Written by Jeffrey Bernstein, BS Nutrition
Obesity is clinically defined by the CDC by a person’s body mass index (BMI), which is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m2). BMI is an indicator of body fatness1. Between 2000 and 2010, the prevalence of a BMI >40 kg/m2 (type III obesity), calculated from self-reported height and weight, increased by 70%, whereas the prevalence of BMI >50 kg/m2 increased even faster2. When usual options fail at helping to reduce body weight bariatric surgery is an option for qualified patients.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery the gold standard procedure is called the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, or more simply, gastric bypass3. This is where a small pouch is created from the stomach, and attaching it directly to the small intestine, whereby bypassing the majority of the stomach and the duodenum. Post surgery nutrition is key to success, along with exercise and lifestyle changes, as recommended the presiding physician. Post surgery nutrition requires protein. Protein is a key nutrient in repairing muscles4, maintaining lean muscle mass and increasing satiety, but it’s known that post surgery protein intake is inadequate for the majority of patients5, demonstrating a need for adequate supplementation.
Diet post-surgery focuses on protein and micronutrient intake6. It is recommended that patients consume 5 – 6 small meals throughout the day, and thoroughly chew their food to prevent any obstructions in their stomach. Pureed and fine consistency foods tend to be very well tolerated as well as chewing foods completely. If supplements were of fine and smooth consistency and provided high quality protein this would be optimal for post-diet surgery orders and dietary adherence.
R-Kane Nutritionals is a key provider of high quality dairy protein nutrition supplements that are used immediately post-gastric bypass surgery7. Dairy and whey protein is well studied in weight loss, and current studies show that whey protein can even help enhance body fat and weight loss. R-Kane Nutritionals offers a product line, Z-Pro 25, that provides 25 grams of protein in a 2 – 4 oz pudding, which is well tolerated by the patient. It is designed using high quality whey protein isolate with a protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of 1. It’s available in 2 flavors: Chocolate and Vanilla, soon there will be additional flavors. Z-Pro 25 is also fortified with over 20 essential micronutrients, making it easy to meet daily vitamin and mineral requirements. It’s safe to consume and can be used at up to 4 of the 6 meals typically recommended post surgery, doctor recommending.
In conclusion, it is well known that post-gastric bypass surgery there is strong need to provide proper nutrition so the patient not suffer malnutrition. Protein is a key nutrient along with micronutrients, and protein derived from milk is superior due to a high PDCAAS. Protein intake has demonstrated effects on patient’s satiety, maintaining muscle mass and facilitating fat loss. R-Kane Nutritionals is committed to providing only high quality protein-rich food supplements to support patient’s health and wellness as they recover post surgery and beyond.
Citations
1. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/defining.html
2. Int J Obes. 2013 Jun; 37(6):889-91
3. https://asmbs.org/
4. Nutrition, Vol 32 Issue 2, 186 – 192
5. Obesity Surgery, 13, 23-28
6. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/in-depth/gastric-bypass-diet/art-20048472
7. www.rkanenutritionals.com
