Question:
What foods are best to stay fuller longer.

After 2 years of having the weight loss surgery, should I still use protein shakes to get in my required protein are eat meats instead. Side question, do artificial sweetners increase appetite.    — cheryl W. (posted on February 5, 2009)

February 5, 2009
You should be able to eat enough protein to not need a protein supplement. But it's always an option for days you are not doing well on eating...or you want a snack or something sweet, you can always whip up a protein smoothie for a lean/low cal protein snack... Dense protein fills you for the longest...Meat...It's dry so it is not a slider food, harder to digest and therefore stays with you longer (doesn't store in the body like sugar) Although anything you eat in excess is still calories and the body will find ways to turn most food into fat!...Whole grains are similar, for fullness because they are so hard for the body to digest, they stay longer. Artificial sweeteners are poison in my opinion...I hate them and have no choice most of the time but to use them because sugar is not better....I have to choose the lesser of two evils...I look specifically for food sweetened with "Stevia" an all natural plant derived sweetener....I even had some growing in my herb garden this past summer...(looks like mint leaves, kind of) VERY sweet, twice as sweet as sugar! And has several health benefits and a LOAD of nutrients.... But yes I have read studies that artificial sweeteners are worse than sugar...and cause a "paradoxal effect" on the brain/body...For those that remain loyal to artificial sweeteners it can curb eating more later...However, those that stray at all in the long run seem to gain/eat more than if they'd just use sugar because of the way SF sweeteners TRICK the brain into thinking that sweets have no calories and later when you do eat something sugar or rich...the results can be an increased appetite!. Personally...I try to stay away from both sugar and artificial sugars...They both bother my gut and offer me NOTHING worth bragging about, either way...Here is a great article written by a university student with references that had neutral opinions...I have read many strong opinions against artificial sweeteners. I try to limit all sweeteners and just eat fruit...but it's hard to avoid in gum, and other food where I have to choose between sugar and the fake crap! Sugar definitely makes you crave and eat more! Do some research of your own and make you own judgement...I'm a health nut so I am biased just based on it's name right off the bat "artificial"... http://healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu/2008/SweetTease.htm
   — .Anita R.

February 5, 2009
I know each surgeon has their own thoughts on this. My surgeon strongly advocates that we use only the protein shake through Metagenics (Bariatrix Meal)as it is formulated just for those who have had WLS, and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. 3 scoops of this in water or milk (I prefer in water) gives you 30 grams of protein and is considered a meal. He advocates having one of these every day for a meal for the rest of our lives to ensure we are getting some of the extra nutrients that we might be missing out on plus protein that our bodies can absorb. I had a hard time at first with the protein drink when I was mixing it was milk - but when I started using water instead (basically to cut back the calories), I found I really enjoyed the shakes. If you are using other protein shakes like Carnation, etc., I would think you would do better with dense proteins - but like the previous poster said, they are always great for a meal on the run! Just curious - how are you doing 2 years out?
   — Wendy M.

February 10, 2009
my nut said to get this book called volumizing it how to get the most out of what you eat for the least calories and keeps you full longer. I haven't tried it yet but am getting ready to get it at borders it was a preorder;
   — Nurse343