Importance of Protein

In order to help maintain muscle, lose fat, and promote proper healing, it is very important to include enough protein in your diet. Your body makes thirteen amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. However, there are nine “essential” amino acids that your body cannot produce, which you must obtain from food sources. It is important to eat “complete” foods, which are foods that contain enough “essential” amino acids. Be sure to eat plenty of lean protein foods, which are lower in calories and will help you maintain your weight loss.

Types of Protein

Whey

A dairy byproduct, whey contains enough essential amino acids to be a complete protein source. The whey isolates are believed to have a better absorption rate than the concentrates, but remember this will not be your only source of protein in your diet.

Whey Concentrate

Although there is some lactose in whey concentrate, most people can eat it without experiencing problems, even if they are lactose intolerant.

Whey Isolate

Whey isolate is also a good source of protein for people who are lactose intolerant, because it contains almost no lactose, which is a sugar naturally found in milk. Some patients develop lactose intolerance after bariatric surgery and begin to experience gas and bloating as a result of eating dairy. Whey isolate and lactose-free milk make excellent additions to your diet if lactose intolerance becomes a problem. These have higher concentrations of whey protein than whey concentrate does. If you can afford whey isolate and tolerate it, then this is a good choice for the first three to six months post-surgery. If you cannot tolerate this type of protein, then use a whey concentrate instead.

Soy Products

Soybeans are a quality protein source and contain protein similar in quality to the protein in meat. In general, products made from soy are a great way to incorporate protein into your diet. Also, soymilk is a good milk alternative for people who are lactose intolerant.

Plant-Based Protein Mixes

Plant-based protein mixes contain proteins made from plants, peas, hemp, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, soy, brown rice, and/or sunflower seeds. It is important to make sure that your choice of protein shake meets the doctor’s recommendations:

• Not more than 250 total calories

• At least 15 grams of protein

• Carbohydrates should not be more than ½ the number of grams of protein

Keep in mind that there are literally 100’s of brands of protein shakes available, so you have to read the labels to make sure they meet the above requirements.

Plant-Based Vega: 160 calories, 20 grams of protein, 10 grams of carbs

Superfood Protein Meal: 90 calories, 13 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbs

Whey-Based Protein Mixes

Atkins: 160 calories, 15 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs

GNC Lean Shakes: 170 calories, 25 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbs

Premier Protein Shakes: 160 calories, 30 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbs

Orgain Clean Protein Shakes: 140 calories, 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs

Muscle Milk: 160 calories, 25 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbs (non-dairy version available)

Ensure Max: 150 calories, 30 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbs

Iconic Protein Shake: 130 calories, 20 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbs

Pure Protein Shake: 170 calories, 35 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs

Slim Fast: 180 calories, 20 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbs

310 Protein Shake mix: 90 calories, 15 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbs

Protein Infused Waters

Premier Protein Clear: 90 calories, 20 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbs

Protein H20: 60 calories, 10 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbs

Isopure Protein Water: 80 calories, 20 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbs (bottle)

Isopure Infusions: 90 calories, 20 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs (dry mix)

Ready Protein Water: 70 calories, 15 grams of protein, 1 gram of carbs

Trimino Protein Infused Waters: 28 calories, 7 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbs