Bariatric or weight loss surgery helps severely obese individuals lose weight by restricting their food intakes or blocking calorie absorption, or both. Dietary instructions depend on the type of surgery performed, but in general, patients need additional vitamins, minerals and protein after surgery, according to Linda Aills, R.D., lead researcher in a study published in the September 2008 issue of "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases." Many commercial products promise to help bariatric patients meet their nutritional needs.
Protein Supplements
After weight loss surgery, you need at least 60 to 80 mg of protein every day to prevent losing lean muscle mass, according to Aills. Protein supplements made of whey, soy, egg whites or casein help you meet those needs. Look for a powder that provides at least 15 g of protein and no more than 5 g of sugar and 5 g of fat per serving. Brands such as Unjury, Pure, Bariatric Advantage, Inspire and Chike advertise high-protein, pleasant-tasting protein powders that mix easily with various liquids including water, non-fat milk and juice. Available from online sites such as Bariatric Support Centers International, Unjury and Bariatric Advantage, as well as through bariatric surgeons' offices, protein powders come in unflavored versions, as well as in a variety of flavors including chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, fruit flavors, coffee and cookies and cream. Ready-to-drink protein shakes offer convenience at a higher price point than the powders.
Meal Replacements
Nutritionists recommend eating solid foods instead of using liquid meal replacements as much as possible because solids make you feel full longer. However, if you would otherwise skip a meal because of time constraints, choose a meal replacement instead. Bariatric Advantage meal replacements provide 27 g of protein per serving, 1 g sugar and 1.5 g fat, according to the product website. Bariatric Fusion Low Carb Meal Replacement, a powder product meant to be mixed with water or skim milk, provides 27 g of protein, 2 g of sugar and 5 g of fiber, according to the Bariatric Support Centers International.
Vitamins and Minerals
Depending on the type of procedure performed, bariatric patients may have problems with nutritional deficiencies if they do not take vitamin and mineral supplements, according to Aills. Surgeons' office and online sources offer a variety of supplements commonly prescribed for bariatric patients including calcium, iron, multivitamins and vitamins B and D. Unlike non-bariatric supplements, these products offer easily digested liquids and chewables in amounts optimal for weight loss surgery patients. Bariatric Advantage offers supplement kits appropriate for patients after specific surgical procedures, according to the product website. For example, the adjustable gastric band kit includes chewable multivitamins, iron and calcium citrate with vitamin D. The gastric bypass kit includes prenatal vitamins, iron, calcium citrate with vitamin D, as well as vitamin B-12. The same brand offers candy-like supplements and crystals that mix up as a flavored beverage, according to Bariatric Support Centers International.
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