Bariatric patients who have had a gastric bypass abroad take nutritional supplements alongside post-operative diets. The two are meant to facilitate immediate loss and sustenance of the extra kilos of flesh in the body.
Most times, some patients prefer protein shakes. The latter has been in use and offers a lot of nutritional value to the body. It is worthy of note that the high concentration in proteins is a factor that helps it to find favor before bariatric patients.
After a gastric bypass abroad, the next step is to keep fit and make healthy meals. For the former, patients often consume specific amounts of protein shakes after each workout. It might interest you to know that this nutritional supplement helps in immediate weight loss. The incorporation as an after-work out diet is to help the patient maintain vigor after a stressful exercise.
What is a Protein Shake?
This is where it gets confusing! Some bariatric patients are not in tune with this concept. That is why we deem it proper to demystify the term. This will help you know what you are getting into. Protein shakes are in a simple term, “proteins that are in the liquid form”.
There are links between this and weight loss. This is because of the fact that proteins are important components of bariatric meals. Hence, the expectation is that the shakes will perform the same function as traditional proteins.
Most times, it is better to consume it immediately after a workout or any other physical activity. The reason is simple! After exercises, the body loses some significant energy. To get it back to stability, it is important to consume a diet that is rich in protein. Protein shakes fill that gap. You should not have total dependence on this as the major source of energy. It is vital to take it but at intervals.
Do I need Protein Shakes?
This is a question that bariatric patients ask after gastric bypass abroad. It is very important in the life of every individual that went through weight loss surgery. There are many reasons why protein shakes are important.
First, researches opine that protein shakes that are high in protein or fat and low in carbohydrates have the tendency of making you feel full. Also, they reduce calorie intake. You will agree that this is exactly what you need. By reducing calorie intake, you can concentrate on healthy meals that will get you full faster than you expect.
On the other hand, proteins shakes have been linked to maintenance of the body mass. Note that in severe cases, you will start losing your body mass such as muscles, after weight loss surgery. Researches point to the fact that patients who consume protein shakes are not liable to muscle loss.
Third, protein shakes play a great role in keeping off extra kilos of flesh. It is on record that patients who replace meals with protein shake often trigger a scientific process known as “Thermogenesis”. This is a state whereby the body burns extra calories.
Fourth, you will not struggle to keep off the weight you struggled to keep off. Just like normal protein, the impact of protein shakes on muscle mass and appetite helps patients to sustain weight for a longer period of time. The high-protein formulation gives it an edge over low-protein groups.
Finally, the shakes offer satisfaction and create opportunities for you to feel full fast. You can see that a lot of health benefits await you when you incorporate protein shakes into daily meals.
Protein Shakes vs. Normal Protein – Which is better
It is already clear that more proteins are important in every meal. The contention is between protein shakes and proteins. It is true that they have the same aim but one has better offers. You have to consume meals with more proteins than taking protein shakes. Do not rely on the shakes as your major source of protein.
This does not mean that they are not important. In fact, they are a good way to integrate proteins into your diet. Also, bariatric patients who had a gastric bypass abroad that took supplements, such as protein shakes, feel full faster than those that did not.
Furthermore, a drinkable protein makes it safer for patients of a gastric bypass abroad to heal faster and get the necessary nutrients. This is usually the case with strict procedures such as gastric bypass. You can combine both for variety sake, and make protein implementation easy for you. Whichever options you intend going for, always consult your doctor for advice. Above all, it is important to consume whole foods with enough protein than relying on protein shakes.
After a gastric bypass abroad, protein shakes are a healthy, delicious way to feel fuller, longer!
Which Protein Shakes is best?
You have to understand that all protein shakes do not suit you. Hence, it is important to seek your doctor’s opinion before drinking one. We have made a list of seven (7) protein shakes that will help you throughout your weight loss journey. There are many benefits you will like about them. Yet, we also pointed out some downsides, which will help you make an informed decision.
1. Blueberry Pancake Butter Smoothie
This is for patients that love batter. There is no doubt that you will love the general paste of this smoothie, and crave for the creamy taste. Getting back on track after gastric bypass abroad can be a difficult task. Think of the mornings when you have to rush off to work without meals. All you have to do is get this protein shakes without effort.
Remember that you are trying to avoid calories. This smoothie is something you can take during lunchtime at the office and before you go to bed. Avoid replacing it with meals. Only take it as a supplement that is, while maintaining a healthy meal plan.
Ingredients:
Would you like to have a taste of the amazing Blueberry Pancake Butter Smoothie? Here are the items you need to get it in place.
- 1 tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup of coconut water
- 1 tablespoon of coconut flour
- A cup of buttermilk
- ½ cup of fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons of date paste
- ¼ cup (1%) of fat cottage cheese
- ½ tablespoon of baking soda
- ¼ cup of fat-free Greek yogurt
Method of Preparation
It is time to go ahead and drink this smoothie. Don’t be too fast! Follow this recipe to get the creamy taste out of this smoothie.
- Get a food processor or blender
- Add all ingredients (except the blueberries) into the food processor
- Blend the ingredients for 30 seconds or until they are smooth
- Add a few blueberries at intervals. This is to let them break up properly (blueberries can be hard)
- When you achieve the smooth consistency, transfer the smoothie to a drinking glass or bowl.
- You can add some blueberries to garnish it or consume without that.
Pros:
- Super nutritious
- Not heavy in calories
Cons:
- It can be a little too much for a single meal
2. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Protein Shake
You will be wowed by the nutritional value you will get out of this tasty protein shake. It packs the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat. It will interest you to note that the preparation time is only five (5) minutes, and you can gulp it down at one serving.
Get these ingredients to prepare this protein shake:
- A pinch of sea salt
- 1 large frozen banana
- ¼ tablespoon of pure peppermint extract
- 3 large ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- A scoop of chocolate protein powder
- A cup of non-dairy milk
- A tablespoon of dark/vegan chocolate chips (optional)
Method of Preparation
- Get a blender/food processor
- Put all the ingredients at a go and blend until smooth
Note: There are no visible hard ingredients on the list. That is why you can pack them all at once. After blending, get ready to gulp down. Otherwise, you can add Greek yogurt or homemade whipping cream before serving.
Pros:
- It has a fair composition of proteins (which is about 22%)
- Whipping cream and Greek yogurt add tastes that you cannot resist
Cons:
- The carbohydrate level (about 49%) may not be good for health
3. French Toast Protein Shake
This is a likely choice for bariatric patients that want to have enough proteins while savoring enough taste from the protein shake. The thick and creamy texture combines with melted butter and maple syrup to deliver unique tastes.
Do you yearn for this? Here are the ingredients you need to pull off the French Toast Protein Shake:
- 5 Stevia packets (or any other sweetener of your choice)
- ½ tablespoon of Cinnamon
- 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
- Nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice
- 5-10 ice cubes. (Decide on the consistency you want before choosing. More ice cubes imply more thickness on the protein shake)
- ½ cup of fat-free cottage cheese
- ½ tablespoon of Xanthan gum (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of Maple extract
- A cup of water. (You can also go for ½). The quantity should depend on the consistency you anticipate.
Method of Preparation
- Add all the ingredients into a food processor
- Blend until you achieve the smooth /thick consistency you anticipate
- After blending, you can top up with a dash of Cinnamon or light-whipped cream.
Pros:
- It serves as a post-workout snack
- You can use it to replace your morning meals, especially on a busy morning
Cons:
- It has 180g of calories per shake
4. Pina Colada Protein Shake
Pina Colada serves as a post-workout protein shake. It can also take the place of a meal on a busy workday. The light and the thick texture make it a pick for bariatric patients. Do you want to smack your tongue to its milky taste? Get these ingredients and make the best out of your Pinal Colada Protein Shake:
- ½ tablespoon of coconut extract
- A cup of frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
- 6 ounces of unsweetened coconut milk
Method of Preparation
- Add all ingredients into a food processor
- Blend for 15-20 seconds (this is the average processing time. Though you can live it longer)
- Pour into a glass and drink
Pros
- It’s a quick fix on busy days or when you don’t feel like eating cooked meals
- Delicious and nutritious
Cons:
- The amount of protein per serving is small. Just 4g!
5. Caramel Apple Pie Protein Shake
You should get this if you like feeding your taste buds. The apple pie taste combines with the creamy texture to deliver a delicious and nutritious protein shake. Here are the ingredients:
- ¼ tablespoon of your preferred sweetener
- A scoop of vanilla protein powder
- ½ tablespoon of Caramel extract
- ½ cup of water (add more if you want more consistency)
- ½ fat-free cottage cheese
- 5 ice cubes (increase the number for more thickness)
- ½ cup of fine-chopped apple
- A dash of Cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice
Method of Preparation
- Get the ingredients into a blender
- Blend until you achieve the cream consistency
- Pour into a glass and serve
Pros:
- The protein composition is moderate (about 36g)
- A thick texture that delivers a delicious taste
Cons:
- 213g of calories
6. Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake
You need to restore the fuel you lost after working out. The Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake is a nice way to get back on track. You will certainly like the creamy taste and the nutritional value that follows. Get these ingredients to get started:
- 1 heaping cup of ice
- ¾ cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa
- A serving of chocolate protein powder
- ¼ cup of peanut flour
Method of Preparation
- Combine the ingredients in the food processor
- Blend until you get the smooth/thick consistency you want
Pros:
- The chocolate and peanut butter are a nice combination to pull off a delicious taste.
- The protein composition of 34g is commendable
Cons:
- It has 285g of calories
7. Chocolate Avocado Protein Smoothie
Get some energy back to your body after a strenuous workout session. The Chocolate Avocado Protein Smoothie offers a generous portion of avocado that will leave you relishing the taste all day. You can Greek yogurt to the mix and take it as dessert or breakfast.
Here are the ingredients for the Chocolate Avocado Protein Smoothie:
- ¾ cup of ice
- ½ ripe avocado
- ¼ tablespoon of Cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and ¼ cup of unsweetened almond milk
- A scoop of chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons of Stevia (or any sweetener of your choice)
- 3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt
Method of Preparation
- Combine the listed ingredients in a food processor
- Blend until you get the desired thickness/consistency
Note: You can garnish with a slice of avocado or a pinch of Cinnamon.
Pros:
- The 27g protein component is fair
- Gluten-free
- Low in carbohydrates
Cons:
- 310g of calories
- The extra avocado may not be good for health.
Final Thoughts
Protein shakes are very vital for bariatric patients. Consult your doctor on the recommended amount you can take per day. Weight Loss Riga is committed to the health and long-term weight loss program of our patients. We believe that protein shakes will help you in achieving faster weight loss. Above all, exercise caution not to consider it a replacement for your daily meals. Never give it up for the nutritional and fuller taste you get from your post-operative diets. Your doctor’s opinion will help you to make the best out of your protein shakes. If you are considering a gastric bypass abroad, give Mim, our patient coordinator at Weight Loss Riga a call to learn more.
