Question:
What is a protein sparing diet?

Can anybody tell me what a protein sparing diet is? I want to lose weight BEFORE the surgery, and I hear people saying to try this diet? If anybody knows what it is can you please tell me and also write some suggestions on what is in the diet? Thanks Everybody    — Stacey S. (posted on November 5, 2000)

November 5, 2000
Dear Stacey, It is a diet where you get PLENTY of protein, so you can stay healthy, and maintain muscle mass. It is like a higher volume version of the post-op diet--not in texture, but in types of food/ratios. Check out my answer to Heahter H.'s question on weight and calorie needs. P.S. It's good training and physical prep for surgery--just get all your vitamins (one a day plus good food choices) and water and fiber by eating lots of greens and non-starchy veggies like yellow squash and spinach, a modest amount of whole grains like brown rice and oat bran cereal.Good Luck! Jesse
   — Jesse M.

December 30, 2001
This was one of my many failed diets. Protein sparing puts your body in ketosis and you end up burning fat real fast. It has to be supplement with many types of vitamins and the Dr. has to draw blood frequently to assure that your organs aren't going into failure. The diet gave me heart palpatations and I had to be taken off. Very dangerous to do on your own without medical supervision. P.S. It has a 90% failure rate.
   — blank first name B.

January 24, 2009
Consuming high protein lean meats and severely restricting carbohydrates (under 20g carbs per day) for a set amount of time (for me approx 1 week) and consuming no more than 900 cals per day. It is my understanding from all my obesity doctors, nurses, and surgeons, that our body will use the carbohydrates that we do have to burn off fat during this time of "protein sparing" and will flush fat out of our system, giving us a weight loss. I have lost 7-9 lbs in a week on this diet regime on several occasions.
   — healthygirl2b