Question:
Why is protein so important?

Why is protein so important? Does it affect the rate that you lose weight, and after you get to goal is protein still a big focus?    — Robin T. (posted on June 11, 2003)

June 11, 2003
Protien is very important to healing, your skin hair and nails, as well as many of your vital organs. Protien is not easily absorbed by our post op bodies and we have to keep it high. Protien will always be an issue for us posties and your surgeon will also require that you eat your protien FIRST at each meal before eating anything else on your plate. That is because the stomach is too small to hold much and protien is the most important. As for the second part of your question, I have heard other posties say it does affect the rate of your weight loss. If you aren ot careful to get enough protien in your diet, your body will start using YOUR MUSCLE MASS as energy and you will not burn fat, but muscle. That is also why exercize is important.
   — Happy I.

June 11, 2003
Protein SUPPLEMENT is critical to my wt maintenance. It helps with volume, appetite & carb control, not to mention giving me good labs, good color & reasonably good skin tone (for an old bat). I'm not fond of protein foods, never was, so I may or may not have them in my day. But I drink several shakes per day.
   — vitalady

June 11, 2003

   — Linda A.