The Right Protein Supplement

There are many protein supplements available on the market, it is important that the right supplement that meets all the requirements that are appropriate for the bariatric patient. Just because a protein supplement is labeled "bariatric" , it does not mean it is the right one. Protein supplement come in many forms powders, ready to drink, bars. The right one should be easily integrated into your lifestyle.

A Protein shake should be around 100 -180 calories, 12 - 25 grams, 0 to 5 grams of sugar and 1 -5 grams of fiber.

The powders I used were Isopure Low carb and Nectar which is a low carb as well. I also tried Isopure Protein drink. The Isopure Protein drink comes in different flavors the best one I thought was the Alpine punch. I found that the Isopure were the most protein for the calories. The powder for one scoop is 25 grams of protein and 110 calories. I used 2 scoops and mixed it with water so I got 50 grams of protein and 210 calories. I also have Isopure protein drink which is 40 grams of protein and 160 calories. So for the day I had 90 grams of protein and 360 calories, no carb and no fat. That works for me I get the most protein which keeps my muscle mass and my body will not start to burn my muscle mass. That is one of the problems when you don't take enough protein.

Some of the other protein shakes are as follows:

Designer Protein 1 scoop 18 grams 90 calories
GNC 100% Whey Protein 1 scoop 21 grams 110 calories
Genisoy Natural Protein 1 scoop 25 grams 100 calories
pbs Nutriion Protein for Life 1 scoop 20 grams 88 calories
Jay Robb's Whey Protein 1 scoop 24 grams 113 calories
ProStat 64 2 tbsp 15 grams 60 calories
GNC Soy Protein 95 1 scoop 25 grams 130 calories
GNC Lean Protein 1 scoop 20 grams 100 calories
Trader Darwin Whey Protein 2 scoop 17 grams 130 calories

Some of the Ready to Drink/Eat Protein are as follows:

EAS AdvantEgde 1 serving(11oz) 100 calories
EAS Myoplex Low Carb 1 serving(11oz) 130 calories
Resource Optisource 4 oz. 100 calories
World Wide Pure Protein 1 serving(11oz) 160 calories
Instone High Protein Pudding 6.4 oz 100 calories

Vitamins and Mineral Supplementation

Why do you need to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals?

With the amount and type of food you will be eating with the bariatric diet, it will be difficult to get enough vitamins and minerals from food alone. Deficiencies can develop in a matter of months. Iron, folate, B-12 and calcium are the nutrients most affected. Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K may also be affected.

Within one week of the surgery you will begin your dietary supplements. Vitamin and mineral supplements must be taken for life. Also remember your vitamin and mineral levels will need to be check every 3-6 months by a metabolic physician.

A daily vitamin and mineral regimen after surgery should include a chewable or liquid multivitamin with iron, 1000 - 1500 mg of calcium and there may need to be an additional B12 and iron or other supplements as recommended.

For me I took Flinstone vitamins with iron twice a day, calcium with vitamin D twice a day, vitamin B-12 and a vitamin C all chewable. You can take any vitamin you want but some of the recommended vitamins and minerals are as follows:

Multi Vitamins
Centrum Chewable
Nature's Plus Chewable
Puritan's Pride Chewable
Isotonix Liquid
Resource Optisource Chewable
Rainbow Light Powder
GNC Liquid Ultra Mega Multi
Bariatric Advantage Chewable
Flinstone Vitamins with Iron (2 per day)

Calcium (with added vitamin D)
Caltrate (calcium carbonate)
TwinLabs chewable (calcium citrate)
Viactiv chewable (calcium carbonate)
Rainbow Light chewable (calcium citrate
Bariatric Advantage chewable (calcium citrate)
Oscal (calcium carbonate)
Citracal (calcium Citrate)

Iron
Fergon Tablet
Ferrous Gluconate
Ferrous Sulfate

Vitamin B12
Nature's Bountty Sublingual
GNC Liquid B12

Gastric Bypass Solution