Question:
Why is pre-digested Protein made from Animal Collagen bad for post-op RNY?

Hi - I have a very hard time getting in enough protein post-op and have found a lot of success using Proteinex as a protein supplement. Protein shakes make me too full to eat, and the isopure stuff simply tastes aweful. I like the Proteinex (the pre-digested stuff that I'm taking) because I can literally do a shot in the AM and one at night and get 18g with each shot. I feel so much better after having drank it. Then, I read somewhere on this website that protein from collagen is #1 bad and #2 not digestible properly. I find this strange since it is what they put into feeding tubes when people cannot eat themselves, and because it is "predigested", it is supposed to support full absorption. I'm still relatively new (5 months out), but I've done great with the weight loss and this is really helping. Can anyone shine some light on this subject? Much appreciated!    — stellarsan (posted on October 26, 2009)

October 26, 2009
Perhaps such protein really isn't good for post-RNY's, though, for the reasons you cite, it sounds rather illogical that it should be so. I wonder if what you've come across isn't really a lingering bad association of the product with the liquid-protein diet scandals of the late 1970's. People went on fasts consisting of nothing but 300-400 calories per day of the predigested protein made of animal hides, and there was a spate of highly-reported deaths--not because of the liquid protein itself, but because the diet was so low in calories and devoid of essential nutrients. The dieters' bodies started digesting their own muscle, including their hearts, even while they were still fat. But again, it wasn't the liquid protein itself that was dangerous. It was the extremely low-calorie diet. I don't understand why the liquid protein would be bad for today's RNY's, as long as it is supplemented with nutritious food.
   — Virginia N.

October 28, 2009
wherw do you get these protien shots? if they are safe i would like to get some.3 months out of rny.
   — carolyn1970