Texas Lap Band Surgeons Talk With You

Courtesy of Amy Roberts, Registered Dietician

Protein is an important part of every diet. Proteins are considered to be “building blocks” as they are responsible for the growth and repair of tissue in the body. With a lap band, protein becomes more important and should be included daily. Because you will only be able to eat a small quantity of food (~1/2 cup) then you must be sure to consume adequate protein in your diet.

Proteins are complex organic compounds and broken down in either essential or nonessential amino acids. Our bodies require about 20 amino acids for the synthesis of its proteins. Our bodies make some amino acids, but there are 9 amino acids we must obtain through food sources.

Meat and other animal products, like eggs and milk, are sources of complete proteins. Other foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables have either incomplete, low protein or lack one of the essential amino acids. These foods are considered incomplete proteins. Incomplete proteins can be combined to make a complete protein. Combinations include rice and beans, milk and wheat cereal, and corn and beans.

It is recommended that people with lap bands consume adequate protein every day to prevent side effects associated with low protein intake – which include, but are not limited to, hair loss and poor wound healing. The amount of protein people need to consume varies with age, sex, current weight, and medical conditions. For people with lap bands, the recommendation is to consume at least 40 grams of protein per day. The Recommend Daily Allowance (RDA) is 56 grams for men and 46 grams for women.

Protein content of common foods:

Plant-Based Sources Protein Content (g)
Tofu, firm (½ cup) 10
Soymilk, plain (8 oz.) 10
Kidney beans, cooked (½ cup) 8
Refried beans, cooked (½ cup) 8
Pinto beans, cooked (½ cup) 7
Lima beans, cooked (½ cup) 5
Whole Wheat bread (1 oz. Slice) 3
Oatmeal, instant, cooked (1 cup) 6
Corn (1 cup) 5
Rice, brown (1 cup) 4.5
Pasta, cooked (1 cup) 6.5

Animal-Based Sources Protein Content (g)
Chicken, boneless, cooked (3 oz.) 27
Turkey, roasted (3 oz.) 25
Ground Turkey, cooked (3 oz.) 23
Ground Beef, lean, cooked (3 oz.) 24
Beef Sirloin, cooked (3 oz.) 24
Ham, cooked (3 oz.) 21
Tuna, canned in water (3 oz.) 23
Yogurt, low-fat, plain (8 oz.) 12
Frozen Yogurt (½ cup) 2.5
Milk, fat free (8 oz.) 8
Cheese (1 oz.) 7
Egg (1 medium) 6
Egg White (1) 3.5
Egg Substitute (¼ cup) 6
Cottage Cheese ( ½ cup) 14
Cod, cooked (3 oz.) 20
Salmon (3 oz.) 22
Shrimp, boiled (3 oz.) 21
Lobster, baked or broiled (3 oz.) 17
Sources: Health Canada, Nutrient Value of Some Common Foods (1999); Tufts University School of Medicine; Harvard University; USDA National Nutrient Data Bank

It is always best to get your protein from food sources, however, if you need a protein supplement, please discuss the different types with your physician or dietitian.

**Remember with protein and the lap band, you must drink adequate amounts of water daily! Try for 6-8 eight ounce glasses per day.