Question:
WHY IS PROTEIN SO IMPORTANT?

I AM ALMOST 4 MO POST OP AND HARDLY EAT PROTEIN AT ALL, TODAU I'VE HAD ABOUT 1/2 C COTT PEACHES, 3 BITES CHICKEN [MEAT IS HARD TO EAT, IT MAKES ME SORT OFSICK]BOWL OF CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP AND I/2 C FROZEN LF YOGURT, OH AND MY COFFEE WITH HAZEL NUT CREAMER WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I DON'T GET MORE PROTEIN ? MY LABS WERE ALL GOOD, I'M DOWN 60 LBS, AND FEEL PRETTY GOOD AS LONG AS I DON'T EAT TOO MUCH, MOST PEPLE SOUND SO GOOD ABOUT COUNTING CALORIES CARBS PROTEIN ECT; I DON'T I EAT WHAT I CAN TOLERATE WHEN I'M HUNGERY AND DON'T WORRY TOO MUCH ABOUT IT    — CYNTHIA W. (posted on May 7, 2003)

May 7, 2003
Protein is the building block for our muscular system. Not enough protein equals muscle breakdown, weakness, fatigue, etc.
   — Anne R.

May 7, 2003
at 4 months it's highly unlikely that your labs are going to show a protein deficiency but when you have your 1 year one done, watch out! We need protein - as the previous poster pointed out. We need some carbs - unrefined veggies and fruit and whole grains (if your going to have grains). We don't need EVER tubars (root vegetables) white flours, refined sugars, ground corn, etc. We may want them, but we don't need them at all!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 7, 2003
Our bodies cannot produce protein, therefore, we must depend on consumption to supply the body with the protein it needs. The minimum amount needed is based on your height. (I'm 5'4", and I require 68g per day). In addition to muscle breakdown and fatigue, protein deficiency can cause hair loss, or increased post-op hair loss, but the muscular risks are by far the most dire. You may feel okay now, but you shouldn't take a chance on permanently damaging your body. Talk to a dietitian or your Dr. but try to work your minimum required protein into your diet. Down the road, you'll be glad you did.
   — cherryswitch

May 7, 2003
Correcting that last post, I'm 5'5", not 5'4". Sorry, it's early for me. :->
   — cherryswitch

May 7, 2003
Go to www.vitalady.com Michelle explains very well why we need protein. No purchase necessary...she's just a bottomless pit of valuable info. A very kind one at that.
   — Anna L.

May 7, 2003

   — Linda A.

May 8, 2003
All of these posts are correct! We need protein to prevent muscle wasteing. When our bodies need protein they will take it from where ever they can get it and breakdown our muscles. Remember, the heart is a muscle. Years ago Karen Carpenter died form damage to her heart caused by years of starving herself due to an eating disorder! Please, do all you can to get adequate protein each day!!! God Bless. <><
   — garnet156

May 8, 2003
The more protein you eat, the more muscle you form (especially if you exercise); the more muscle you have (versus fat), the more calories your body burns naturally, even at rest; so in my twisted world, I keep up with my protein 'cause it means I can eat more overall without worrying about it in the long run (since more protein means more muscle means more efficient metabolism means ... more food, yay!). When I found out muscle burns more calories even at rest, it was like discovering an effort-free diet :-D. I do exercise, a lot, but when there are times that I can't, I know the fact that I've built more muscle (through protein and exercise) will help carry me through any inactive periods, better than just eating whatever appeals to me.<P>Plus, I don't get hunger pangs as much if I'm careful to eat protein foods regularly, whereas lots of carbs just seem to set me *off* in terms of wanting to graze all day on more of the same. You may not have been hit with the carb cravings yet, at just four months out, but someday it might happen to you when you're further out -- and proteins just seem easier to handle, cravings-wise, than carbs. JMHO!
   — Suzy C.