About 15 million American adults have morbid obesity--an excess of at least 100 lbs. of body weight, according to the Association of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. In 2006, 177,600 people in the United States had weight-loss surgery to help reduce their risk of obesity-related conditions, including sleep apnea, heart disease and diabetes. Gastric bypass, the most common weight-loss procedure, causes rapid weight loss but patients must make long-term lifestyle and dietary changes to keep the weight off.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass procedures help morbidly obese patients--those who have at least 100 lbs. of excess weight--to lose significant amounts of weight. The surgery restricts the size of the stomach to an egg-sized pouch, limiting the amount of food that the patient can eat at one time. It also reroutes the digestive system to bypass part of the small intestine, blocking some calories from absorption.
Protein Requirements
Normally healthy adults can meet their protein needs--an average of 50 g per day--by eating a balanced diet that includes fish, meat, poultry, beans, eggs and dairy products. After a gastric bypass, however, the patient needs between 60 and 80 g of protein a day to prevent the loss of lean muscle mass, according to a study published in the September 2008 issue of "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases." A high-protein diet also helps with wound healing and preventing hair loss.
Post-Gastric Bypass Diet
During the first eight to 10 weeks after surgery, patients follow a restrictive diet that helps their bodies adjust to their new digestive systems. During the first two weeks, patients consume only liquids and, therefore, cannot eat high-protein solid foods, including meat, eggs, poultry and fish. Later in the process, they begin to eat tiny amounts of pureed or blended foods, which may include low-fat dairy products and eggs. Still later, bits of soft or ground high-protein foods are added but not in sufficient amounts to meet the patient's daily needs. When able to consume high-protein solid foods, the patient's intake is still limited to small amounts because of the reduced size of the stomach.
Drinking Protein
Until the patient can consume enough food to meet his protein needs, drinkable proteins can fill the gap. Patients may choose among ready-to-drink protein shakes, protein powders that blend with liquids and low-residue protein gels and liquids. Bariatric surgeons and their nutritionists provide detailed lists of appropriate products but, in general, patients should look for a protein drink that provides at least 15 g of protein per serving and no more than 5 g each of fat and sugar, according to Highland Hospital. They may choose from unflavored products that mix readily with broth, juice and other fluids, as well as a variety of fruit, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors. Select a product made from whey, casein, soy or egg whites, as they provide complete proteins that the body can use easily. Some patients continue to drink protein shakes for the rest of their lives while others switch to solid protein sources when they are able to tolerate these foods.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Protein
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: ASMBS Allied Health Nutritional Guidelines for the Surgical Weight Loss Patients
- Highland Hospital: Liquid Meal Plan
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Metabolic Surgery Expected to Play Bigger Role in Treating Type 2 Diabetes and Other Metabolic Diseases
- Mayo Clinic: Gastric Bypass Diet
- Highland Hospital: Types of Surgery
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