Bone Broth is made with bones. Typically chicken or beef bones are roasted then simmered in excess of 24 hours. A splash of vinegar is added to the simmering water to help extract minerals from bones. A variety of spices (black pepper, cumin, cinnamon…) and herbs are added to suit your taste. At the end of cooking, bones should crumble when gently pressed. An eight-ounce cup of bone broth delivers nine grams of proteins, plenty of minerals like calcium and magnesium and just 40 calories. This nutrient dense liquid is different from the watered down, store bought, boxed and canned broth. These commercially prepared broths are highly processed and lack the flavor and nutritious value of home made bone broth.

I strongly recommend bone broth to my patients before and after surgery. Prior to surgery, bone broth will replenish your mineral deficiencies, restore your immune system, build up your protein stores, heal the lining of your intestines and prepare your metabolism for surgery. After surgery, homemade bone broth is the perfect drink to recover. For bariatric patients, I recommend adding one scoop of Unjury chicken flavor protein powder to a warm cup of homemade chicken broth. This is the best full liquid diet meal you can consume especially in the first 2 weeks after gastric sleeve or bypass. Patients typically prepare their broth prior to surgery and store the liquid in small containers in the freezer for daily use after surgery. You can buy Unjury protein powder online at www.unjury.com or at Houston Weight Loss Surgery Center.