Some interesting protein info to share...

One of my fellow Minnesotan's shared the following, I thought it was worth passing on, especially since some of you recommended something similar to me! ...during the training last night Dr. Monica Ganz went through a calculation with us to let us know how much protein our bodies actually need to sustain themselves on a daily basis. I was suprised to find it is much much higher than any of the doctors are recommending! To find out your protein gram needs do this calculation. You'll be stunned! Take your current weight right now today. Mine is 208 subtract 120 which equals 88 then multiply the sum by 0.25 which now equals 21.20 add 120 back in the sum of your total daily protein gram needs= 141.20! Unreal!! This is WAY more than any of the surgeons in the area are recommending so I was very surprised. Dr Ganz said when people plateau, kick up your protein and you'll be amazed by how fast you start losing again. Have a great protein-filled day everyone!

Thanks for posting this, Jo! I needed to *hear* that! My weight loss is just dragging lately. I seem to play with the same two pounds for weeks at a time. It is so frustrating. I finally lost 4 pounds this week...but I soooooooo feel like I cheated and I just know it's going to come back. (I had to do a day of liquids followed by a bowel prep and a colonoscopy - yuck -) The protein is what I need. I have been slacking in that department BIG TIME....I'm ashamed. It just clicked in my mind when I read this, that I haven't been faithful to the protein supplements in a good month & a half....and my weight loss has been so slow for the same period of time. I haven't been getting in what the surgeon recommends....let ALONE what Dr. Ganz recommends! I am going to declare an offical experimental period of PROTEIN DEDICATION. It starts first thing in the morning. I already know what the weight loss was like without it....so now to see what happens with it!! I sure hope this is the answer to my prayers. Thanks again!! Pam

I found out after I posted this that Dr. Ganz is a PhD, not an MD. She trains folks who will lead WLS support groups. Not everyone agrees with presenting this info because we probably can't eat enough calories to get in this much protein and even if we could, we need to be eating a variety of foods. I think the point is not to try for this large an amount but rather to know that more protein aids in breaking a plateau and is certainly something we need! Just wanted to give you a little balance... Jo

Thank you for the info, Jo! Yikes... with those calculations, I would need 173 grams of protein... way too many calories or all I would eat is protein shakes! I do agree with much eating much more than what the doctors recommend, though!! Just a side note on Dr. Ganz.... she is an awesome lady! I met her at the East Coast OH convention on May.. a few weeks before my surgery! She is a wonderful lady who herself has lost 280#+!!!! She is very knowledgeable and truly wants to help all of us!! I hope that you some day get to meet her!!! Glad to hear things are going well for you!! Have a great rest of the weekend! Sandy

Thanks for the information. Deloris 309/288/235/135

The reason the doctors' recommendations are low, is because it's based on our goal weight they set for us.

My frieng the nurse and her surgeon are saying the same thing. You just have to get a really good protein drink. Do as much as you can. That is when i see the best spikes in my weight loss is when i do really well at my protein.