Introduction
The protein objective (PO) after bariatric surgery is reason for debate. The wide range of recommendations (60–80 g prot/day or 0.8-1.5 g prot/kg of ideal weight [IW]/day) illustrates the lack of consensus.
Objective
To assess the achievement of two different POs (60 g prot/day and 1.2 g prot/kg IW/day) after surgery on obesity and the effect of the protein supplements (PS) on the achievement of these POs.
Material and methods
101 people (75% women aged 43.2 ± 1 years old, with a BMI of 47.7 ± 0.7) are studied before surgery and, after 4, 8 and 12 months, an assessment is done on: the protein consumption (PC) and the recommended adherence to PS (a 3-day diet record).
Results
The PC (g of protein/day) before surgery was 97.9 ± 3.5 and, after 4, 8 and 12 months, it was 56.9 ± 1.9, 67.2 ± 1.8 and 71.3 ± 2.3. PO1 (60 g) was not achieved by 5, 45, 35 and 37% respectively. PO2 (1.2 g prot/ kg IW/day) was not achieved by 32, 87, 75 and 68% respectively. 63.4, 50.5 and 33.7% adhered to the PS after 4, 8 and 12 months after surgery and the fact that they were followed was significantly related to the achievement of the POs after each period (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
There are difficulties in achieving the proposed protein objectives after surgery on obesity. Protein supplementing helps to reach the protein objectives after bariatric surgery.