Bariatric surgery, a life-changing procedure aimed at promoting weight loss, requires a commitment to long-term dietary changes to ensure both healing and sustainable weight loss. One of the most crucial aspects of post-surgery care is ensuring adequate protein intake to support muscle healing, maintain immune function, and promote overall recovery. Protein shakes offer a convenient and effective way to meet these nutritional needs. In this article, we will explore the nine best protein shakes for post-bariatric surgery, providing you with detailed information to aid your recovery journey.
Why Protein is Crucial After Bariatric Surgery
Protein plays a vital role in recovery after bariatric surgery. It helps repair tissue, build muscle mass, and maintain immune function, all of which are essential as the body heals and adapts to its new weight loss journey. Post-surgery patients often experience difficulty in consuming enough protein through solid foods alone due to the restricted stomach size and altered digestive system. This makes protein shakes an excellent choice for meeting daily protein requirements.
What to Look for in a Protein Shake Post-Surgery
When selecting a protein shake for post-bariatric surgery, certain factors should be considered to ensure the shake is both effective and safe. These factors include the type of protein, the presence of artificial sweeteners, sugar content, and ease of digestion.
Type of Protein: Whey protein isolate, plant-based proteins, and collagen peptides are popular choices due to their high bioavailability and digestibility.
Low Sugar Content: Bariatric patients must avoid shakes with high sugar content, as this can lead to weight regain and other complications like dumping syndrome.
Easy to Digest: The shake should be gentle on the stomach and easy to digest, as bariatric patients may experience digestive issues initially.
9 Best Protein Shakes for Post-Bariatric Surgery
1. Premier Protein Shake
Why it’s great for bariatric patients: Premier Protein shakes are widely recommended for post-bariatric surgery due to their high protein content, low sugar levels, and smooth texture that is easy to digest. Each serving offers 30 grams of protein, making it one of the most protein-packed options on the market. Additionally, it contains only 1 gram of sugar and 160 calories per serving, making it ideal for weight management.
Additional Features:
Comes in various flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
Fortified with 24 vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which is crucial for bone health.
Available in ready-to-drink bottles for convenience.
2. Isopure Zero Carb Protein Shake
Why it’s great for bariatric patients: Isopure Zero Carb Protein Shake is a great choice for bariatric patients looking to minimize their carbohydrate intake. With 25 grams of protein per serving and no added sugar or carbohydrates, this protein shake is highly suitable for weight loss maintenance. It also includes essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and recovery.
Additional Features:
Available in several flavors like Alpine Punch, Banana Cream, and Cookies and Cream.
Contains 100% whey protein isolate, making it highly digestible and a good source of essential amino acids.
No artificial colors or sweeteners.
3. Orgain Organic Protein Shake
Why it’s great for bariatric patients: Orgain Organic Protein Shake is a plant-based protein shake that is an excellent option for those who prefer a vegan or dairy-free option. It offers 20 grams of protein per serving from organic pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seeds. It’s free from artificial preservatives, additives, and sweeteners, which makes it a great option for bariatric patients who are sensitive to artificial ingredients.
Additional Features:
Made with USDA organic ingredients.
Low in sugar (only 9 grams per serving) and gluten-free.
Available in a variety of delicious flavors, including creamy chocolate fudge and vanilla bean.
4. Syntrax Nectar Protein Shake
Why it’s great for bariatric patients: Syntrax Nectar Protein Shake is known for its light and refreshing taste, making it ideal for post-surgery patients who have a sensitive stomach. It provides 23 grams of protein per serving, with no carbohydrates and minimal sugar. This protein shake is formulated with whey protein isolate, which is easily digestible and beneficial for muscle repair.
Additional Features:
Available in a variety of fruity flavors such as Fuzzy Navel, Caribbean Cooler, and Lemon Tea.
Contains added BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) to promote muscle recovery and prevent muscle loss.
No lactose, gluten, or fat, making it suitable for sensitive digestive systems.
5. Bone Broth Protein Shake by Ancient Nutrition
Why it’s great for bariatric patients: Bone broth protein is an excellent option for bariatric patients because it is packed with collagen and amino acids that support gut health and skin repair, two areas that require attention during the post-surgery recovery phase. Ancient Nutrition’s Bone Broth Protein offers 20 grams of protein per serving with only 90 calories, making it a highly effective and low-calorie option.
Additional Features:
Rich in collagen, which supports skin elasticity and joint health.
Includes a variety of flavors like chicken and turmeric, making it a savory option that differs from sweet shakes.
Easy to digest and absorb by the body.
6. Quest Protein Shake
Why it’s great for bariatric patients: Quest Protein Shakes offer a high-quality protein source from whey protein isolate and provide 30 grams of protein per serving. These shakes have only 1 gram of sugar and are low in carbs, making them ideal for patients looking to control their sugar and carb intake while still getting an adequate amount of protein.
Additional Features:
Available in several delicious flavors such as chocolate milkshake and vanilla milkshake.
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and magnesium for bone health.
Gluten-free and soy-free, which is beneficial for patients with food sensitivities.
7. Bariatric Fusion Protein Shake
Why it’s great for bariatric patients: Bariatric Fusion Protein Shake is designed specifically for bariatric patients, making it an excellent choice for post-surgery recovery. It provides 27 grams of protein per serving and includes essential vitamins and minerals to support healing, including calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
Additional Features:
Comes in various flavors such as chocolate and vanilla.
Contains both whey protein isolate and concentrate for a balanced amino acid profile.
Easy to digest with a smooth, creamy texture.
8. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Why it’s great for bariatric patients: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides provide 20 grams of protein per serving, primarily from collagen, which is particularly beneficial for skin, joints, and gut health. After bariatric surgery, the skin and tissues need extra care to avoid sagging or scarring, making collagen a crucial addition to the diet. Collagen peptides are also highly bioavailable and easy to digest.
Additional Features:
Contains hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are more easily absorbed by the body.
Supports gut health, which is essential after bariatric surgery.
Unflavored, so it can be added to other shakes, smoothies, or even soups.
9. Celebrate Vitamins Protein Shake
Why it’s great for bariatric patients: Celebrate Vitamins Protein Shake is another protein supplement specifically formulated for bariatric patients. With 25 grams of protein per serving, this shake provides all the essential nutrients needed for optimal healing. It is low in sugar and rich in vitamins and minerals to support overall recovery.
Additional Features:
Available in multiple flavors, including chocolate and vanilla.
Includes a blend of whey protein isolate and casein for sustained protein absorption.
Free from gluten, soy, and artificial sweeteners.
How to Choose the Right Protein Shake for You
Selecting the right protein shake depends on your individual needs, preferences, and any dietary restrictions you may have. Consider the following factors when choosing your protein shake:
Protein Source: Opt for whey protein if you can tolerate dairy, or choose plant-based protein for a dairy-free option.
Flavor Preferences: Many patients prefer sweet or fruity flavors, but savory options like bone broth protein shakes can offer a refreshing change.
Nutritional Content: Look for shakes that are low in sugar and carbs to prevent unwanted weight regain. Also, consider shakes that include additional nutrients like vitamins and minerals to support recovery.
SEE ALSO: How Can I Lose My Belly Fat Without Surgery?
Conclusion
Protein shakes play a pivotal role in the post-bariatric surgery recovery process, ensuring that patients meet their protein needs to support healing, muscle maintenance, and overall health. The nine protein shakes listed above provide a range of options to suit different preferences and dietary needs. By choosing the right protein shake, you can ensure that your body gets the nutrients it requires during this crucial phase of recovery, ultimately helping you stay on track with your weight loss goals and improve your overall well-being.
