As bariatric patients, we’re all told to focus on the protein goals our dietitians or surgeons recommend, but do you know why?    In this episode of Our Sleeved Life, Kellie and Mel discuss the principles of protein. They review why protein is essential for healing our bodies after weight loss surgery, how it helps us keep muscle mass, and helps our metabolism and immune systems.   In the second half of the episode, Kellie and Mel review symptoms we have when our bodies lack the right amount of protein. They also discuss how much protein can be absorbed in a meal, complete proteins vs. incomplete proteins, high and low-calorie protein foods, and the importance of a balanced calorie-to-protein ratio. They also mention some great options for high protein/low-calorie meals for bariatric patients to meet our daily goals.   This episode is packed full of information and may result in listening more than once to absorb all they discuss! Get out your notebooks and be ready to take notes! As always, Kellie and Mel are not surgeons or dietitians. Please be sure to check in with your providers regarding their protein recommendations after WLS.   In this episode, OSLP mentioned Bariatric Meal Prep Made Easy by Kristen Willard, RD. Check it out for some more great recipes in the new OSLP Amazon Store! OSLP strives to educate and inform the bariatric community and those with predetermined ideas about weight loss surgery. Join our email list on our website at www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com for the latest OSLP updates and follow us on Instagram @oursleevedlifepodcast.    Please consider supporting us on www.patreon.com/OSLP and become a Badass Benchie today!   OSLP APPROVED PRODUCTS LINKS: www.procarenow.com www.devotionnutrition.com   OSLP Amazon Store Front: Portion Perfection and more   OR   Use these Discount Codes to help support your GIRLS!   @procarenow OSLP @devotionnutrition OSLP @modestmixteas oursleevedlife20 @portionperfection 150SLPOD @the.t.r.i.b.e.membership OSLP @hidratespark OSLP @obvi OSLP15 @builtbar OSLP @middaysquares OSLP15 @mybaribox OSLP