OTR Sleever your 100% right about the types of Protein, I'm sure you already knew that, and I found an article that really explains it in detail. I thought I would share it with everyone. Thanks for setting me straight and helping me get started on the right foot.
Protein supplements & Weight-loss Surgery
by Kimberly Mahoney, MS, RD, LDN
To view a PDF version of this article, click here.
When you step into a health food store or a Vitamin shop, there is often an abundance of protein supplements to choose from and sales people claiming they are “nutritionists” trying to sell you the best liquid or powder protein products on the market. There is a large assortment of protein supplementation available to consumers; however, it is essential to recognize that some supplements are of higher quality than others. For weight-loss surgery (WLS) patients, it can be very confusing if you are not aware of what to look for when it comes to protein supplementation.
Why is protein important?
Proteins are a part of every cell, tissue and organ in our bodies. These body Proteins are constantly being broken down and replaced. The body does not store protein for later use, therefore consuming adequate high quality protein is necessary, otherwise the body will inevitably suffer. When protein intake is not adequate, the body will break down lean body mass to compensate for poor oral intake. Loss of lean body mass is inevitable for WLS patients or individuals following a very low calorie diet. To minimize that loss, sufficient high-quality protein must be consumed.
When should liquid or powder protein supplements be used?
Most WLS patients rely strictly on liquids during the early post-operative phase, and the majority of their calories consumed during that time are often from protein supplements. Liquid or powder protein supplements may also be used post-operatively when patients are unable to consume adequate protein from food alone. This may be due to volume restrictions or food intolerances to protein rich foods.
Is there a risk of developing protein deficiency?
WLS patients, who have undergone the BPD/DS, are often at a higher risk of developing protein malnutrition. However, all WLS patients, despite the procedure, who do not comply with the recommended dietary guidelines are at risk.
What is the best quality liquid or powder protein supplement?
Commercial protein supplements are available in many flavors, textures, tastes, mix-ability and price; however, the product’s amino acid composition is of the most importance when choosing protein supplements. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are nine indispensable (essential) amino acids (IAA) and 11 dispensable (nonessential) amino acids (DAA). The IAA must come from dietary intake because the body is incapable of producing these compounds.
During rapid weight-loss, when protein supplements are the main source of dietary protein intake, it is essential to choose products that contain all of the IAA. Also, it is important when choosing protein supplements that they have a score of 100 on the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS). This is a system that was developed as a method to evaluate protein quality. PDCAAS scores of as close to 100 as possible are desired to indicate that it contains the appropriate amount of IAA that the body needs.
Protein supplements that are made from whey, casein, soy and egg whites have a PDCAA score of 100. It is important to recognize that many of these protein sources are sold as either concentrates or isolates.
Isolates
In general, isolates tend to have a higher concentration of protein than concentrate forms. For whey protein isolates, the filtration process removes a lot of the lactose, minerals and fat in the product; therefore, these products have very little or no lactose and often provide more protein in smaller volumes. These products may be beneficial to those patients who have lactose intolerance. Also, isolates tend to have a better mix ability and cleaner taste, therefore compliance is often better with these products.
Concentrates
Whey protein concentrates have a lower concentration of protein and higher concentration of lactose. Although the protein is of good quality, the percentage of protein will vary. Consumers can always view the nutrition label as well for accurate quantities of protein.
How much protein does the WLS patient need?
Many surgical weight-loss programs recommend between 60-80 grams of protein per day for the adjustable gastric band (AGB), vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) requires approximately 90 grams of protein per-day to accommodate for the malabsorption associated with this procedure.
These recommendations are for individuals without complications (malabsorptive procedures alter digestion, thus causing the food to be poorly digested and incompletely absorbed). Those with complications will have different protein needs. The exact requirements for postoperative WLS patients with complications are not defined. It is recommended to follow-up with your surgeon and dietitian to assess protein requirements and adequate protein intake.
Protein supplements and Meal Replacement shakes – they are different
It is important to also recognize that there is a difference between protein supplements and Meal Replacement shakes (i.e. Unjury® vs. SlimFast®). Many meal replacement supplements often have a blend of soy, casein or whey protein to enhance the texture or taste of the product. Meal replacement shakes also have higher amounts of Vitamin and minerals and varying amounts of carbohydrates and Fiber.
One thing to consider is that meal replacement shakes are often designed to supplement a diet that includes animal and plant sources of protein. These should not be used as the sole source of protein or calories in the diet for an extended period of time.
What protein supplements should be avoided?
Collagen-based protein supplements are not a good source of high-quality protein and should not be used as the sole source of protein intake in WLS patients. Collagen-based protein supplements do not contain all of the indispensable amino acids that the body needs. When consuming collagen-based products as your sole source of protein, the loss of lean body mass can occur despite meeting your daily protein goals.
Do WLS patients need liquid or powder protein supplements for life?
As you begin to consume more food after surgery, the need for protein supplementation often declines or ceases. Relying solely on protein supplements to meet your protein needs is not recommended after the early post-operative liquid stage. Foods of high biological value are encouraged (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, etc.). WLS patients who cannot meet their protein needs from food alone may benefit from supplementation of high quality protein.
What are the dangers of excessive protein intake?
If you are not well hydrated, excessive protein intake may contribute to dehydration. It is also important to remember that additional protein intake, above the recommended amount, may inhibit the consumption of other important nutrients.
Conclusion
WLS patients are going to get the best bang for their buck when they choose supplements made from whey or soy isolate and avoid whey concentrate and collagen-based products. It is also important to remember that the use of protein supplements are typically decreased or cease throughout time as the WLS patient is able to meet daily protein goals from food of high biological value.
About the Author:
Kimberly Mahoney, MS, RD, LDN, is a bariatric dietitian at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago and has been working with weight-loss surgery patients for the past five years. She is currently the chair of the Bariatric Subunit of the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group through the American Dietetic Association.
I had my 6 month follow-up yesterday. Here are a few of the things I've lost since starting this journey:
113 pounds
15 points of BMI
10 inches from my waist
3 inches from my neck
7 pants sizes
5 prescription drugs
high blood pressure
diabetic glucose levels
debilitating depression
Here are a few things I've gained/found:
healthy eating habits
energy
self-confidence
self-esteem
mobility
excellent friends
the desire to again do things I once loved
life
Not bad for six months
I finally hit 100lbs down yesterday. Surgery jan 9, weight 268.6. Yesterday 168.6 exactly. My doc wants me to get to around 135 so another 34lbs to go. I took pre-surg pics but lost all the pics on my phone so I have no comparison shots to post
**wait that's not true. I was 268.6 at my highest lol. Lost 40 before surgery. Down a TOTAL of 100 lbs.
This DOES require a lifestyle change, and I'm really sorry that you seem to have thought it wouldn't. It's been hammered into me from my bariatric team and everything I've read. But don't get stressed about it. It's really not as bad as you're thinking.
You need to be mindful of what you eat, and you need to be more active. But don't think of this as a diet - that word has negative connotations to many of us, and it's not really true. You don't have to be that regimented or restrictive. Eat like a healthy person. Be aware of what you're eating and how much. You can have treats. Just be smart about it - don't mindlessly graze on chips that you don't really care about, or have treats more than you have good food. Have that ice cream. Make it a really special scoop of premium stuff, but not a pint of it. Enjoy it thoroughly, and then move on. Maybe you ate fairly lightly that day, or maybe you just decide to go light on the carbs for the next meal or two. Or maybe you do it so seldom that you decide you can absorb the calories from that small treat. But YOU are in control, not some arbitrary list of what you can or can't eat. Just remember to pay attention, and keep things balanced, and you'll be fine.
Sleeved 1/11. Started at 289 day of surgery. Down 73 pounds as of today...only 71 more pounds to go. It's been a slow process but I'm satisfied with my loss so far.
Starting weight 250. 1/8/13
Current weight 179 6-22-13 (loss of 71 pounds at 5.5 months)
I have barely exercised due to work (walking when I could) and just when I was done with work(teacher) I pulled my back out! I start my new regimen TODAY! I want to lose 30 more pounds!
I have a great NSV. My daughters class was going on a trip and I was a chaperone. We ordered shirt for the group and I ordered myself a large. Which is a huge victory in itself. The day the shirts came she brought mine home and told me that mine was one of the only large shirts and everyone else was either an XL or 2XL. I couldn't be happier. I wore it for the trip yesterday and it was even a bit big. Loving my sleeve. Down 95 lbs since 1/16. 35 more to goal.
fonally got a reaction from HR Pro in I just cant do the protien shakes! Help!
fonally got a reaction from pottergirl in January sleevers......what's your weight loss so far?