Dr. Liza María Pompa González has helped countless patients throughout the greater San Diego, CA area. At her Tijuana, MX weight loss surgery center, she and her team tailor treatments to patients and place a special focus on life after bariatric surgery, including diet and exercise tips. This is part of the reason why patient satisfaction is high among LIMARP® patients.
Right now we want to consider the importance of protein in patient’s diets after they have undergone bariatric surgery. We’ll go over the benefits of protein, recommended daily protein intake, and some ideal sources of protein to consider.
Why Protein Is Important in General
Protein is a major building block for the body, comprising every cell, organ, and muscle fiber you have. That’s why getting some protein each day is such an important part of good general health. If you do not get enough protein, you’ll notice a lot of health issues follow.
Making the Most Out of Your Diet After Surgery
After bariatric surgery, the amount of food you can eat and the types of foods you can eat will be restricted. It’s important to make the most out of every meal. In terms of pure energy and nutritional intake, having a lot of protein is a great way to make the most out of your diet.
How Much Protein Do I Need Each Day?
That can vary from patient to patient. Generally speaking, bariatric surgery patients should be consuming between 60 and 80 grams of protein each day. Some patients may be instructed to get 90 grams of protein each day based on certain health factors.
Good Sources of Protein for Bariatric Surgery Patients
Bariatric surgery patients will want to focus on lean proteins, particularly lean cuts of meat. Consider these foods after you’ve undergone a surgical weight loss procedure:
- Eggs
- Beans
- Low-fat cottage cheese
- Peanut butter
- Soy
- Tofu
- Peas
- Chicken
- Salmon
- Turkey
- Tuna
- Tilapia
- Lean beef
- Lean lamb
- Lean pork
Try to stick with proteins that are easy to chew and swallow. Stringy meats and other protein sources that may be difficult to digest should be avoided. Since there is such variety in the foods listed above, there are many recipes online that can help you avoid getting bored with what you’re eating.
Protein Shakes to Help with Nutritional Needs
Balanced diets can be a bit more difficult if you have certain food restrictions. That’s where protein shakes can help play an important role. Protein shakes that are fortified with vitamins and minerals can help you meet your protein requirements for the day and also help you reach FDA daily recommended values for various vitamins and minerals.
Working with Our Team to Develop a Post-Surgery Diet
As part of the consultation process, you can discuss various aspects of life after bariatric surgery with our team. We can recommend foods and diet plans that would best meet your needs, and also direct you toward resources that will make life after bariatric surgery much easier. We are here to help.
Contact LIMARP®
For more information about weight loss surgery and how it can help you, be sure to contact our bariatric surgeons. The entire team at LIMARP® can provide you with all the information you need to make a smart decision about treatment options. You can reach our San Diego office by phone at (619) 577-4981 and our Tijuana office at (664) 686-2542.
