Protein Shakes

Question
Good Morning and Happy Holidays to you!

I recently had gastric bypass surgery and have been drinking sports nutrition protein "snack" shakes that contain 35 grams of protein per serving.  I've recently run out and am about to restock.  In shopping around, I noticed they have protein "meal replacement" shakes and protein "snack" shakes.

Can you explain the difference between the 2 if there is one?

Thanks so much!


Answer
Hi Anna,

I love when people ask good questions like this!

A Meal Replacement is a very specific thing defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  A true meal replacement (when sold over the counter) should have around 200 calories (sometimes a bit more or less), provide 25% of the daily value for protein and be fortified with 20 to 35% of the RDA for 23 vitamins and minerals.  While some products do vary from this - it should not be by much.  The point is, if it is called a Meal Replacement, it needs to be nutritious enough to replace a food-based meal.

Other things out there like protein shakes or snack shakes many differ in many ways.  They may be only protein - or protein plus a few added nutrients, but not enough to be a meal replacement.  They may also be too low in calories to be a meal replacement.

After weight loss surgery, people have usually been given a daily protein target - maybe 60 grams or so.  Some doctors or dietitians will specify that they want you to use a meal replacement, others will not.  I generally think that unless you have been told to get a meal replacement, it can be easier to use simple protein products - they are less bulky and you have fewer other ingredients (like sugars) that you need to worry about.  However, some people like knowing that they have the added nutrition of the meal replacement.

I hope this helps!

Please let me know if you need more information.

In Health,

Dr. Jacques

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