Sam’s Club Bariatric Friendly Deals
Not too long ago I posted some of my favorite Bariatric Friendly products I felt beginners needed to know about. But the truth is…I really just scratched the surface. I spent some time going through the aisles of Sam’s Club and couldn’t stop snapping photos of products perfect for pre and post-op Sleeve and Bypass patients!
So hold on tight, because this is a longer post than the first go-round! I hope this is a helpful list that gets your wheels turning to all the great options out there to keep you on track with your weight-loss surgery diet. Especially pre-seasoned and pre-cooked protein options!!
Pre-made protein shakes are a dream when it comes to getting in a fast and protein packed breakfast. Especially great for pre-op patients or patients in the healing phases of their diet after surgery! 12 pack for $15.27 at my Sam’s at the time of this post.
A little more for your money, another great pre-made protein shake option is EAS Carb Controlled Shakes. 18 shakes for $19.98. (Not pictured – another great shake is Premier Protein!)
Detour bars are a great protein bar option with one disclaimer….look at the nutrition label below and keep reading…
These bars are higher in sugar alcohols. So?? Sugar alcohols are fake sugar and can cause cramping, bloating and (ahem) flatulence. These are bars to try before getting a Sam’s pack to make sure you tolerate them well!
Pure Protein bars are certainly a great option for protein bars. I would keep it to only one per day (for the most part) but it’s a great option for a quick breakfast or snack. Awesome when you are traveling and need to keep some good options on hand! I grow a little tired of these bars after a while because they are very dense and filling, but when they’re eaten sparingly it’s not a problem.
Think Thin bars are another great protein bar option. Very filling and great flavors!
Nature Valley has some protein bars (not in the pharmacy section like the others but instead in the aisles of granola bars). These are much “lighter” bars and not as filling. Post-op patients will probably fair well with these compared to a pre-op patient since they aren’t as filling. I also keep them around when the other members of the family want to eat MY protein bars. These are cheaper and they don’t know the difference. Unless they read this….
If you’ve heard of PB2, Peanut Flour or Powdered Peanut Butter…PBFit is another brand of these options. Sam’s Club offers a large (nearly 2 lb) tub for about $10. Patients love this in protein shakes, Greek yogurt, by itself mixed with water and more! Find it in the pharmacy section.
As we move out of the pharmacy section and into the “pantry” aisles there are just a few noteworthy items. First up…pickle spears!!! Unless you have a sodium restriction, I’m fine with patients using dill pickles as a salty and crunchy snack. It’s a “freebie” in my book.
Also in the pantry aisles? Awesome different meat rubs. It’s quite a bit of rub so it would be best to know if you like it first! But I mean…coffee rub?? Fine by me!
Unsweetened Almond milk is the only milk I use in my kitchen. I use it mainly for protein shakes, protein pancakes or other recipes I like to play around with. I’ve never had the shelf stable almond milk but it is available at a reasonable price of 6 quarts for $10.48. Last longer than the refrigerated almond milk which mean you’ll be less worried if you’ll get through it before it goes bad!
Sam’s Club has some awesome Sugar-Free Coffee Syrups which are great to have in the kitchen. Use them for a protein shake or to flavor up some plain Greek yogurt. Lots of good uses for these!
As you move along into the refrigerated section, you’ll start seeing some awesome option for easy proteins. Of course, any bariatric patient will agree mozzarella string cheese is a must!
And what goes best with cheese sticks but lean deli meat?! 2.5 lbs for $7.66 at my store at the time of this posting.
Weight-loss surgery patients MUST know about Jimmy Dean® fully cooked turkey sausage links and patties. They are such an awesome breakfast in a pinch! You could chop it up and toss it into an omelet or frittata OR just heat them up and run! Love these. 1.8 lbs for $7.62 at my store at the time of this post.
And don’t forget the turkey bacon! I love this for not only breakfast recipes but even for burgers and jalapeño poppers!
The Greek yogurt options this day are so much better than just a few years ago! I love Light and Fit® Greek because the protein count is higher than the carbs. Great for a breakfast or snack. (Postop patients don’t want to snack much, only one a day if you really need it. Having issues with hunger control? I have a Premier Access Video Series for that!) Here’s a video on how to use Greek Yogurt in the WLS Diet!
Aha and here is the Unsweetened Almond Milk in the refrigerator section. 3 cartons for 8 bucks!
And now we move along to the freezer section. I get really excited about the options in this section. Of course we have pre-cooked chicken breast and chicken breast strips thanks to Tyson® – the possibilities are endless here. Use it for a chicken salad OR heat the strips up with salsa and reduced-fat cheddar for a quick lunch OR with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Easy peasy!
Pre-cooked turkey meatballs in the freezer section! Wahoo! You can take out how ever many you need to save the bag in the freezer for up to 6 months. As you can see the protein outweighs the carbs and fat.
These Wild Alaska Salmon Burgers look amazing (though I’ve yet to try!) and have 21 grams of protein with ZERO grams of carbs. They sound delicious.
Pre-cooked and de-veined shrimp has so many possibilities! Run them under cold water until they thaw and eat them plain. Or make them into shrimp burgers or an easy ceviche salad for a yummy lunch. Packed with protein!
And, yes…another fish option. Hey, I love fish! And I don’t love to cook it, so if I can buy pre-seasoned and easy to cook fish..I WILL! Ahem. So sue me. Blackened Salmon Fillets. 2 pound bag for $17.48 and awesome to keep on hand for a fast and healthy supper.
As you head out of the freezer section you might grab a rotisserie chicken for dinner tonight. Serve it with a steamer bag of veggies. Grocery shopping can be hard work! Rotisserie meat can be used in so many ways. Use leftovers for a chicken salad or a thick and hearty tortilla “stoup.” Because post-op patients should liquid-y meals like soups but thick and hearty chilis and stews are great!
Check out the refrigerated cases in the middle of the store too. You’ll love how many ready-to-go protein and veggie options they have for you! Kebabs sound good but don’t feel like assembling them? Bingo!
And finally, we’ll wrap it up with all the awesome options for staying hydrated. I love keeping a pack of PowerAde Zero in the garage and having a few ready for me in the fridge. They are my “reward” for a good workout. My patients love Propel, Fruit20 and Vitamin Water Zero too.
Phew! What a list! I hope this helps you make a lovely grocery list of great options to try. Transforming your kitchen into a healthy one can be a daunting task. Not to fear! While changing habits take time, you don’t have to do it alone. Join the FoodCoachMe to stay up to date on new postings each week!
Thanks so much . im a few months months awaY from VSG and this list was just helpful.
This was so helpful to me. Thankyou so much.
I’m so glad to hear that @Jenny! Thank you for the comment!
Thank you I’m able to start eating more this was so helpful I feel better already!
@Cecile wonderful!
I had gastric bypass surgery a month ago and was told u can no longer drink anything with citric acid. Propel, vitamin water, Gatorade, powerade, and crystal light all contain citric acid. There is a drink called protein 2.0 and that is approved. Nearly everything has citric acid!!! I stick with ice water!
@Lacey that is an interesting recommendation to no longer drink things with citric acid. In over a decade of bariatric surgery I have never heard that before!
I am having VSG (Vertical Gastric Sleeve) on Oct. 31st. I have seen most of these but what I noticed, after purchasing several of the Greek yogurts, on the side of the container, it says, made with genetic engineering. This was the OIKOs brand but it is made by Dannon. I had also purchased a large container of Dannon plain with the same comment on the ingredient listing. For those that are being very careful about what they eat, you might want to research different kind or make your own. Just a thought.
@Melody congrats on your upcoming surgery! Here is a good article in Genetic Engineering for anyone interested in the topic. With 2% of our Nation’s population growing food for the 98% of the others, it may take making your own as you said if you feel uncomfortable with GE. It is highly regulated just like any other food item. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-new-plant-varieties/consumer-info-about-food-genetically-engineered-plants
Thank you so much for simplifying my shopping.
You’re welcome! Look for an update soon with even more Sam’s items!