Taking control of your health is a huge accomplishment. Following weight loss surgery, the journey continues. Living your healthiest life takes commitment, but the payoff for all of your efforts is how great you feel as you embark on your new life journey.

The majority of patients experience less hunger, which is easier to satisfy within the first year after bariatric surgery. Naturally, this does not give you the license to make poor choices. In reality, following a healthy eating plan produces the best long-term results.

If you like to snack, pay attention! Choose healthy solutions that will both benefit and satisfy your body. Here are high protein snacks for bariatric patients that will help you stay on track with your weight loss goals.

Creating a Bariatric Snack: The Role of Protein and Fiber

Bariatric snacks are intended to be nutritious, tasty, and healthy. Bariatric snacks can be a useful supplement to your overall diet, depending on how far you are from your surgery and whether you can stomach most foods well.

Snacks allow you to:

  • Keep you satisfied in between meals.
  • Increase your protein consumption (every meal is an opportunity to meet your protein goals better).
  • Keep your overall nutrition in check.

A Note About Post-Op Diet Restrictions

There are some dietary restrictions to keep in mind if you’ve recently had bariatric surgery, depending on where you are in the healing process. We discussed the different post-op phases and what you can eat during those times in a recent post about lifestyle changes after weight loss surgery.

  • Week 1: Water and broth liquid diet.
  • Weeks 2-4: Continue with the liquid diet. Smoothies and pureed meals are acceptable.
  • Weeks 4-6: Pureed foods can be used to thicken meals. There will be no solid foods.
  • Weeks 6–8: Begin the gradual transition to solid foods.

Baby steps are crucial to your overall success. Here is a list of healthy high-protein bariatric snacks you can gradually incorporate into your routine as you transition to solid foods around week 6.

Suggested High-Protein Bariatric Snacks

Whether you want something savory, sweet, or in between, these high-protein bariatric foods will satisfy you! In case of supplements, kindly consult your doctor before consuming.

White Bean Protein Crackers

You can make these protein crackers with beans hidden inside and enjoy them as a high-protein snack all week long. Consume them alone or with your favorite dip for a quick snack that everyone will enjoy.

Smoked Salmon Dip

This salmon dip is made with simple ingredients and ready in 5 minutes for a creamy, high-protein snack that’s so delicious you won’t believe it’s low-calorie, low-carb, and bariatric-friendly.

Shrimp Cocktail

If you’re feeling fancy, a shrimp cocktail is a great high-protein snack that’s simple to make at home. Furthermore, they are a fan favorite even among non-bariatric patients.

Smoothies

Smoothies are an easy and refreshing high-protein snack filled with various nourishing ingredients to fuel your body after surgery. 

Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are a tasty snack that can be made in various ways, making them suitable for a quick snack or even a small meal. Fill a large lettuce leaf with your favorite deli meats, such as ham or turkey, and top with your favorite toppings or condiments, such as mustard. Roll the leaf into a wrap and serve.

Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent choice for a portable high-protein snack following bariatric surgery. You may be able to incorporate different flavors and fat contents depending on your stage of the bariatric diet and the guidelines provided to you. Patients are generally advised to choose low-calorie, smooth yogurts or Greek yogurts. Place a popsicle stick in the center of your yogurt cups and freeze it for a refreshing snack!

Soup

Soup is not a typical snack, but it should not be overlooked as an option! Having a batch of broth-based soup on hand, such as high-protein chicken soup or high-protein egg drop soup, can make for quick snacks that also serve as full meals!

Nonfat Milk

Drinking nonfat milk can help you stay full between meals, believe it or not! Nonfat milk is a satiating snack that is easy to find, family-friendly, and inexpensive. Protein, vitamins, and minerals are all abundant in this food.

Caramelized Cinnamon Stuffed Pears

These stuffed pears are a filling snack made with cottage cheese (or ricotta, if you prefer) and baked in the oven to bring out the natural sweetness of the pears. They’re a crowd-pleasing snack that takes only 15 minutes to prepare.

Breakfast Cookie

These breakfast cookies, made with simple ingredients and natural sugars, are the ideal make-ahead option for easy snacking throughout the week. They’re high in fiber, good fats, and protein. They even have hidden vegetables! However, you will only taste the sweet flavor.

Eggs

Eggs are a classic snack option that is inexpensive, quick to prepare, and delicious. Try hard boiling them and having them ready to go. Alternatively, scramble them for a savory snack. Alternatively, you can experiment with your favorite seasonings and sauces to enhance the flavor even more!

Protein Shakes

Protein drinks and powders are great to keep on hand for all of your snacking needs! Many bariatric-friendly options and flavors are available, so you should have no trouble discovering one that appeals to your taste buds.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese, with its creamy texture, is an excellent post-bariatric surgery option for many patients. If your diet permits, try incorporating small pieces of fruit for added nutrients and a sweet flavor!

Kaze Variety Sample Pack – 100% Cheese

If you love cheese, you might want to try this snack. They are high-protein, low-carb, gluten-free, kosher and delicius!

I know, a lot of adjectives right? But they are totally worth it!

High Protein Chocolate Banana Chia Seed Pudding

This versatile and delicious chia seed pudding recipe uses chocolate protein powder to satisfy cravings while staying on track with your diet. Better yet, it’s packed with chia seeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber. This aids digestion and reduces inflammation in the body!

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites

These protein bites are full of fiber and ready in 8 minutes, thanks to a secret ingredient! The recipe yields approximately 20 bites. As a result, they’re the ideal meal prep option for quick snacks throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Don’t feel like you must be stuck with eating healthy all the time. Plenty of fun, safe snacks will keep your taste buds happy and help prevent symptoms from returning. It’s a good idea to have healthy snacks on hand to satisfy your daily nutritional needs. Just remember to stay hydrated and enjoy yourself!

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