The following menus are just a guide. Please take the liberty of trying other high protein drinks that have been approved by your surgical weight loss dietitian. Use the list of protein drinks below for ideas.
Liquid Protein
The following liquid protein drinks* will be acceptable for 2 weeks before surgery:
- Skim, 1%, or Lactaid milk
- No Added Sugar Instant Breakfast
- Strained Cream Soup (low-Fat such as Healthy Request by Campbell’s)
- Soy Milk (plain only)
- Yogurt/Greek Yogurt (must be light)
- No Added Sugar Hot Cocoa, made with skim or 1% milk
- Atkins Drink (only one/day)
- AdvantEdge Carb Control
- AdvantEdge Protein Powder
- Unjury protein powder with skim/1% milk (a sample can be given to you at 1:1 dietitian appointment)
- High Protein Drinks (approved by your surgical weight loss dietitian)
- Tomato Soup, made with skim or 1% milk
- Homemade custard, made with a sugar substitute (example: Splenda)
- High Protein Slim Fast
*The availability of these items changes frequently. Do your homework ahead of time to locate the acceptable products and try them before surgery. Should you have questions about the appropriateness of a product that is not on this list, ask your surgical weight loss dietitian at your individual appointment. Make sure to provide your dietitian with either the container or nutrition information (serving size, grams of protein, fat and carbohydrate) for review.
Protein Powders
If protein powders are used to make high protein shakes they must be sugar free, low in carbohydrates and low in fat. Remember, more protein is not always best. It is important to meet your protein needs, but exceeding your needs is not recommended.
Here are some guidelines for a protein powder:
• Less than 4 grams of carbohydrate/serving
• Less than 3 grams of fat/serving
• Whey protein source* (usually around 15-20 grams protein/serving)
Guidelines for Ready-to-Drink Protein Drinks:
• Whey protein source*
• Aim for 15-20 grams protein (as with protein powders, more may not always be best)
• Less than 3 grams of fat per serving
• Less than 20 grams of carbohydrate per serving
*Whey protein (a product of milk) is a more complete protein source than soy or other plant protein sources. Choose high protein liquids made with whey protein unless you have an allergy or dietary restriction that would cause you to require alternative protein sources. Please let your bariatric dietitian know if you are unable to use whey protein products so they can help you choose appropriate alternatives.