Specialist Dietitian

"The secret to permanent weight loss and a healthy life after bariatric surgery may be hidden in the right protein support!"

Use of Protein Powder after Bariatric Surgery

Title:

The importance of protein after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is an effective method for the treatment of obesity, which has become a critical public health problem in recent years. Proper nutritional approaches play an important role in achieving and maintaining healthy weight loss and optimising the healing process after surgery. Protein, which has important functions such as preserving muscle tissue, wound healing and supporting metabolism, is a prominent macronutrient after bariatric surgery. According to researches, the daily protein requirement of the individual increases after bariatric surgery. A minimum daily protein intake of 60-80 grams is important in terms of preventing muscle loss and maintaining weight control. Especially in the early postoperative period (first 3 months), the appropriate and high quality protein sources should be preferred to meet the increased protein requirement.

Protein sources

Both animal and plant sources can be utilised to ensure adequate protein intake after bariatric surgery. The essential amino acid content of protein sources should be analysed. Essential amino acids are the amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and histidine) that cannot be produced by the body and must be taken from food. Adequate intake is important for preventing muscle loss, promoting tissue repair and metabolic health.

Animal protein sources have high bioavailability, are easily absorbed by the body, and contain all essential amino acids, making them important in post-bariatric surgery nutrition. Sources include foods such as eggs, cheese, milk, yoghurt, kefir, red meat, chicken, turkey, fish.
Vegetable protein sources may contain missing essential amino acids, so it is recommended to increase bioavailability by combining with another vegetable source. Sources include foods such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, quinoa, tofu, soya, peas, peanuts.
When there is insufficient protein intake through food due to reasons such as reduced stomach volume after surgery, inability to tolerate food, loss of appetite, supplements such as isolated whey protein or concentrated whey protein, hydrolysed whey protein, casein or plant-based protein powders may be preferred as protein supplements. Determination of these sources by a nutritionist specific to the individual and needs contributes to the prevention of protein deficiency and healthy weight loss in the long term.

Advantages of using protein powder

It is practical as it can be prepared easily and quickly.
Easy to digest and tolerate as they are consumed in liquid form.
The body can quickly utilise the amino acids in protein powders and plays an important role in wound healing.
Protein supplementation helps to maintain muscle mass and strengthen the immune system.
By consuming a high-protein meal in a small volume, a feeling of satiety is provided for a long time.
Since bariatric protein powders usually contain fibre, they support intestinal health.
Bariatric protein powders also contain vitamin and mineral support.
For 1 scale use, it can be mixed with optional water and plant based / lactose-free milk. Protein powder has different flavours or can be consumed as a smoothie by adding foods such as 1 serving of fruit (unshelled, seedless), peanut butter.
It offers different alternatives for vegan, vegetarian or food intolerant individuals.

The right choice of protein powder

Choosing the right protein powder after bariatric surgery is very important to support the healing process and maintain healthy weight loss. Although there are many different brands of protein powders available today, a bariatric surgery dietitian should review the nutritional labelling in order to choose the one that is clean and suitable for the bariatric surgery patient. Protein powders can be considered as an alternative due to limited stomach capacity and restrictions in the consumption of protein-rich foods after surgery. Sugar-free, high-quality bariatric protein powders contribute to a more efficient and healthy postoperative period when added to the individual's diet plan at the right meal and in the right amount. According to the guidelines, isolated whey protein is a recommended option for patients after bariatric surgery due to its rapid absorption. Protein powders used after bariatric surgery; compared to normal protein powders;

It contains high protein and low content of carbohydrates and fats.
It is rich in soluble fibre to prevent constipation problems.
It does not contain lactose to avoid gas and bloating problems.
It has high essential amino acid content that the body needs.
It may contain collagen that helps the post-operative acute wounds to heal quickly and the stomach muscles to recover quickly.
It may contain vitamins and minerals (especially B12, vitamin D, Fe, Ca) that the body needs.
It does not contain simple sugars to prevent dumping syndrome and imbalance in blood sugar.
Contains an average of 20-30 grams of protein per serving.
Lighter flavourings with higher tolerance than normal protein powders contain fewer additives to prevent nausea.
Sports protein powders should not be preferred because they contain performance enhancing amino acids and caffeine.
Products of reliable brands should be preferred. It is necessary to have laboratory tests and quality certificates in terms of both safety and effectiveness.

Time and quantity of consumption

There is no time, frequency or meal that is more beneficial in the guidelines for the use of protein powder. Meal planning appropriate to the needs and lifestyle of the individual should be made and followed by the bariatric dietitian. Many criteria such as the type of surgery, initial weight, blood values, chronic diseases, medications, lifestyle, physical activity status may be determinative. Protein powder can be consumed as a main meal such as breakfast, lunch or dinner, or it can be preferred as a snack. While it is recommended to use protein powder especially in the first 1 month, it can be consumed for up to 3 months depending on the person. In the late postoperative period, it can be used as an alternative on days with insufficient protein intake. Protein intake should be consumed in a balanced way during the day. Instead of taking a large amount of protein at once, consuming it in small portions throughout the day allows the body to use proteins better. The correct amount and timing of consumption maximises the benefits of protein powder and prevents digestive problems.

Protein in the liquid diet period

Protein powder after bariatric surgery may vary according to the surgeon and hospital protocol, but can usually be started on day 2 or 3. For the first few weeks, a liquid diet is applied in order not to strain the stomach and to support the healing process. Since solid foods cannot be consumed during this period, it may be difficult to ensure adequate protein intake. Protein powders are one of the most important supportive nutrients during the liquid diet process and can be consumed by mixing with water, lactose-free milk, plant based milk. Depending on the individual's tolerance, a denser consistency can be achieved by mixing with 200 or 300 ml. In case of inadequate protein intake, there may be risks such as muscle loss, fatigue and prolonged recovery process.

Protein in the solid diet period

The solid diet phase after bariatric surgery usually starts after 4-6 weeks and prioritisation of protein intake in the nutrition process is explained to the patient in nutrition education. In this period, protein should be the main component of meals and protein sources should be prioritised in each main meal. However, in some individuals, it may be difficult to get enough protein as the stomach volume shrinks. In this case, protein powders can continue to be used as supplements and can be preferred in snacks. In the transition to solid food, it is necessary to chew the food thoroughly, eat slowly and not force the stomach, so the transition is decided with the guidance of a dietician according to the tolerance of the individual. If there is sufficient protein intake from foods, the amount of protein powder can be reduced or discontinued.

Maintaining muscle mass

Since there is rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery, especially in the early period, one of the biggest risks is muscle loss. When the body does not get enough protein, it may start to break down muscle tissue and use body protein to meet its energy needs. This can lead to a lower metabolic rate, physical weakness and difficulty in weight control in the long term. High-quality protein intake is recommended to prevent muscle loss, and this can vary according to the individual's starting weight, age, gender and level of physical activity. In addition, regular physical activity, such as light resistance exercises and walking, helps to maintain muscle mass. A balanced dietary programme planned under the guidance of a dietitian and adequate protein intake are important to maintain a healthy body composition and minimise muscle loss after bariatric surgery.

Risks of protein deficiency

Protein is the basic building block of the body and plays a critical role in the recovery process, maintenance of muscle mass and healthy metabolism. Therefore, meeting the daily protein requirement after bariatric surgery is one of the most important components of the nutrition plan and should be supplemented with protein powder supplements when necessary. Adequate protein intake improves an individual's quality of life by supporting not only physical health but also psychological well-being. Protein deficiency can lead to various health problems, both in the short term and in the long term:

Muscle loss and weakness
Weakening of the immune system
Decreased metabolic rate
Difficulty with weight management and appetite control
Delayed wound healing, risk of infection
Hair loss, skin problems and nail breakage
Oedema and fluid balance disorder
Long-term health problems (osteoporosis, musculoskeletal diseases, chronic diseases, hormonal imbalances).

The role of the bariatric dietitian

It is necessary to cooperate with a bariatric dietitian in order to create a nutrition plan that is suitable for individual needs. For healthy weight loss and a smooth process, the individual should have a personalised nutrition programme and should be followed up periodically. In the postoperative period, it may not be sufficient to meet protein intake through food due to limited stomach capacity and changes in food tolerance. The dietitian determines the individual's daily protein target, guides the selection of the right protein powder and plans the amount and duration of this supplement in the diet. In particular, it offers a personalised approach where the different options available on the market meet your lifestyle.

In addition, the dietitian's follow-up is important to prevent misuse and unnecessary consumption of protein powders. In this process, your bariatric dietitian will be the most valuable person who will guide your nutrition in the most accurate way and be your companion.

Misconceptions

It is thought that it is sufficient to consume only protein powder during the day. In fact, the purpose of using protein powder is to replace intolerable foods during the transition period or as a practical alternative. The priority is always to get protein from food.

The idea that protein powder will be used for life after surgery is wrong. If the protein needed is taken from foods, the average can be terminated with the guidance of the dietician.

Contrary to popular belief, protein powders do not have to be consumed only as a main meal. By changing the flavour such as fruit, peanut butter, 1 scale of protein powder can also be consumed as a snack.

All protein powders should not be consumed randomly without label reading or dietician review. Types of protein powders can be recommended differently according to the individual depending on the need.

The idea that the use of protein powder is necessary to build muscle is wrong. Even if the individual does not exercise heavily, he/she can take protein powder supplements to maintain existing muscle mass and for physical health.

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