Are you having trouble reaching your protein goals after bariatric surgery? As you well know, it can be extremely difficult to find vegan protein options to fit into your diet. Protein is an essential source of our daily nutrition and health. Lack of protein has many drastic disadvantages. Regardless if you have had a gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band, protein is one of the most valuable aspects of post-op bariatric surgery.

Without enough protein, your body will begin eating away your muscles and losing basic body function. Protein is a source of fuel for your body. Unfortunately, too much protein can have many negative effects as well. Your body can only process a certain amount of protein at a time. It is recommended that you have a minimum of 60 grams of protein in your daily diet, although 70-105 grams is the sweet spot.

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16 Best Vegan Protein Options to Implement in Your Diet

Healthy Vegan Protein Options - 16 Best ProteinHealthy Vegan Protein Options - 16 Best Protein

Proteins have numerous benefits. Increasing protein intake can even help weight loss. Sufficient protein sources make it so the body burns more fat and less muscle. It boosts growth, repair, and energy in the body.

These are 16 vegan protein options to easily implement in your diet. Fitting these protein sources into your daily diet will help you meet your goal of essential amino acids and proteins.

  1. Beans
  2. Tofu
  3. Lentils
  4. Quinoa
  5. Tempeh
  6. Buckwheat
  7. Ezekiel Bread
  8. Protein powders: VegaOne (20g), Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
  9. Pre-made protein shakes: Orgain Organic Protein, Vega Protein Ready to Drink (Bariatric Smoothie Recipes and Protein Shakes)
  10. Pumpkin seeds
  11. Chia seeds
  12. Edamame
  13. Black-eyed peas
  14. Almonds
  15. Broccoli
  16. Silk Protein Nutmilk

Avoid nuts and seeds for 8 weeks post-op

Sample Vegan Meal Plan After Weight Loss Surgery

Making the healthiest high-protein meal is important on a vegan diet. Here is a sample meal plan for a bariatric patient after one month post-op.

Breakfast: One scoop of VegaOne protein powder, blended with ½ cup berries and 1 cup Silk Protein Nutmilk (30g protein)

Snack:  ½ cup roasted edamame (14g protein)

Lunch: 3 ounces lentils, 1 TB olive oil, 2 ounces vegetables (8g protein)

Snack: 22 almonds (7g protein)

Dinner: 4 ounces tofu, 1 TB oil, 2 ounces broccoli (11g protein)

Totals: about 1000 calories, 70 g protein

See More: Bariatric Meal Plan for Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass

Vegan Diet After Bariatric Surgery

It is hard enough to get enough protein after bariatric surgery. Let alone on a vegan diet, it can be nearly impossible. Living on a vegan diet after weight loss surgery is manageable, although it requires effort and dedication. Most vegan protein sources encompass low-glycemic foods. The protein goal after bariatric surgery is recommended at 70-105 grams.

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