How much protein should I be eating after bariatric surgery?
We don’t set a specific target for protein intake on any particular day. We are aware that many bariatric surgery programs recommend liquid protein supplements for their patients during the recovery phase after surgery. We disagree with such recommendations for the following reasons: Specific daily protein intake is not necessary. The body is able to handle short term starvation without difficulty. Think about it. Our bodies evolved in the context of irregular food supply. Our ancestors, not so long ago, frequently went for days or weeks with no food at all. Our bodies carry stores of protein and other nutrients to live on, in addition to the fat stores that we aim to burn. Primarily, it is necessary to drink steadily to remain hydrated. Scheduled eating of any kind works against the idea of relearning eating habits to follow the cues from the little stomach. In the long run, most bariatric surgery patients struggle with too much eating and too much interest in food.
