Why is protein so important after bariatric surgery?

This is a really common question to have as you go through the surgery process. Your preop education should cover this – but if you need a refresher, I’ve got you!

First, what is protein?

Protein is a macronutrient that is found in every part of your body. Muscles, skin, bones, hair, tissues, organs – you name it, and it’ll include protein!

Protein is made up of smaller units called amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids that your body needs to grow and function properly, but your body can only make 11 of them. That means there are 9 amino acids that your body NEEDS, but can’t MAKE. The result: we need to eat them!

Not only can our body not make certain amino acids on it’s own, but our body also can’t store protein. This is another reason that it’s important to eat enough protein.

Why is protein important after bariatric surgery?

Protein becomes even more important after having bariatric surgery, and the amount of protein you need to eat actually increases.

Immediately after surgery, getting enough protein is really important to help you heal from the operation. Studies have shown that protein helps your body repair tissue and create new blood cells, which are both needed for the surgical would to heal.

Beyond that, protein is important after bariatric surgery for many reasons:

1. Your body doesn’t discriminate between muscle and fat loss just because you had bariatric surgery. You will lose fat mass, but you will also lose muscle mass. Protein is key for building and maintaining muscle mass, so having a higher protein intake after bariatric surgery can help minimize any muscle loss.
2. A higher muscle mass after surgery will help to keep your metabolism up (and YES, this will help with weight loss!).
3. A higher muscle mass after surgery also helps to minimize lose skin.
4. Your hair is made of protein – so if you’re wanting to avoid the dreaded hair loss that comes with bariatric surgery, eating enough protein is key!
5. Protein is an awesome source of energy for your body.
6. Protein is digested slowly by your body, which means that it helps to keep you feeling full for a longer period of time. This helps with appetite control, which is important for long-term success after surgery.
7. Most of my patients find they just feel better, healthier, and more energized when they’re meeting their protein intake.

Basically, getting in enough protein after bariatric surgery is a game-changer. It’s not easy, but there are HUGE benefits to gain from meeting your protein needs (check out this blog post if you’re not sure how much protein you should be eating per day).

If you’re struggling to meet your protein requirements, be sure to connect with your bariatric team.