Best Protein for Post-Op

When it comes to protein after weight loss surgery, you're going to find out that it's like the number one thing your surgeon or dietician focuses on besides water and liquid intake. Whether you've had gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, getting your protein needs met every day is a huge factor in how successful you'll be in the long term. Protein keeps you full, keeps your immune system running properly, and can help prevent the hair loss that is commonly associated with bariatric surgery. (Hair loss, what? Yeah, that's another post for later.) Most women generally need somewhere around 60 to 80 grams of protein a day, while most men need to get somewhere between 75 and 110 grams per day. Check with your dietician for their advice on what your daily protein goals should be.

There are so many choices when it comes to supplemental protein! You won't be able to meet your protein goals with food at first, so you'll likely need to supplement with a commercial protein shake or powder. I find pre-mixed shakes work better for my schedule and lifestyle, but have also used powders in the past as well. I am extremely picky about taste and flavor, and I found many, many supplements that were just too chalky or the flavor was too fake. I especially can't stand when it has that super fake sweetness, blech! Below you'll find my list of my favorite protein supplements and where to buy them. My surgeon's office recommends that protein drinks meet the requirements of 200 calories or less per serving with 20 grams of protein or more. The options listed below all meet or exceed those recommendations!

1. Premier Protein with Oats - All Flavors

These are new for me, I just started drinking them about two weeks ago. I do like some of the regular flavors of Premier, especially Vanilla, Cookies 'n Cream, and Caramel. But the flavors with oats are SO GOOD! I love oatmeal but tend to stay away from it as I follow a low carb/keto type diet. These taste like drinking liquid oatmeal, and it even says "Try it Hot!" on the side of the carton. My favorite is the Apple Cinnamon flavor, but the Oats & Maple and Blueberries & Cream are bangin' too. All have 150 calories and 20 grams of protein. They are a bit higher in carbs at 13 grams, but net carbs comes down to 6 grams. I purchase mine from Sam's Club in a case for $17.98 for a case of 12, but they can be hard to find. Amazon has them for a bit more: https://amzn.to/3yBM2cq

2. Fairlife Nutrition Plan in Chocolate, Vanilla, Salted Caramel, and Coffee

These were my go to right after surgery, and I still do enjoy them on the days when I need a bit more protein to make up for a lack of it in my food choices. These are quite literally the least protein-tasting shakes I've found. I feel like the chocolate tastes like chocolate milk and the vanilla tastes like a vanilla milkshake! These have a whopping 30 grams of protein and are 150 calories, with 2 grams of carbs. I buy mine at either Sam's Club for $15.99 or BJ's for $16.99 for a case of 12. It all depends on where I'm shopping when I need them. :)

3. Genepro

If you're a member of any bariatric groups on Facebook, you've probably seen people praising Genepro as the only protein they can tolerate. And I admit that I love it too, mixed into coffee with sugar free creamer or flavor syrup. The scoop is much smaller than the average protein powder scoop, and it packs a huge 30 grams of protein in a scoop for only 59 calories. It's also completely unflavored! Now I will say that early on, I tried mixing it with Gatorade Zero and it was so gross, that I didn't try it again until months later when I mixed it with my coffee. It definitely depends on what you mix it with as to how much you can consider it to be "unflavored". In my coffee, I can't taste it at all!

That being said, you'll also see some controversy and class action law suits against Genepro. Some claim that the nutritional value just doesn't add up to 30 grams of protein. I'm cautious when logging it, and usually only log it at 20 grams just to be on the safe side. It's also pricey, coming in at around $38 for 30 servings. I get mine from Amazon and have it set for Subscribe and Save, which sends me an automatic monthly shipment. You can find it here: https://amzn.to/3xy96Zs

4. Isopure Infusions Refreshingly Light Whey Protein Powder

So I had my surgery right smack dab in the middle of summer, and the creamy shakes were starting to get to me by the end of the second week post op. I was looking for something fruity and light, and Isopure Infusions fit the bill! This is a protein powder that turns clear when mixed with water, and it tastes like a refreshing summer drink. Some have a tart taste, so be aware of that if strong flavors aren't your fave. There are several flavors to choose from, such as Citrus Lemonade, Mango Lime. Tropical Punch, and Pineapple Orange Banana. The price on these varies and changes quite a bit, but as of this writing they are $24.20 for 16 servings, with 20 grams of protein, 90 calories, and just 2 grams of carbs. My favorite is the Mango Lime! I get mine from Amazon, and you can find them here: https://amzn.to/3wyfLl8 9

These are my go-to protein shakes when I need to supplement. What are some of your favorites?