[fr1endly2]

The first rule for successful weight loss and weight maintenance after Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) is Protein First - that means eating protein for three daily meals, and protein must be 50 percent of food intake. Some bariatric centers advise as much as 70 grams of protein a day. The gastric bypass diet should be high-protein, low-carbohydrate and low-volume. This is what successful WLS patients will eat for the rest of their life if they wish to maintain weight loss after surgery.

Animal products are the most nutrient rich source of protein and include fish, poultry and meat. Dairy protein, including eggs, is another excellent source of protein. Nuts and legumes are also good sources of protein, but sometimes difficult for the bariatric patient to consume. Tofu is another remarkable good source of vegetable protein and there are many quality flavorful products on the market for making it easy to incorporate into the diet.

Science is proving that a protein rich diet will prompt weight loss and increase energy. The body contains over fifty-thousand different active proteins all made out of the same building blocks: amino acids. Amino acids are made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen as well as sulfur, phosphorus and iron. Many diseases - including obesity - indicate an amino acid deficiency.

WLS patients do not have the luxury of eating high-carbohydrate foods. They must eat lean protein or they will get sick, anemic, and weary. Weight loss will cease if patients eat processed carbohydrates instead of lean protein. Dumping or vomiting may also result if patients do not eat lean protein for the first half of every meal.

The distinction must be made between high fat proteins and lean proteins. A gastric bypass patient cannot tolerate high fat proteins such as bacon, fatty beef or sausage products or greasy fried chicken: these foods cause nausea and vomiting. In fact, many WLS patients report even smelling high fat foods, such a fried chicken, makes them nauseous. In addition, these high fat protein rich items are contributors to obesity, clogged arteries and heart disease. High fat foods should be avoided by anyone wishing to control their weight.

[not quite Barbie]

Thanks Lisa. You have a very clear way of stating what we have to do.

[grandiose16]

Thanks Lisa. Sometimes it just gets confusing. Especially when I go out to eat. Everything seems to be high fat or carbs. I usually eat about 1/3 cheese enchilada and about 1 Tbsp pf beans. I can't eat chicken or beef, just fish and cheese. As snacks I eat a lot of hard cheeses. Mattie

[LittleLisaMarie]

The Good Protein Chart




Protein can help you shed those unwanted pounds and keep your belly full. But it's important to eat the right amount and the right kind of protein to get the health benefits.
Fish & Seafood

Seafood is one of the best sources of protein because it's usually low in fat. Fish such as salmon is a little higher in fat but it is the heart-healthy kind: omega-3 fatty acids.
White-Meat Poultry

Stick to the white meat of poultry for excellent, lean protein. Dark meat is higher in fat. The skin is loaded with saturated fat, so remove skin before cooking.
Milk, Cheese Yogurt

Not only are dairy foods excellent sources of protein but they also contain valuable calcium. Choose skim or low fat dairy to keep bones and teeth strong, prevent osteoporosis and enhance weight loss.
Eggs

Eggs are one of the least expensive forms of protein. The American Heart Association says normal healthy adults can safely enjoy an egg a day.
Beans

One-half cup of beans contains as much protein as 3 ounces of broiled steak. Plus, these nutritious nuggets are loaded with fiber to keep you feeling full for hours.
Pork Tenderloin

This great and versatile white meat is 31% leaner than 20 years ago.
Soy

Twenty five grams of soy protein daily can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Combine soy protein foods like tofu with a healthy low fat diet.
Lean Beef

Lean beef has only one more gram of saturated fat than a skinless chicken breast. Lean beef is also an excellent source of zinc, iron and vitamin B12.
Protein on the Go

Grab a meal replacement drink, cereal bar or energy bar. Check the label to be sure the product contains at least 6 grams of protein, and is low in sugar and fat.

[grandiose16]

What is considered low sugar? what is considered low carb? Is there a formula to use for food that has protein but also has these 2 culprits also. A per centage base or something when I read labels. Thanks. Mattie

[beckamarie]

Lisa thank you so much for this

[rozzy345]

Thanks so much for the information.


Roz