Bariatric Protein Shakes

Why Are Protein Shakes a Big Deal for Bariatric Patients?

After bariatric surgery, your stomach is much smaller. This means you can't eat as much food as before. But here's the catch - your body still needs lots of nutrients, especially protein. That's where protein shakes come in handy!

Protein shakes are great because:

1. They help you heal after surgery
2. They keep your muscles strong while you're losing weight
3. They make you feel full even though you're eating less
4. They give your body the fuel it needs to keep burning fat

What Should You Look for in a Protein Shake?

Choosing a protein shake might seem tricky, but we've got you covered. Here are the main things to keep an eye on:

1. Protein content: Aim for at least 15 grams per serving. More is often better!
2. Calories: Look for shakes with around 100-200 calories per serving. Over 200 calories is usually a sign of some bad ingredients if it's meant for bariatric patients.
3. Sugar and carbs: Less is more here. Try to find shakes with less than 5 grams of sugar.
4. Vitamins and minerals: Many shakes are packed with extra nutrients your body needs. Some shakes are considered meal replacements based on the amount of extra nutrition.
5. Taste and texture: It should taste good! If you don't like it, you won't drink it. Try mixing flavors!
6. Easy to digest: Your new stomach might be sensitive, so choose a shake that's gentle on your system. Different types of protein might work better for you than others.

Types of Protein: What's the Difference?

Not all protein is created equal. Here's a quick rundown of the main types you'll see in protein shakes:

• Whey protein: This comes from milk. It's easy to digest and has all the amino acids your body needs.
• Casein protein: Also from milk, but it digests more slowly. Good for keeping you full longer.
• Soy protein: A plant-based option that's good for people who can't have dairy.
• Other plant proteins: Things like pea, rice, or hemp protein. Great for vegans or those with allergies.

Each type has its pros and cons, so you might need to try a few to see what works best for you.

Here are the Top Bariatric Protein Shake Brands

Here's the most popular bariatric protein shake brands, in alphabetical order:

	AmBari Nutrition stands as a prominent manufacturer and supplier of top-tier Bariatric and Medical Weight Loss products. Catering specifically to the distinctive nutritional requirements of bariatric patients, they provide an extensive selection of bariatric foods, including shakes, bars, entrees, snacks, and vitamins.
	Bariatric Advantage is well-known for offering nutritional products specifically designed for bariatric patients. Their protein shakes are packed with high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals, providing a nutritious and tasty option.
	Numetra products are thoughtfully crafted to deliver a balanced mix of nutrients. These products include special fibers and probiotics that support digestive health, helping maintain your metabolism and overall well-being.
	Proti Diet specializes in high-protein, low-carb weight loss products. Their protein shakes are designed to meet the specific needs of bariatric patients, offering a substantial protein boost with minimal calories and carbs.
	Proti-VLC by Bariatrix offers high-protein, low-calorie products designed to satisfy hunger while ensuring your body receives essential nutrients. Their range includes protein shakes and a variety of snacks that are both affordable and diverse.

Our Top Picks for the Best Bariatric Protein Shakes

Now, let's look at some of the best protein shakes for bariatric patients. We've hand-picked these for their quality and how well they meet the needs of people who've had weight loss surgery.

Product Name	Image	Key Features	Protein	Calories
Numetra Cookies and Cream Shake		Delicious cookies and cream flavor, balanced nutrients, suitable as shake or pudding	20g	160
Bariatric Advantage High Protein Chocolate Shake		Rich chocolate flavor, high protein content, gluten-free, low in sugar	27g	150
Healthwise 35g Protein Meal Replacement Shake		Highest protein content, gluten-free, suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals	35g	250
Aloha Mango Smoothie		Tropical flavor, gluten-free, aspartame-free, ideal for full liquid diet phase	15g	100
Chocolate Brownie Protein Shake		Rich chocolate brownie flavor, fortified with vitamins and minerals, versatile as shake or pudding	15g	100
Chike Protein Iced Coffee		Coffee and protein blend, gluten-free, contains real espresso, low in sugar	20g	130
French Vanilla Protein Shake		Classic vanilla flavor, gluten-free, aspartame-free, mixes well with other shakes	15g	100
Orange Creamsicle Protein Shake		Nostalgic orange and vanilla flavor, gluten-free, aspartame-free	15g	100
Lemon Razzy Fruit Drink		Refreshing lemon-raspberry flavor, aspartame-free, low in carbohydrates	15g	70
Vanilla Cappuccino Protein Shake		Coffee flavor with vanilla hint, low in sugar and fat, aspartame-free	15g	90
ChocoRite Protein Shake Mix		High in whey protein and fiber, includes prebiotic fiber, sugar-free	24g	130-150
Café Mocha Protein Shake		Coffee and mocha blend, fortified with vitamins and minerals, versatile as shake or pudding	15g	100
Strawberry Blast Smoothie		Sweet strawberry flavor, made with non-fat yogurt, can be prepared as pudding	15g	100
Numetra Spiced Carrot Cake Shake		Unique carrot cake flavor, nutrient-dense, suitable for liquid diet phase	20g	160
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake		Classic chocolate and peanut butter combo, low in sugar, satisfying taste	15g	110

These shakes are all great options, but everyone's different. You might need to try a few to find your favorite!

Protein shakes are an essential part of many bariatric patients' diets, providing necessary nutrients in an easily digestible form. These shakes are not only beneficial for those who have undergone weight loss surgery, but they can also be helpful for individuals managing other health conditions. For instance, many of these shakes are also suitable for those with diabetes. If you're specifically looking for diabetic-friendly protein shakes, we have a collection tailored to those needs as well.

How to Fit Protein Shakes Into Your Post-Surgery Diet

Adding protein shakes to your diet is pretty simple, but there are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Timing is key: Have a shake between meals or as a meal replacement if your doctor says it's okay.
2. Start slow: Begin with small amounts and gradually increase as your body adjusts.
3. Mix it up: Try blending your shake with ice or adding sugar-free flavoring for variety.
4. Don't forget real food: Protein shakes are great, but they shouldn't replace all your meals. As you heal, you'll start eating more solid foods. Check out our guide on the bariatric phase 3 diet for more info on this.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Don't just take our word for it - here's what real bariatric patients have to say about our protein shakes:

Choosing the right protein shake after bariatric surgery is so important. It can make a big difference in how you feel and how well you recover. Remember these key points:

• Look for shakes high in protein but low in sugar
• Choose a type of protein that agrees with your body
• Don't forget about taste - you should enjoy your shake!
• Start slow and gradually increase your intake

While this guide gives you a good starting point, everyone's different. It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor or nutritionist about what's best for you. They know your specific situation and can give you personalized advice.

Not sure which shake to try first? Check out our protein shake variety pack. It's a great way to sample different flavors and find your favorite!

Author: Carrie H. Carrie is a passionate health and nutrition writer who transforms complex medical research into accessible, evidence-based content to empower readers to make informed choices about their wellbeing. With a background in science and a dedication to helping others live healthier lives, she provides thoughtful analysis of the latest studies and practical, actionable advice readers can apply to their own lives.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kevin Huffman Dr. Huffman is an accomplished board-certified bariatric physician with extensive clinical experience and expertise in treating obesity. He has trained countless healthcare providers and founded American Bariatric Consultants to develop highly sought-after protocols, training materials and continuing education used widely by medical societies, hospitals and physicians. Dr. Huffman's impact reaches far beyond direct patient care, as he actively prepares the next generation of physicians to achieve board certification in bariatrics, thereby exponentially expanding access to this vital medical treatment.