After a gastric bypass procedure, you need at least 60 to 80 g of protein every day to prevent loss of lean muscle, according to Linda Aills, R.D., lead researcher in a study published in the September 2008 issue of "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases." Protein supplements can help to meet those requirements but you may find it challenging to locate a nutritious, low sugar, low fat supplement that tastes good.
Powders
Protein powders for body building may contain unacceptable amounts of calories, sugar and fat for gastric bypass patient so read labels carefully. A product suitable for a weight loss surgery patient should provide at least 15 g of protein per serving and less than 5 g of sugar and 5 g of fat, according to Highland Hospital. Taste preferences vary widely among individuals, so test several brands before making a decision. If you like coffee-flavored drinks, try Syntax Nectar's Cappuccino flavor or Click's Mocha, voted a 4.5-star product on Amazon.com. Chocolate lovers may like Chike's Chocolate Bliss while others may prefer the fruity taste of Nectar's Fruitilicious line that includes Apple Ecstasy and Roadside Lemonade, among others. A benefit of purchasing your protein supplement in powder form is the ability to change the taste by blending it with juice, yogurt or other liquids and adding fruit or flavorings.
Liquids
Liquid protein products, drunk straight from the bottle, must have an appealing flavor without the benefit of additional ingredients. LiquaCel, a clear protein liquid supplement that comes in grape and orange flavors, tastes like Kool-aid when mixed with water, according to a consumer review on Amazon.com. Isopure describes its bottled smoothies in pomegranate, orange peach and orange berry flavors as tasting amazing, according to the company's website. Nectar offers a fruity-flavored Lemon Tea flavor as a bottled liquid and Bariatric Advantage offers Chai, Vanilla and Mocha flavors in its Pro Joe line. Unjury's company website posts consumer reviews touting its liquid smoothies as having a light, fresh taste.
Unflavored Products
If you cannot find a flavor you like, opt for an unflavored product that disappears into soups, shakes, milk, juices, puddings and other foods. Unjury, for example, makes an unflavored powder that it recommends mixing into anything other than water or liquids hotter than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. At higher temperatures, the protein powder tends to change texture and clump.
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