How to Use Protein Supplements Long Term After Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

In the initial phases of post-operative care after bariatric surgery, protein shakes are commonly used to help patients reach their protein goals. As time goes on and patients can eat more solid food, most use protein shakes less. That is okay – but it is also okay to keep using protein shakes daily to hit your protein goals. How can you best use protein supplements long term after bariatric weight loss surgery?

Why is protein important long term after bariatric surgery?

Long term, protein helps ensure fullness and satiety and helps maintain fat-free mass (muscle mass) while losing fat mass or maintaining your fat loss. A study by Lopes Gomes et al. found that whey protein supplementation helped post-RNYGB patients lose more fat mass, with no change in fat-free mass, compared with the group that did not supplement with whey protein.¹

How much protein do you need?

According to the 2019 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery nutrition guidelines: "Protein intake should be individualized, assessed, and guided by an RD regarding sex, age, and weight; A minimal protein intake of 60 g/d and up to 1.5 g/kg ideal body weight per day should be adequate: higher amounts of protein intake (up to 2.1 g/kg ideal body weight per day) must be assessed on an individualized basis..."²

Simply put, a minimum of 60 g of protein per day is recommended after weight loss surgery, but your individual needs are best determined by your dietitian. The question is whether you can consume at least 60 g of protein daily from food alone. If yes, great! If not, protein supplements can help you get there.

Protein supplements: more than just a shake

It is normal to get "burnt out" on protein shakes right after weight loss surgery – it makes sense, as they are your only source of nutrition post-op. However, if you have not had a protein shake in a while, give it another try; you may enjoy the taste again. If not, there are plenty of other ways to use protein powder:

• Add it to Greek yoghurt to boost an already high protein food.
• Mix it with apple sauce.
• Mix it into pancake batter (look for wholemeal pancake batter for more fibre).
• Add it to a fruit/vegetable smoothie and freeze in an ice lolly mould.
• Stir it into porridge for a high protein breakfast.
• Add it to baked goods for a high protein sweet treat.
• Put protein powder in a bowl and add a little liquid (whichever you prefer) at a time to make a high protein pudding.
• Whip it with peanut butter to make a high protein fruit dip – great with apples!

Enjoy! For more ideas, see our bariatric recipes.

This article is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice. Always discuss your situation, blood test results and supplementation with your bariatric team or healthcare provider.