s two proteins primarily in milk: casein and whey. Whey protein is extracted from the component of milk and then dried and then packaged–so that it dissolves instantly in your beverage of choice.
But why whey protein isolate? Well, whey protein isolate is better absorbed and metabolized by most bariatric patients. It’s a quick, easy way to get in your protein, because it’s pretty hard to get in all your daily proteins grams a day just from the foods you’re able to eat alone. So whey protein can be used as a supplement to make sure that you’re getting your required 60 to 80 grams of protein a day.
The whey protein powders of yesterday are no longer. Whey protein powders have come a long way. Many are delicious and creamy, and dissolve very easily in your beverage of choice. Try almond milk, rice milk, coconut milk–these typically are well absorbed by patients as well and it keeps the protein really creamy.
Many of my patients also find that if they utilize an unflavored whey protein powder, it’s a wonderful addition to their Greek yogurt, to their soup, or to their cottage cheese–to boost the protein content.
Make sure to visit our website at www.blossombariatrics.com. Until next time, have a happy and healthy day!
