Best meal replacement shakes for bariatric patients

Bariatric Advantage High Protein Meal Replacement HPMR features high-quality whey protein isolate with:

  • 27 g of protein
  • 1.5 to 2.5 grams of fat
  • 150-160 calories
  • 11 grams of carbohydrates (6 from fiber and 1 g sugar)
  • 20+ essential vitamins and minerals

HPMR is ideal support for short-term weight loss as well as long-term weight maintenance.
Ideal support for two-week pre-operative weight loss surgery prep or post-operative use.

Available in 10 delicious flavors:

  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate
  • Strawberry
  • Cookies & Cream
  • Orange Cream
  • Banana
  • Iced Latte
  • Crème
  • Pumpkin Spice (Limited Edition - available in 35 svg bags only)
  • Chicken Soup (available in 35 svg bags and single serving packets only)

Sample kit contains one single-serving packet of Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Cookies & Cream, Orange Cream, Banana and Iced Latte, Chicken Soup, and a shaker cup. Sample kits are made to order and may require additional time to assemble before shipment. Occasionally we may substitute one flavor for another if one is backordered.

Protein deficiency is common after bariatric surgery as dietary intake of protein is generally reduced following procedures. Studies have shown that even 12 months after bariatric surgery many patients are not getting the minimal recommended daily protein intake of 60 grams/day.1

ASMBS guidelines for post-surgical bariatric patients call for a minimum protein intake of 60 g/day and up to 1.5 g per kg of ideal body weight per day with higher levels to be assessed on an individualized basis.2 Other bariatric clinical guidelines state 70-90 grams per day as likely more adequate while some patients may need >100 grams of protein per day based on their procedure and body weight.

Protein is a major functional and structural component of all the cells of the body.

  1. Moize V, et al. Protein intake and lean tissue mass retention following bariatric surgery. Clin Nutr. 2013 Aug;32(4):550-5).
  2. Mechanick, JI, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative Nutritional, Metabolic, and Nonsurgical Support of the Bariatric Surgery Patient—2013 Update: Cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, and American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric Protein Shakes

When you’re on the go nothing is easier than grabbing a protein shake. Made with high quality protein, our protein shakes qualify as meal replacements and fit into your diet seamlessly. Our shakes also serve as a great snack to get you through the day and onto your next meal. Browse our store for a variety of flavors you’ll be sure to love from chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, to even mango.

Pre-Bariatric Surgery Liquid Diet

If you’re on a liquid diet for an upcoming surgery, protein shakes are a great way to get the nutrition you need and curb the inevitable hunger pangs. Our shakes are packed with protein and nutrients to get you through the day and stick to your pre-surgery liquid diet. Browse our store to find your favorite flavors as you begin your journey to weight loss. Results will vary from patient to patient based on a variety of factors.

Courtesy Jules via Flickr (license)

Most weight loss surgery patients know they need to reach their protein goals on a daily basis. Using a “ready to drink“ (RTD) protein drink or making your own protein drink with a protein powder can aid in reaching your goal.

What to Look for in a Post-Op Protein Drink

When choosing a protein supplement, it’s important to look for some general nutritional guidelines. In addition, if you like to make your own protein drink (smoothie or shake), be careful what you add to it. Some people go overboard with adding fruit, fruit juice, peanut butter and other ingredients, which can raise the calorie level of your protein drink well beyond what you need.

There are many RTD protein drinks on the market which can make selecting an appropriate one more difficult. Typically, you’ll want to look for a protein drink that has at least 20 grams of good quality protein (preferably whey protein isolate), no more than 300 calories and less than 15 grams of sugars.

Some of the RTD protein drinks we recommend are:

  • Premier Protein – can be purchased at any of the warehouse stores
  • GNC Total Lean – also comes in a powder
  • Lean Body by LaBrada – sold at GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe
  • Muscle Milk Light – sold in pharmacies, grocery stores and some warehouse stores
  • Met Rx Meal Replacement – sold at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe

Some protein powders we recommend are:

  • Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement (powder) – can be ordered directly at bariatricadvantage.com
  • Isopure Low Carb (powder) – sold at GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe
  • Unjury Powdered Whey Protein Isolate – can be ordered directly at unjury.com

Tips for Making Your Own Protein Drinks

If you like to make your own protein drink, first start off with one of the protein powders or RTD products suggested above. If using a protein powder, you can add the recommended amount of water, skim (fat free milk), fortified almond milk or light soy milk. Check the product for directions as each brand of protein powder may be different.

If you want a bit more flavor, fiber and nutrition, you can add 2 tablespoons of PB2® (a low calorie peanut powder), a small amount of fresh fruit (1/2 cup at most), ice and/or leafy greens (spinach, kale, etc.) if desired.

Things to avoid

I usually ask patients to avoid adding too much fruit, fruit juices, whole milk and/or peanut butter as these ingredients can add significant amounts of calories to a protein shake.

Even though fruit, fruit juices and peanut butter are healthy, they can pack a high calorie punch. Just two tablespoons of peanut butter alone has 190 calories, which is more calories than some of the RTD protein drinks! Adding fruit juice adds a lot of calories and increases the sugar count. Higher sugar counts may cause dumping in those that have had gastric bypass.

Calorie-free SPICE additions to protein drinks

To add more pizzazz to your protein drink without the calories, try adding some of the following spices:

  • Cinnamon
  • ginger
  • nutmeg
  • pumpkin pie spice
  • cloves

Calorie-free EXTRACT additions to protein drinks

You might also try adding some of the following extracts:

  • pure vanilla extract
  • almond extract
  • peppermint extract
  • mint extract
  • cinnamon extract
  • pure orange or berry extracts
  • coconut extract (imitation)

Use just a drop or 2 in a protein drink to add a burst of flavor! A drop of almond extract in a chocolate protein drink makes a tasty treat. Or a drop of mint extract in a chocolate protein drink turns an ordinary chocolate drink into a chocolate mint delight!

Sugar-free SYRUP additions to protein drinks

Lastly, you can try using sugar-Free syrups to flavor your homemade protein drink:

  • Da Vinci (davincigourmet.com)
  • Walden Farms (waldenfarms.com)
  • Torani (torani.com)

All three of these are wonderful sugar free syrups you can add to your protein drink for even more flavor options. Visit the company websites for lists of available flavors and where you can purchase these syrups.

On a hot day, make your protein drink into ice pops. Use any ice pop mold and turn your protein drink into something cool and refreshing!

With so many protein drinks and flavoring options you won’t get bored any time soon! If you are still not sure what to buy or use, call the office and ask the dietitian before you waste money on a product that will not help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Be sure to also check out more of my diet, nutrition and exercise tips on my dedicated page, Dietitian’s Corner!

Dietitian’s Corner by Lori Skurbe

Dietitian’s Corner is a monthly column for post-op and pre-op patients of bariatric surgery in NJ written by Prime Surgicare’s Lori Skurbe. Lori has been a dietitian for over 20 years with an extensive background in weight management, bariatric nutrition and diabetes education.

What protein shakes are good after bariatric surgery?

Some of the RTD protein drinks we recommend are:.
Premier Protein – can be purchased at any of the warehouse stores..
GNC Total Lean – also comes in a powder..
Lean Body by LaBrada – sold at GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe..
Muscle Milk Light – sold in pharmacies, grocery stores and some warehouse stores..

Can you drink protein shakes after gastric sleeve?

Liquid protein supplements such as shakes and powders are the easiest to take in right after surgery. After the first 2 - 3 months you will incorporate traditional proteins and foods into your diet. Many patients continue to use protein shakes as a convenient source of protein and nutrition.

Can bariatric patients drink Ensure?

Do not use Ensure®, Boost®, Slim Fast® or other products advertised as meal replacement drinks, as they tend to have too much sugar. Although protein is an important part of your diet after bariatric surgery, you'll also need to focus on other food groups.

Can I drink Slimfast after gastric sleeve?

You'll then begin to introduce nutritional liquids such as skimmed milk, smooth soups, Marmite and Bovril drinks, homemade smoothies,unsweetened fruit juices and meal replacement drinks such as Nestle Build Up,Complan and Slimfast. Aim to have a minimum of 2.5 litres each day to avoid becoming dehydrated.

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