Question:
Why do you have to use supplements?

My doctor said I could take the protein supplements, which I find to be GROSS. So I figure what is wrong with using other foods with protein in them? It seems like so many people are using these supplements. I want to lose weight but I want to also eat normal food. Much less of it of course with a 2 oz. stomach. I am 2 weeks post-op and I have been sustaining with soups and baby food fruits. But I figure real nutrients have to be better for you than bottled ones. Is there anyone out there that has ideas on this?    — Michelle C. (posted on April 10, 2002)

April 10, 2002
How much protein are you getting in the "natural way"? It is virtually impossible to consume 50-100g of protein per day early on. If you can, more power to you. If you can't then I'd recommend experimenting until you find a tolerable supplement. Cottage cheese is a great natural source early on, but how much can you eat? Egg whites are another. Protein is vital to your health early on; especially your muscles. At 20 months out, I can now consume all of my protein through food; though sometimes I get a bar if I am fatigued. Good luck to you.
   — Jeannet

April 10, 2002
Why use the suppliments? I got really tired of protien enriched foods, REAL fast. I wanted to eat a "normal" healthier diet, so I could eat a variety of foods.. but I still needed the protien. So it was suppliment, or try to force the protien foods in my pouch, or use my meals for real things and use my shakes for the supplimenting...
   — Elizabeth D.

April 10, 2002
Actually, youre on the right path. I am almost 6 months out and have been working really close with a nutritionist the last couple of weeks. She told me its a lot better to get protein from food than supplements. She doesnt recommend using supplements at all. She also told me getting TOO MUCH protein can hinder your weight loss greatly (keep it at 60-70 grams a day). Thats what was happening to me. Since working with her, in just the last 5 days Ive dropped 5#. I usually dont lose that for 2 1/2 weeks! She has me drinking mainly water, no more tea for me. Tea actually promotes hunger, even decaffeinated. I was wondering why I felt so hungry the last month, or so, thats when I started drinking a lot of tea instead of water. Now that she has me eating better and back to my water, things are going a lot better. Stick with food for your protein as much as possible. You do NOT have to do what everyone else is doing! If supplements arent for you, thats okay. Some people live on them, but, its your decision. Good luck and God bless.
   — Kerry P.

April 10, 2002
In the beginning, my nutritionist does not recommend protein supplements. However, if we have low protein levels, she will then recommend supplementing. That is what happened to me. My protein became low. I was unable to consume that much food to get in my protein requirements. So protein shopping I went. I did find one that I like. It is extreme pure pro powder in grape flavor. It is much like kool-aid. I feel like I have been freed of worrying SO MUCH about what protein I was going to eat next. With the drinks I know I am getting enough. I have also heard something along the lines that our body doesn't absorb the protein from food the way we do absorb the pre-digested protein which is in the supplements. This is a vitalady area of expertise. You may want to email her on the specifics or visit her website. www.vitalady.com
   — Cheri M.

April 12, 2002
I'm not sure where this concept that "real" food is better than a protein supplement. What do you think the protein supplements are made out of?? And in many cases, the supplements are pre-digested and absorbed much more readily and rapidly than whole food products, providing more protein bang for your buck. The RDA for normal people is 60 grams of protein per day; I know that I malabsorb (more than most, because I'm a distal procedure). So, I know that I will need to take in more than 60 grams per day to actually benefit from the protein. I keep my intake at 90 - 100 grams per day. It would just be too depressing to try to eat that much protein food per day. With the supplements I can eat a normal diet and still be assured of getting the nutrition I need. My labs are still holding steady at 2 years post op, and that's pretty much all the proof I need. YMMV. -Kate-
   — kateseidel