Question:
Why does everyone say more protein when the the doc says stop after 8wks? At least mi

I have been on a plateau for a little over a month, 76lbs down and 55lbs more to go for my personal goal. I'm beginning to think I will never lose anymore. I am so discouraged and really would like this protein thing explained to me. Thanks    — Melissa D. (posted on June 29, 2003)

June 29, 2003
Melissa, if you ever figure that one out, let us all know. It has always been interesting to me how so many people report such different advice and instructions from their differing doctors. Protein is a good and necessary thing for us to have. But I believe in a balance of good foods. I love vegetables and salads since WLS. I find if you start out with the protein and then go to the veggies, you have little room or desire for a high intake of carbs. Sure was NOT like that before WLS. At first it is very important to get in the right amount of protein. I am 8 months out and I still have a protein drink for my breakfast every day. It was hard to find one I liked, but I finally did and now I won't start my day off without it. I usually have most of a Lean Cuisine for lunch and either a bit of salad or veggies. For dinner I eat protein first and more veggies and salad. I love protein laden salads...chef or shrimp. My advice would be to follow your doctor's instructions, but do ask questions. We all do the plateau thing from time to time. I notice if I stick to the food plan, do my walking, and drink lots of water, the weight will come off. Take measurements. The inches sometimes show more positivly than the scales. More than likely you are losing though the scales fail you. Good luck and don't get discouraged.
   — Ginger M.

June 29, 2003
If you are truly looking for a good explanation of "this protein thing" I highly recommend the book Protein Power by Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades. They do an excellent job of explaining how the body reacts to carbohydrates (stimulates insulin which tells the body to store fat) vs. protein (stimulates glucogon which tells the body to burn fat). After reading just the first three or so chapters, I have a much better understanding of metabolism in general, and how this protein-first eating style helps reduce and eliminaate our co-morbidities so quickly.
   — Vespa R.

June 29, 2003
My nutritionist also says that after 3 months we can stop supplementing protein shakes, but doesn't say I have to do any less protein. For whatever reason, they assume I will be able to get enough protein from food...but the truth is, I would have to eat nothing but TUNA all day to get enough from food. No thanks, I am sticking to shakes to help me get to my 60-70 grams a day I need.
   — thekatinthehat

June 29, 2003
My nutritionist says that I needed about 75g of protein for the first 6-8 weeks to promote healing. She says that now I should just try to get at least 50g daily. She is not a fan of the Atkins diet, and says that ANY diet where you restrict a major food group results in weight loss, but may not be healthy. A balanced approach -- one where you get high-quality protien, healthy complex carbs like fruits, veggies and whole grains, etc, is key. Just think -- many cultures eat many carbs (Italians, Asians, etc) and have much less of a problem with obesity than Americans do. In fact, Americans seem to eat more meat than many other cultures, yet are fatter. If anything, it just goes to show that you can find studies and "experts" that can justify any type of extreme diet out there. JMHO.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 29, 2003
I'm no expert, nor a doctor, but I've never heard of that before. Stopping protein after only 8 weeks sounds silly to me. And a surgeon isn't a nutritionist, so we can't always take everything they say as word. A normal person, depending on height and weight needs about 50 grams of protein in their diet. We, as post-ops need atleast 60grams (preferably higher) b/c of malapsorbtion issues. It is good for us and helps us lose weight. I've heard of docs/ nuritionists saying that people can lessen the amount or eat more well-balanced after a year, but never that soon. If you're able to get all your protein from food,then go for it, but you still need atleast 60grams. I'm 13 months post-op, surpassed my goal weight (I'm 124#) and do atleast 75 grams a day. Everyone is different and does different things, but all I can say is the longer-term successful post-ops on this site are so inpart b/c of getting good amounts of protein and many still supplement. Just my 2 cents. YOu're weight loss is extremely good, so don't worry, plateaus are normal and part of this process- even longer ones. Goodluck to you :-)
   — Lezlie Y.

June 29, 2003
Vespa best described why protein is important. Remember that protein helps the body to burn fat (which is kind of the goal of WLS to promote, right?). Numerous studies have shown that as protein increases (to at least 60 grams a day), sustained weight loss is increased.
   — SteveColarossi

June 29, 2003
I think its because after 8 weeksa or so you should be able to get enough protein from regular good food choices. My surgeon discourages the protein shakes for fear they will cause overeating by depending on liquid eatring which doesnt expand the pouch creating saiety. Least thats hois explation I asked this very question.
   — bob-haller

June 30, 2003
Hi Melissa, This is definitely a topic with many different views. I also believe that different WL Surgeries have different "rules" to follow. I had Long-limb (distal) Open RNY, and I will need to supplement my diet with Protein shakes for the rest of my life. My body simply WON'T get enough absorbable protein from my foods alone. Luckily, I LOVE my protein shakes (Champion Nutrition Pure Whey Stack...Strawberry with a little bit of Chocolate mixed in) and have no problem drinking them. So, make sure that you research your specific surgery and find out what is best for you. Good luck!
   — Tara B.