Question:
Is it OK to eat only protein?

My doctor has me eating only protein and, with the recent discussion about ketosis, I am wondering whether I should be worried. Is it OK to eat just protein? I have a protein drink for breakfast and beans, cheese or meat for lunch and dinner. Many evenings, I enjoy a mini-mini-mini salad of lettuce and tomatoes with some dressing with my dinner. My doctor said that I should have "ketone breath" (which means I haven't been eating any carbs). I question some of his other dietary guidelines so want to raise this issue, too. Thanks!    — Pamela C. (posted on June 27, 2001)

June 27, 2001
I don't know much about post-op nutrition, but I do know that too much protein can be bad for your kidneys if you are a diabetic. I would follow his program, as it is probably not long term. If you have quetions, you might contact a nutritionist who is familiar with wls and post-op eating regimens.
   — [Anonymous]

June 27, 2001
I "think" it would be ok as long as there is'nt alot of extra fat in it. And as you said you are getting some vegitables. Carbohydrates are good in their place. We need some. It's just that some of us have a weakness in that area. Carbs are like drugs to me.... I crave them. However we do need some. But I think you are doing alright by what you say you are eating.
   — Danmark

June 27, 2001
First off I agree with anonymous #2. I did not have this surgery to diet EVER again. That is not to say that I don't watch what I eat. All of this talk about ketosis has me cringing with bad memories. Now, the first question about this today, I believe, dealt with pre-op issues. That person's surgeon was requiring her to be in ketosis prior to scheduling surgery. To that I say...get a different doctor!! Are you pre-op or post-op? If you are pre-op then I would give to you the same recommendation. If you are post-op, just to let you know,my surgeon does not have us dieting, at all. I am allowed to eat what I want. They recommend eating protein first, but he really wants me to stop it already with the diet mentality. To that I say HOORAY! After all, it was all of these diets that "helped" me get to 263!!. Never again will the word diet come from my lips. Or will I feel guilty because I ate something "bad". I have lost 105 pounds since January 8, 2001. So, I must be doing something right. Go with your gut. Shelley
   — Shelley.

June 27, 2001
An "all protein" diet really speeds up your weight loss! Personally, I like it. It takes a few days to get into it, but then I find that eating only protein is very easy. My appetite completely disappears and I have an amazing amount of energy. Protein supplements are the easiest, of course. Perhaps your doctor just wants to kick your weight loss into high gear and get you off to a good start? I think that protein, as long as you take a good multi-vitamin and have your nutrition levels checked periodically shouldn't cause any kind of health propblems. I'd relax and go for it.
   — Anne G.

June 28, 2001
I talked to my brother just last night about this. He is in college and is taking a health course that covers obesity and weight loss. He told me that being in ketosis is dangerous. Ketones are actually a poison created by your liver which in turns makes your kidneys work much harder. He says many people doing the Adkins or other protein diets long term suffer liver damage and kidney failure. When I think about it now, he is right. I eat lots of proteins because I am carbohydrate sensitive and don't want to gain more weight. I had blood work a couple of weeks ago and it showed I had elevated liver functon. My doc says to eat carbs but avoid all refined (man made) foods and starchy foods. Stay away from things high in sugar. Greatly limit your intake of all breads and pasta. (even whole wheat products) , potatoes, corn, carrots, peas,and also rice, These foods are all very starchy and your body converts all these to glucose (sugar) very quickly. Being pre-op I know this is a hard request to fill. I will have my surgery 7/17/01. Good luck to you.
   — Cathy D.