12. Why is protein intake so important, and how can the required amounts be achieved?
Protein is a vital nutrient for our body. It is crucial for recovering after injuries, supporting the immune system, protecting the muscles, and helping with hair loss.
Depending on the type of surgery, 60 to 80 grams of protein (for gastric banding, stomach tubes, and gastric bypass) or 80 to 90 grams (for BPD) must be consumed per day.
Protein-rich foods include milk, dairy products, fish, lean meat, poultry, legumes, and eggs.
Since some of these foods cannot be eaten or tolerated in the early postoperative period, it is a good idea to include a protein drink as a fourth meal.
High-quality protein powders contain about 80 to 85 grams of protein per 100 grams of powder.
About five weeks after the stomach reduction, the menu could be like this, for example:
- Breakfast: one hundred grams of low-fat quark (12 g protein) with some fruit
- Lunch: one hundred grams of turkey breast (24 g protein), one to two tablespoons of vegetables, one to two tablespoons of potatoes
- Snack: a protein drink (with about 12 g of protein)
- Dinner: one hundred grams of cottage cheese (12 g of protein), half a slice of wholemeal toast, and some vegetables.
