HELP: Protein Debate!!

Morning everyone!!

I am down... really down, and I am looking for all/any wisdom here regarding protein intake, please!

So, I've read a few posts of people ranting and can totally relate to their frustrations!  OMG!  Can I?  Here is the deal: I've been BOT since 12/29; decided to leave '08 on a better note; set a goal to lose 40lbs in 2009; went back to the gym; started the drinking of water; taking my pills ****tail (vits, calcium, iron, fiber); eating right; tracking my food intake on fitday.com -- yada, yada... 

Have NOT lost one pound!!  Granted... I try not to weight myself everyday, but after 2-3 weeks of 'being good to myself and my body" I'd hope the scale (and my tight fitting jeans) would have given me a break! 

So, my hubby said that the protein shake I am drinking is making me NOT lose the weight.  Uh... WHAT???  I only take one protein shake (25g) with water, how can it be??  Help!!!!!!!!!  Needless to say, I am clueless!

What a bummer

First and foremost - we MUST have our 60 grams of protein a day.  It is the most important nutrient we consume.  No ifs, and, or buts about that.  But having said that - all protein is not created equal.

The most nutritious protein is that from whey ISOLATE (not concentrate).  But besides that, there is an enormous range of calories in protein powders.  I use Unjury which is 100 calories for 20 grams of protein.  But many protiens have 3 x that many calories.  And calories do count just like they did before we had surgery.  So you might check on the product you're using.

i also find that I need to write down what I eat and how many calories that is if I am to stay on track - if I estimate you can bet I'll eat at least 2 x time amount I've estimated.  Don't know whether anyone else does this or not but I sure do.  I am so good at conning myself! LOL

Then there's also the truth relosing doesn't seem to go quite a smoothly as the first time around.  I hate facing the world isn't fair!!!!!

I just know that getting off track isn't going to make you lose any faster, will make you miserable in the long run (and probably in the short run too) and right now you can be very very proud of yourself for hold fast to your plan to get back on track

WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER, YEST WE CAN

I guess not all protein-is-created-equal...

This is great advise.  Thanks.  I have looked at all the responses and found my magnifier to read the darn label on the jug.  Only 150 calories per serving; 25g protein and it's not pure Whey Isolate, it's a blend (Isolate and Concentrate...)

So, I have to probably increase my workout.  I guess it goes back to the old "No pain, no gain" (or loss) cliche'!  lol

Uh... and YES WE CAN! 

Ana in CT

I was also wondering what shake you're using b/c some can be pretty high in calories. I try to aim for one with 200cal or less. Another thought, are you taking in enough calories? If you drop too low your body will fight to hold on to everything, especially with the increase in exercise. I have found that its all trial and error and what works for one person won't work as well for another. You have to try to find the right balance for you and it may take a little while, but you'll get there! I commend you for getting back on track and doing the hard work that it takes to make it to your goal!!!!! Don't give up!!!!!!

Thanks Tracy!

No I won't give up... although right now I feel like doo-doo about it. 

At any rate, calories per serving:  150, which is not bad and yes, I am keeping anywhere between 1500-1800 calories per day.  I have to think at what is it I am doing that's not letting me lose weight.  

Thanks again,

Ana in CT

when I went for my 1 year checkup my surgeon told me at this point its a calories in / calories out type of thing.. burn more than you take in... with that said you also have to eat enough calories (as was previously posted) or your body will kind of go into starvation mode.    In addition you need to be sure to get your 48-64 oz of water in.    If you want to post some of your stats, calorie wise .. maybe one of us can better help.. 

Also, I've read where people have done as your are doing and whola, one day it just changes and clicks into the loss mode.  does that make sense.. here is hoping your whola moment is right around the corner  :)   Maria

I think I am experiencing the clicking into the loss mode.  When I first BOTTed I lost well.  Then I slowed to a snal's pace.  This morning I seem to be losing better again.  Guess my body was saying, "Are you sure you really want to do this "sensible" thing?  I'll give you an excuse (NOT A REASON) to scrap the whole thing and go back to pigging out"  We'll see how it goes from here.  The only thing I KNOW FOR SURE is that eating not BOTT will not lead me to my goal - EVER.  How ever slow I lose, it is going to be much faster than if I'm ignoring my BOTT plan. 

Well, it certainly ain't clicking!  So, maybe we need to pray that whola moment is REALLY coming!  lol

I was just telling the other posters that I am taking about 1500-1800 calories; because I had back surgery in June, I am sort of getting back into motion and back to working out -  about 45 minutes at least 3 times a week, plus stretches.  I can't do weight lifting, etc. yet. 

Also, I am doing 50-100g of protein daily give or take and my daily ****tail of pills (vits, calcium, iron -- I am anemic, and fiber) OH!!  And WATER!! 

So, I am not sure what is not 'clicking'...

Okay, I am not that mad... but, geesh!

Ana in CT

What kind of protein shake?  (brand? nutritional stats?)
Exactly what kind of protein supplement? (whey? collegan? soy? egg?)
If it's whey, what type of whey? (isolate? concentrate? combination?)
How much protein are you taking in total for the day?
What else are you eating? (total calories and nutrient balance?)


Here's the lowdown on the main types of Whey Protein supplements.

WHEY ISOLATE --- this is the highest quality of protein supplement and the most pure with all of the lactose (sugar) and fat removed during manufacturing.  However, it's also the most expensive.  If you are lactose intolerant, this is probably the best choice for you.

WHEY CONCENTRATE -- this is the next highest quality protein supplement.  It's exactly the same stuff that Isolate is made from, it's just that it was not processed as long to remove as much of the lactose (sugar) and fat.  It's common to see 1g to 4g of sugar or fat per serving.  These are insignificant and do not effect the quality of the protein in this type of supplement, just that there's a bit of extra stuff in it.  This type of protein is less expensive.   If you are lactose intolerant, you probably want to stick with Isolate -- although 2g of lactose usually isn't enough to trigger any reaction.

WHEY ISOLATE / CONCENTRATE COMBO -- to keep costs down and still provide a high quaility product, many companies use a combination of Isolate and Concentrate for their protein supplement.  Still... a very good protein supplement and perfectly fine for us after WLS.  This is the type of blend I use.

COLLAGEN -- this is the type of protein used in those "Bullets" and is not a good source of protein for us.  Great for bodybuilders who have normal digestive systems that can process protein for 7 to 9 hours... but not for us RNY'ers who have shorter intestines and can't deal with time released, low quality protein sources.

SOY, EGG, RICE --- these are all fine sources of protein too... soy and rice are not super high on the BV scale, but egg protein is up there with whey.  However, these sources don't necessarily taste as good and don't mix well like whey does.  These are usually used by people who have a whey intolerance or milk allergies.

After WLS we need to be taking in anywhere from 60-80g of protein per day.  Some people find a balance that works better for them and their particular dietary needs.  For instance, I usually get about 100-120g protein per day --- 30g from a supplement and the rest from food. 

Yes, a 25g protein shake can definitely cause you to not lose weight .... but only if it doesn't fit into the whole of your caloric plan.  If that 200 calories puts you over your daily calorie needs, then it'll cause you to gain.  BUT... it doesn't sound like you're doing that.  It sounds like the shake is planned into your daily intake and that you're sticking with a healthy overall plan.  So I doubt that's the root of the issue.  

HTH
Pam

Thanks for the feedback and  eye-opener, Pam!   Here are some answers to your questions...
What kind of protein shake?  (brand? nutritional stats?)
Professional Strength Whey Protein
Cals per serv - 150
Cals from fat - 20
Protein - 25g

Exactly what kind of protein supplement? (whey? collegan? soy? egg?) - 
Whey -- I didnt even know the others existed!  LOL

If it's whey, what type of whey? (isolate? concentrate? combination?)
Whey Protein Blend/Whey Protein Isolate

How much protein are you taking in total for the day?
ONE Shake - everything else is coming from foods/veggies/fish, chicken breast, tuna, eggs, etc.
anywhere between 80-110g of protein/day

What else are you eating? (total calories and nutrient balance?)
1,500-1,800 cals a day and yes, it's is VERY balanced...

I think it's retarded - and somewhat a bummer - because I am working out... making better choices... I mean, the 30+ lbs didnt creep up overnight, but... still.

Thanks again,

Ana in CT