Effects Of Protein Deficiency: A Closer Look At Post Bariatric Surgery Diet

There are thousands of proteins found in the body and some of the organs that contain these proteins include; the muscles, skin, organs and even the fat cells.

Intake of protein is therefore very essential as it aids in the formation and maintenance of all these proteins.

Protein deficiency can occur to any one due to poor diet and especially to individuals who have just gone through bariatric surgery.

This can really be devastating to your health and some of the consequences. Make sure your diet post Melbourne Fl bariatric surgery is protein packed and balanced.

Muscle wasting: Many of the body proteins (including those in the muscles) have a short lifespan as they are quickly used and degraded. This is why continuous protein production and supply is very essential.

If the amount of protein in the body is insufficient, large amounts of proteins found in the muscles are broken down for the production of amino acids which are used in the manufacture of critical proteins. This often results in the shrinking of these muscles a condition referred to as muscle wasting.

Frequent infections: Protein deficiency adversely affects the immune system which makes the body more susceptible to frequent infections. Recovery from infections also slows down.

Hair breakage and loss: The specific type of protein in the hair is referred to as keratin and it is very essential for the growth and health of the hair. This is why protein deficiency often results in thinning, breakage and even loss of hair.

Poor wound healing: Wound healing always slows down due to protein deficiency because proteins are very essential during the replacement of broken tissues. A large wound may even develop into a chronic open wound or even skin ulcer and that is why protein deficiency can be can be very devastating after a bariatric surgery.

Swelling: This often occurs due to the leakage of fluid into the body tissues (edema) which results from the disruption of the chemical balance in the body.

Post Bariatric Surgery Diet

After bariatric surgery, patients are often restricted to a clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract recovers. This diet mostly consists of gelatin desserts, clear broth, sugar free drinks or diluted fruit juices.

This is often followed by a pureed or blended sugar free diet for 2 weeks (mainly consisting of protein shakes, soft meats, dairy products among others). Foods rich in carbohydrates are often avoided during the initial stages. Patients are normally restricted to small quantities of food and that is why protein deficiency may occur.

Many patients may not manage to handle the volume of food required for a complete nutritional diet and therefore supplementing is very essential. The easiest way to get proteins is by taking protein shakes which come in various flavors making it easier to consume. Protein shakes are specifically made for bariatric surgery patients.

Protein is very essential after bariatric surgery as it helps during the recovery and that is why post bariatric surgery patients are often given liquid protein supplements immediately they leave the hospital.

Protein is also essential for muscle building and weight loss therefore, consuming sufficient proteins and going low on carbohydrates will keep you full for a longer time thus helping you to lose weight more easily.