WLS Support

Most surgeons suggest that patients eat at least 50-60 grams of protein per day after gastric bypass. Eating a normal amount of protein is difficult because the new stomach pouch and opening into the small intestine are very small. Chunky meats simply don't go through. Here are some suggestions offered by patients for protein sources that are appropriate at various times after surgery.

First week after surgery

During this very early period patients should limit their intake to clear liquids. Thus choices are limited, and one really shouldn't worry too much about the amount of protein. Beef, chicken, or turkey broth contain a little protein and are good choices initially.

Weeks 2-6 (Post-Op)

During this period, patients should eat puree and very soft foods. Try these ideas.

Bean dishes and soups
Peas
Peanut butter

Tofu (soy) mixed in with soup or vegetables

Baby shrimp
Very soft fish such as sole
Chicken or meat pate or spreads, liverwurst

Skim milk
Cottage cheese or other cheeses
Low fat yogurt
Eggs: try two white with one yolk

Protein Suppliments (these can be mixed with juice or soup or can ben blended with fruit)
Problend 55
ProComplex
Pure Protein (see below)
Zero Carb Isopure (Comes as powder or liquid)

Here are some more suggestions, these from the 1/17/02 support group:

• Designer Protein Powder (Vanilla) blended with flat Diet orange slice
• Designer Protein Powder mixed with coffee
• 1 scoop of ProComplex + 1 scoop soy protein. Add any fruits you like: bananas, berries, peaches
• ProComplex chocolate in 1% milk 1 scoop/4oz.
• ProComplex smoothie with fruit
• Add sugar free pudding to protein supplement of choice
• HMR protein powder from Sharp Weight Management
• HMR protein powder Hot Chocolate flavor mixed with instant coffee
• Trader Joe's Soy protein: 2 scoops with non-sugar Tang
• Trader Joe's canned Pure Protein and Protein Revolution shakes
• Spirutein protein powder Found at Henry's in various flavors
• GeniSoy Shake

Weeks 6 through 12 after surgery

Gradually try meats like chicken, turkey, or fish. Cut up the meat into small pieces and chew very well. Try only a very limited quantity at first. Continue with the earlier foods in somewhat larger quantities.
Some other ideas:
Macaroni and cheese
Whole gain breads
Bran flakes
Baked potato

Soy

(Soy Meat Substitute)

WORTHINGTON BRAND: available in items listed below.

CHOPLETS: (patties) 90 calories in 2 servings
1 ½ grams fat (less than 2% dextrose)
17 grams protein

CHILI: (beans and ground meat substitute)
290 calories in 1 cup serving.
19 grams protein
2 ½ grams fat

LOMA LINDA BRAND: (made by Worthington Foods, Inc.)

SWISS STEAK: (patties and gravy)
120 calories in 1 serving
6 grams fat
9 grams protein
less than 1 gram sugar