Bariatric protein shakes and powders are a staple of the pre-op weight loss and post-op recovery diet. They help you hit your daily protein goals and keep you nourished, so you depend on a selection of low-carb, low-sugar, calorie-controlled bariatric protein shakes that taste great.
The Role of Protein in Weight Loss
Makers of protein shakes may say that their products help lower body fat or promote weight loss. Some studies find that consuming a higher than usual amount of protein in your diet may offer benefits. For example, eating or drinking products that are high in protein may help you lower body fat, keep lean muscle, feel full and lose weight.
Replacing meals with protein shakes may help you lower your daily calories, which can help you lose weight. But in time you'll need to start eating solid food again. Eating solid food may cause excess weight to return if you don't make smart food choices. Since protein has calories, consuming too much can make it harder to lose weight.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans state that an average adult needs about 46 to 56 grams of protein a day. This amount depends on your weight and overall health. It is recommended to consume at least 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Keep in mind that the key to losing weight is burning more calories than you consume. Also add physical activity to your daily routine. Aim for about 30 minutes of activity, such as brisk walking, most days of the week.
Understanding Weight Loss Shakes
Weight loss shakes can include protein shakes, homemade smoothies, and meal replacement shakes. First of all, it is important to note that if shakes are used in addition to normal meals, they usually result in weight gain rather than weight loss. Only when used as a complete meal replacement system do they begin to result in weight loss in the short-term.
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It’s important to note that while weight loss smoothies can sometimes support a healthy diet-especially if they are rich in superfoods- they do not contribute to sustainable long-term weight loss. Long-term weight loss requires lifestyle changes, such as changing your diet. Similarly, meal replacement programs in the form of a protein-sparing modified fast can sometimes contribute weight loss, but for health safety reasons can only be used for around 12 weeks. Weight loss shakes have been shown to be effective for temporary weight loss if a verified meal replacement program is used which completely replaces all meals for a period of around 3 months.
While carefully selected weight loss smoothies can result in weight loss in the same way that careful dietary planning can, this is usually not the case. Most people gravitate toward better tasting ingredients for smoothies; including a high fruit content or liquid calories such as fruit juices, agave, or honey. Unfortunately, this increases caloric load and glycemic index which often prevents weight loss.
Cost and Convenience
Pre-packaged weight loss shakes cost an average of $1 - $5 per serving. When it comes to cost, the cheapest option is definitely a make-it-yourself smoothie. We don’t always have the time or blender availability to make a homemade weight loss smoothie.
Of these two options, meal replacement fortified shakes are a slightly better choice because our bodies need more nutrients than are included in a simple protein shake, including some essential vitamins and minerals added. Because they contain some basic nutrients beyond just protein in a meal already prepared, some companies advertise that this may help with portion control and satiety. However, it is important to note that this has not been demonstrated consistently with studies. Further, using any form of prepackaged protein meal replacement may carry harmful consequences to your health-especially if used as a full meal replacement over time. You can find some meal replacement shakes that are premade in an easy-to-drink, on-the-go container. These are the most convenient options, but also are more expensive.
Protein powders can be inexpensive, often costing only around $1 per serving. They can offer a quick fix when you’re feeling hungry, but the primary problem is that protein in-and-of-itself is not a complete meal. Protein powders lack sufficient nutrients to be a true meal replacement.
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Types of Protein Powders
If you walk into your local Whole Foods or Natural Grocers and go to the protein powder isle, you will be bombarded with all types of choices.
- Orgain organic protein powder and RAW protein powders are plant-based high quality complete proteins containing all essential amino acids in many flavors. Because they are 100% plant-based, they are also anti-inflammatory.
- If you are a vegan, soy protein powder can also be a great option. Especially when mixed with other plant-based protein sources, it contains all of the nine essential amino acids that humans require.
- Whey protein powder is the most common protein powder and is commonly used as a workout supplement. Some research suggests that using whey protein powder can help people who are overweight shed pounds and gain muscle, possibly enhancing lean muscle mass when they are working out rigorously.
- One of the problems with protein powder is that it doesn’t contain any nutrients besides protein. There are some plant-based protein powders that also contain fiber.
Limitations of Weight Loss Shakes
Weight loss shakes can be one option to help reduce unhealthy eating. “Whole foods provide a much better balance of nutrients than meal replacements,” according to Hillary M. While you may find some luck with weight loss shakes, they do not represent a safe long-term weight loss solution. The primary reason is that meal substitutions like weight loss shakes, especially prepackaged ones, don’t teach you how to eat healthfully. In the absence of education, the weight loss is often short-term.
Many people try weight loss shakes and lose some weight, only to resume their old eating habits, and therefore gain weight, once they’re no longer taking the shakes. Many others use weight loss shakes but also continue eating with the shakes, often leading to weight gain rather than weight loss.
The fact is that losing weight is harder for some people than it is for others. Weight loss surgery in Colorado can help people who suffer from obesity to lose weight and keep it off. Bariatric surgery isn’t a magic solution, but when combined with diet and exercise, it can help you to lose weight, keep it off, and get your life back.
Bariatric Fusion Protein Shakes
Bariatric Fusion protein shakes offer a unique blend of great taste, affordability, and nutritional efficacy, making them the ideal choice for anyone undergoing or recovering from bariatric surgery. Bariatric protein drinks are crafted with the utmost care, ensuring that each serving delivers the necessary nutrients to support your bariatric journey. The best bariatric protein powder is one that offers a perfect blend of taste, affordability, and convenience, and that's exactly what Bariatric Fusion provides. With scientifically formulated protein powder for bariatric patients, you're guaranteed a product that aids in the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies while being delightful to consume.
Read also: Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
Bariatric shakes from Bariatric Fusion are not just ordinary protein supplements. They are bariatric surgery protein shakes designed by medical professionals who understand the post-operative nutritional landscape. Whether you're looking for protein shakes for gastric bypass or gastric sleeve protein shakes, the range has been tailored to ensure optimal recovery and maintenance of your health post-surgery. The bariatric shakes weight loss formula is infused with the highest quality ingredients, supporting your weight management goals while providing the necessary nutrients your body needs.
Bariatric Fusion’s best tasting bariatric protein shakes are a game-changer, making your daily regimen something to look forward to. The bariatric protein supplements come in a variety of flavors, ensuring that your taste buds are as satisfied as your nutritional needs. Whether you prefer a classic chocolate delight or a refreshing strawberry twist, the bariatric protein shake lineup has something for every palate.
Bariatric Fusion’s best bariatric shakes are priced with your budget in mind, ensuring that you have access to high-quality, bariatric friendly protein shakes without breaking the bank. With a comprehensive range of protein powders for bariatric patients, you’ll find the perfect fit for your dietary and financial needs. Bariatric protein powders are produced in an NSF Certified Facility in the United States, using ingredients sourced globally. This certification assures that the products meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy.
Protein and Bariatric Surgery
Protein is one of the most important nutrients of concern for bariatric surgery patients. Since bariatric surgery reduces the capacity of the stomach to a very small volume, high-protein foods should always be eaten FIRST or you may become too full to eat them. It can be challenging to consume enough protein from foods alone during the first several months following surgery. Many patients continue to drink liquid protein supplements well past the initial full liquids stage to meet their daily protein requirements. Protein shakes are a nutrient dense, convenient, and inexpensive protein source. Keep in mind not all protein supplements are created equal, and there are certain parameters in place for the calories and macronutrients of a quality protein shake that is appropriate for after surgery.
Whey Protein Isolate vs. Concentrate
Protein shakes are typically made from whey protein isolate, or whey protein concentrate, and sometimes a combination of both. Whey protein isolate is the preferred form for post-op patients as it is a higher quality, complete protein that has been “isolated” from fat and lactose that is naturally found in milk so it has less calories coming from carbohydrates and fat, and most calories coming strictly from protein. Whey protein concentrate can contain varying amounts of carbohydrates and fat along with the protein. Because of this, whey protein isolate often has a slightly higher price point than whey protein concentrate. Another benefit to choosing whey protein isolate is that the lactose has been removed.
Keep in mind that plant-based or vegan protein shakes may not provide a “complete” protein source. A complete protein contains all 9 essential amino acids that make up a protein molecule required to build and repair muscle tissues in the body, and many plant sources of protein do not contain all 9 amino acids on their own. Amino acids are called essential because the human body does not make them and they must be consumed in the diet. If you follow a strict vegan diet, make sure to choose a protein shake that is made up of a blend of protein sources like pea protein and hemp protein together to ensure it’s a complete protein, or choose one that is soy based which is a complete protein.
Protein Powders vs. Premade Shakes
Both options are acceptable for bariatric surgery patients. Everyone’s palates are different, and some people prefer the taste of protein powders over premade shakes or vice versa. Protein powders tend to be more cost effective per serving because you are paying extra for the convenience and packaging involved in the ready-to-drink shakes. If you choose a protein powder, you also have more flexibility with adjusting the consistency to your preference depending on how much liquid and the type of liquid you mix it with. Good choices include fat free milk, unsweetened almond or soy milk, or plain water/ice.
The Role of Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, accounting for about 30% of the body’s protein. It provides structure and flexibility to ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bones as well as the skins elasticity. It also makes up hair, veins, and nail structure. Collagen is naturally produced by the body, but its production begins to decline around the age of 30 and existing collagen breaks down at a faster rate. This decrease in collagen over time is what causes wrinkles and weaker joints as we age.
Collagen peptide supplements have become very popular over the last 5+ years because of this. Many collagen supplements contain about 10-20 grams of protein per serving (depending on the brand) and come in a powder or capsule form. However, while it is a helpful supplement, collagen is only made up of about 7-8 different amino acids so it is not technically a complete protein.
Choosing the Right Protein Supplement
Overall when it comes to choosing a protein supplement, there are many factors to consider like cost, taste, convenience, and quality. Having a variety of protein supplements to choose from whether its different brands or different flavors can help prevent boredom or flavor fatigue as you will be drinking 2-3 protein shakes a day pre-op and post-operatively for a period of time before other foods are allowed. Keep in mind that your taste buds may change after surgery, and protein shakes you liked prior to surgery may not taste as good after surgery so having some alternatives as back up is important.
UNJURY® Protein
Medical research says that over the age of 40, we need 30 grams of high-quality protein, three times a day, to maintain vitality as we age. You get more of the highest quality protein with UNJURY®. A bariatric dietitian said it perfectly: “Patients who use UNJURY® Protein just seem to do better.” UNJURY is recommended at all of America’s Top-Rated Hospitals & top-rated for taste by patients.
Protein supplements work for weight loss. We need protein first - without all the fat and carbs. In fact, we need top-quality protein, so we can maintain muscle and a healthy metabolism even as we lose weight. Weight loss means less medication, stable glucose levels, and more control.