Written by Olivia Dupuy MA, RD, LD

Getting enough protein with a vegetarian/vegan diet can be challenging for bariatric patients. If a patient follows that type of diet before surgery or decides to later, I can help make sure you meet your protein needs after surgery. In some cases, while unintentional, some patients have taste changes after surgery where they may not like certain foods as well so their protein options may be more limited. For example, some patients might develop an aversion to eggs or dairy products. On the other hand, they might physically be unable to tolerate chicken right away. So, for anyone that needs to investigate more plant-based protein options, here’s a few ideas to get you started.

• Most vegetables actually offer 3-6 grams of protein per cup. Green peas, however, are in the lead with 9 grams!
• Most beans and peas will roughly have 7 grams of protein per ½ cup cooked. Ever heard of Lupini beans? Look for them next time you go to the store and try it out because they have 13 grams of protein per serving!
• Soy products can be a great substitute for many of your favorite foods:
  • Tofu in place of meat (20 grams of protein per ½ cup)
  • Soy milk, cheese, and yogurt in place of dairy (4-6 grams of protein per serving)
  • Soy nuts (10 grams of protein per oz)
  • Soybeans, also known as edamame (17 grams of protein per 1 cup)
• For those not following a full vegan diet, but instead classify as lacto-vegetarian, let’s talk about CHEESE!
  • Parmesan cheese has the most protein per oz at 10 grams. Nonfat mozzarella is a close second with 9 grams and gouda with 8 grams.
  • Most other cheeses have roughly 5-7 grams per oz.
  • Laughing cow cheese, cream cheese, and ricotta are in last place with 3 grams or less per serving.
  • Cheese can be high calorie very quickly so It’s important to always choose reduced fat options and watch your portions to avoid going overboard!
• If you classify as an ovo-vegetarian, which includes eggs, they are another good protein option with 6 grams each.
• Protein shakes can also be supplemented as needed. Whey protein powders are made from animal products which are always a complete protein. That means they include all the essential amino acids that make up protein which overall makes them a higher protein choice. However, there are plant-based protein powders available as well which can be made from any legume, seed, or grain. A couple brands include Vega Protein or 1st Phorm Vegan Power Pro
• Protein bars are another great alternative with some vegan options as well. I recommend finding ones that are at least 15 grams of protein and 200 calories or less. A couple brands include Misfits and No Cow.

If your usual protein choices are harder to tolerate right after surgery, hopefully this article gives you ideas to help you reach your goals in the meantime. For those following a vegetarian/vegan diet, these are the choices I would recommend you incorporate every day to help you consistently reach your protein goal. If you have any questions, you can reach me by calling the office at (314) 366-4874 or emailing me at olivia@stlouisbariatrics.com.