Nerdgrl

I've been using GENEPRO for a long time, almost as my sole source, all my labs have been perfect (total Protein, Albumin/Globulin.. Etc). I couldn't find any independent data on the product as well, and have even wrote them. To purify Proteins through column chromatography is nothing new, nor is electrophoresis (I'm a Protein purification scientist) but I really wanted to see some data but to no avail. Maybe they are worried another company will copycat them (understandably) but at least I can go by my labs.
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After reading this thread, I got a little curious and started to do some research. For context, note that I have a PhD in Bioengineering (from a top 10, US institution - will become relevant) and have spent the 15 years of my career as either a drug discovery scientist in 2 large pharma companies or in contract labs that perform independent safety and efficacy testing for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. While I'm not an expert in Protein biochemistry, I do know a bit about bioavailability and biodistribution (and similar topics) - and, as a scientist, am skeptical by nature. So I started to dig and do some research on GENEPRO. Long story short, I found minimal to no scientific evidence of the claims they make - increase in bypass of the intestinal digestive system by 94%, increase in absorbency to 97.8%, etc. The graphs they included were found in the marketing literature from Deerland enzymes - the company that makes Prohydrolase. The clinical data in their "Clinical Studies" section was not related to their specific product (and was incomplete at that). The award for "2015 Life Science Impact Product of the Year" was awarded by the Triangle Business Journal - a local business publication in Research Triangle Park - not a scientific trade publication, society or association. The CEO, "Dr." Parks, received a PhD from Canterbury University (Auckland, NZ). I am not familiar with this degree program or its accreditations, but at best once could consider its scientific rigor suspect. If nothing else, one has to wonder why an entrepreneur in the RTP area of NC - in spitting distance of 3 world-class research universities - needs to go to NZ for education.
All this being said, to be fair we need to recognize that nutritional supplements are not FDA regulated and that none of the companies that manufacture these products are required to substantiate their claims. The take home message is not that their product is junk (there is no data to conclude that it isn't effective) - it's that one needs to be cautious about accepting their assertions wholesale. At a minimum, it's fair to say that they are over-inflating their "data" and lack independent scientific verification.
If you read the fine print on their website, I believe that they are stating that their 30g of Protein is an equivalent value - in simple terms, if their protein version is 3x more "bioavailable" than standard whey protein, ~10g of GENEPRO is equivalent to ~30g of standard whey protein - for whatever that's worth. Personally, I am still planning to use GenePro (my surgery is next week) as it does appear to be easy and tasteless, but to be safe will probably count this as 10-15g of protein and not 30g. Just wanted to share what I learned so everyone could make a slightly more educated decision for themselves!
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After reading this thread, I got a little curious and started to do some research. For context, note that I have a PhD in Bioengineering (from a top 10, US institution - will become relevant) and have spent the 15 years of my career as either a drug discovery scientist in 2 large pharma companies or in contract labs that perform independent safety and efficacy testing for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. While I'm not an expert in Protein biochemistry, I do know a bit about bioavailability and biodistribution (and similar topics) - and, as a scientist, am skeptical by nature. So I started to dig and do some research on GENEPRO. Long story short, I found minimal to no scientific evidence of the claims they make - increase in bypass of the intestinal digestive system by 94%, increase in absorbency to 97.8%, etc. The graphs they included were found in the marketing literature from Deerland enzymes - the company that makes Prohydrolase. The clinical data in their "Clinical Studies" section was not related to their specific product (and was incomplete at that). The award for "2015 Life Science Impact Product of the Year" was awarded by the Triangle Business Journal - a local business publication in Research Triangle Park - not a scientific trade publication, society or association. The CEO, "Dr." Parks, received a PhD from Canterbury University (Auckland, NZ). I am not familiar with this degree program or its accreditations, but at best once could consider its scientific rigor suspect. If nothing else, one has to wonder why an entrepreneur in the RTP area of NC - in spitting distance of 3 world-class research universities - needs to go to NZ for education.
All this being said, to be fair we need to recognize that nutritional supplements are not FDA regulated and that none of the companies that manufacture these products are required to substantiate their claims. The take home message is not that their product is junk (there is no data to conclude that it isn't effective) - it's that one needs to be cautious about accepting their assertions wholesale. At a minimum, it's fair to say that they are over-inflating their "data" and lack independent scientific verification.
If you read the fine print on their website, I believe that they are stating that their 30g of Protein is an equivalent value - in simple terms, if their protein version is 3x more "bioavailable" than standard whey protein, ~10g of GENEPRO is equivalent to ~30g of standard whey protein - for whatever that's worth. Personally, I am still planning to use GenePro (my surgery is next week) as it does appear to be easy and tasteless, but to be safe will probably count this as 10-15g of protein and not 30g. Just wanted to share what I learned so everyone could make a slightly more educated decision for themselves!
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After reading this thread, I got a little curious and started to do some research. For context, note that I have a PhD in Bioengineering (from a top 10, US institution - will become relevant) and have spent the 15 years of my career as either a drug discovery scientist in 2 large pharma companies or in contract labs that perform independent safety and efficacy testing for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. While I'm not an expert in Protein biochemistry, I do know a bit about bioavailability and biodistribution (and similar topics) - and, as a scientist, am skeptical by nature. So I started to dig and do some research on GENEPRO. Long story short, I found minimal to no scientific evidence of the claims they make - increase in bypass of the intestinal digestive system by 94%, increase in absorbency to 97.8%, etc. The graphs they included were found in the marketing literature from Deerland enzymes - the company that makes Prohydrolase. The clinical data in their "Clinical Studies" section was not related to their specific product (and was incomplete at that). The award for "2015 Life Science Impact Product of the Year" was awarded by the Triangle Business Journal - a local business publication in Research Triangle Park - not a scientific trade publication, society or association. The CEO, "Dr." Parks, received a PhD from Canterbury University (Auckland, NZ). I am not familiar with this degree program or its accreditations, but at best once could consider its scientific rigor suspect. If nothing else, one has to wonder why an entrepreneur in the RTP area of NC - in spitting distance of 3 world-class research universities - needs to go to NZ for education.
All this being said, to be fair we need to recognize that nutritional supplements are not FDA regulated and that none of the companies that manufacture these products are required to substantiate their claims. The take home message is not that their product is junk (there is no data to conclude that it isn't effective) - it's that one needs to be cautious about accepting their assertions wholesale. At a minimum, it's fair to say that they are over-inflating their "data" and lack independent scientific verification.
If you read the fine print on their website, I believe that they are stating that their 30g of Protein is an equivalent value - in simple terms, if their protein version is 3x more "bioavailable" than standard whey protein, ~10g of GENEPRO is equivalent to ~30g of standard whey protein - for whatever that's worth. Personally, I am still planning to use GenePro (my surgery is next week) as it does appear to be easy and tasteless, but to be safe will probably count this as 10-15g of protein and not 30g. Just wanted to share what I learned so everyone could make a slightly more educated decision for themselves!
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Wow! You look amazing - congratulations! This is so inspirational, thank you for sharing.
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Sorry it's taken me a bit to reply; it was a busy day and I am only 5 days post-op, so I came home and took a nap! I am well, I received the sleeve procedure I expected, and there's quite a 'buzz in the beehive' in medical records. The situation will resolve in the near future, but today I had to halt the meeting because I was becoming over-stressed and developing pain. Thanks to all for your support and anger on my behalf, when I was too confused and too under-the-weather to find the strength to get mad on my own!

@@katie09/21/2016 - I would have done the EXACT same thing! You don't owe anyone details from your personal life, particularly not people whom you don't expect have your best interest at heart. Do what you need to do to protect yourself from negativity - if you're anything like me, I have enough negativity of my own to battle without absorbing any from others. More importantly, it looks like your surgery is coming up in a few days - best of luck for an easy surgery and a quick recovery!
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First, @@gustavio, thanks for asking the question about drinking with meals - I was curious about this rule as well and the answers have been very educational. Second, in my humble, non-expert opinion, both sleeves and pouches absolutely do (and will) stretch. I honestly don't know (or care) if this is true medically / scientifically, but I CHOOSE to believe that my soon-to-be sleeve will stretch like a rubberband if I don't treat it will respect. If I allow myself to believe that my sleeve won't stretch, then I am allowing myself to think that the sleeve will drive weight loss and prevent regain without my participation - and we all know that this process takes hard work and dedication. It is therefore my philosophical, non-scientific, self-serving assertion that stretching a sleeve (or pouch) is absolutely possible and probable if the prescribed program isn't followed.
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@@mollydeez what a terrible, frustrating and discouraging ordeal you've been going through. I'm so sorry that this has been so difficult for you. While I haven't been through this type of struggle (I opted to self pay for my surgery in Mexico, in part because of the possibility of facing what you've been dealing with), I completely agree with @@Lukeadelle - you need to get in their face. Did you see the Sex and the City episode where Samantha was diagnosed with breast cancer and camped out in the oncologist's office for days until they gave her an appointment? It may sound extreme, but you can't take no for an answer. Show up at her office in the morning (and the next, and the next if that's what it takes) and just politely inform them that you're not leaving without your paperwork. Your doctor is being passive aggressive, so make her deal with you in person. Transfer the pain and suffering that you're going through to your doctor - even if she only submits the paperwork to get rid of you, I would call that success! Talk about how your doctor is putting her personal opinion over your health with other patients in the waiting room. When this starts to impact her business, she'll do anything it takes to get you out of there. Who cares if the receptionist is nasty? It's not her health or her future that is at stake!! Once you make the consequences of not responding to you worse than the consequences of responding to you, she will do it. Hang in there - be strong and out-stubborn them! Do not take no for an answer and don't stop until you get what you need!!! Best of luck!
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First, @@gustavio, thanks for asking the question about drinking with meals - I was curious about this rule as well and the answers have been very educational. Second, in my humble, non-expert opinion, both sleeves and pouches absolutely do (and will) stretch. I honestly don't know (or care) if this is true medically / scientifically, but I CHOOSE to believe that my soon-to-be sleeve will stretch like a rubberband if I don't treat it will respect. If I allow myself to believe that my sleeve won't stretch, then I am allowing myself to think that the sleeve will drive weight loss and prevent regain without my participation - and we all know that this process takes hard work and dedication. It is therefore my philosophical, non-scientific, self-serving assertion that stretching a sleeve (or pouch) is absolutely possible and probable if the prescribed program isn't followed.
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First, @@gustavio, thanks for asking the question about drinking with meals - I was curious about this rule as well and the answers have been very educational. Second, in my humble, non-expert opinion, both sleeves and pouches absolutely do (and will) stretch. I honestly don't know (or care) if this is true medically / scientifically, but I CHOOSE to believe that my soon-to-be sleeve will stretch like a rubberband if I don't treat it will respect. If I allow myself to believe that my sleeve won't stretch, then I am allowing myself to think that the sleeve will drive weight loss and prevent regain without my participation - and we all know that this process takes hard work and dedication. It is therefore my philosophical, non-scientific, self-serving assertion that stretching a sleeve (or pouch) is absolutely possible and probable if the prescribed program isn't followed.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

First, @@gustavio, thanks for asking the question about drinking with meals - I was curious about this rule as well and the answers have been very educational. Second, in my humble, non-expert opinion, both sleeves and pouches absolutely do (and will) stretch. I honestly don't know (or care) if this is true medically / scientifically, but I CHOOSE to believe that my soon-to-be sleeve will stretch like a rubberband if I don't treat it will respect. If I allow myself to believe that my sleeve won't stretch, then I am allowing myself to think that the sleeve will drive weight loss and prevent regain without my participation - and we all know that this process takes hard work and dedication. It is therefore my philosophical, non-scientific, self-serving assertion that stretching a sleeve (or pouch) is absolutely possible and probable if the prescribed program isn't followed.
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@@mollydeez what a terrible, frustrating and discouraging ordeal you've been going through. I'm so sorry that this has been so difficult for you. While I haven't been through this type of struggle (I opted to self pay for my surgery in Mexico, in part because of the possibility of facing what you've been dealing with), I completely agree with @@Lukeadelle - you need to get in their face. Did you see the Sex and the City episode where Samantha was diagnosed with breast cancer and camped out in the oncologist's office for days until they gave her an appointment? It may sound extreme, but you can't take no for an answer. Show up at her office in the morning (and the next, and the next if that's what it takes) and just politely inform them that you're not leaving without your paperwork. Your doctor is being passive aggressive, so make her deal with you in person. Transfer the pain and suffering that you're going through to your doctor - even if she only submits the paperwork to get rid of you, I would call that success! Talk about how your doctor is putting her personal opinion over your health with other patients in the waiting room. When this starts to impact her business, she'll do anything it takes to get you out of there. Who cares if the receptionist is nasty? It's not her health or her future that is at stake!! Once you make the consequences of not responding to you worse than the consequences of responding to you, she will do it. Hang in there - be strong and out-stubborn them! Do not take no for an answer and don't stop until you get what you need!!! Best of luck!
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@@mollydeez what a terrible, frustrating and discouraging ordeal you've been going through. I'm so sorry that this has been so difficult for you. While I haven't been through this type of struggle (I opted to self pay for my surgery in Mexico, in part because of the possibility of facing what you've been dealing with), I completely agree with @@Lukeadelle - you need to get in their face. Did you see the Sex and the City episode where Samantha was diagnosed with breast cancer and camped out in the oncologist's office for days until they gave her an appointment? It may sound extreme, but you can't take no for an answer. Show up at her office in the morning (and the next, and the next if that's what it takes) and just politely inform them that you're not leaving without your paperwork. Your doctor is being passive aggressive, so make her deal with you in person. Transfer the pain and suffering that you're going through to your doctor - even if she only submits the paperwork to get rid of you, I would call that success! Talk about how your doctor is putting her personal opinion over your health with other patients in the waiting room. When this starts to impact her business, she'll do anything it takes to get you out of there. Who cares if the receptionist is nasty? It's not her health or her future that is at stake!! Once you make the consequences of not responding to you worse than the consequences of responding to you, she will do it. Hang in there - be strong and out-stubborn them! Do not take no for an answer and don't stop until you get what you need!!! Best of luck!
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Looks like we are all having surgery around the same time!! Mine is 9/29.
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Let me add to that...

@@blizair09 - it seems that we not only have the same surgery day (+\- one day) but also the same airline / lounge loyalty! I admire your ability to be so open about your journey - I guess that I am just more of a private person. Your support network sounds fantastic. Best of luck with your surgery next week!
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@@katie09/21/2016 - I would have done the EXACT same thing! You don't owe anyone details from your personal life, particularly not people whom you don't expect have your best interest at heart. Do what you need to do to protect yourself from negativity - if you're anything like me, I have enough negativity of my own to battle without absorbing any from others. More importantly, it looks like your surgery is coming up in a few days - best of luck for an easy surgery and a quick recovery!
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I just used the exact same "excuse" this past week! I have only told my husband and my sister that I am having a VSG, but I have had to tell a few other people that I am having surgery (most to make arrangements at work - I am scheduled for business travel 2.5 weeks after surgery, so I had to tell my boss that I was having surgery vs taking vacation in case I have to cancel the trip). This week, a very well-meaning, concerned person asked if I was okay, and I simple told them that I'm having a hernia repaired. When people start to notice the weight loss and ask questions, my response will only be that I've been working very hard at losing weight (which will be true). In my opinion, using this type of "excuse" allows you to protect your privacy and avoid any drama.
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@@katie09/21/2016 - I would have done the EXACT same thing! You don't owe anyone details from your personal life, particularly not people whom you don't expect have your best interest at heart. Do what you need to do to protect yourself from negativity - if you're anything like me, I have enough negativity of my own to battle without absorbing any from others. More importantly, it looks like your surgery is coming up in a few days - best of luck for an easy surgery and a quick recovery!
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@@katie09/21/2016 - I would have done the EXACT same thing! You don't owe anyone details from your personal life, particularly not people whom you don't expect have your best interest at heart. Do what you need to do to protect yourself from negativity - if you're anything like me, I have enough negativity of my own to battle without absorbing any from others. More importantly, it looks like your surgery is coming up in a few days - best of luck for an easy surgery and a quick recovery!
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I just used the exact same "excuse" this past week! I have only told my husband and my sister that I am having a VSG, but I have had to tell a few other people that I am having surgery (most to make arrangements at work - I am scheduled for business travel 2.5 weeks after surgery, so I had to tell my boss that I was having surgery vs taking vacation in case I have to cancel the trip). This week, a very well-meaning, concerned person asked if I was okay, and I simple told them that I'm having a hernia repaired. When people start to notice the weight loss and ask questions, my response will only be that I've been working very hard at losing weight (which will be true). In my opinion, using this type of "excuse" allows you to protect your privacy and avoid any drama.
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I didn't have to "lie" because I really didn't tell people I was having any kind of surgery all and I had basically zero downtime so no one missed me. All my real friends know, so there is no lying to them, everyone else are just random strangers.
You should really rethink considering it "lying". You are protecting your privacy from nosey ass people asking questions that are none of their business. We have HIPPA laws for a reason. Medical issues shouldn't be open issues for people to question, it is so impolite it baffles me that people ask these questions.
"Good manners sometimes means simply putting up with other people's bad manners." H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

@@luzR - I agree with @@futurefeatherweight about having your husband take care of the family meals! I would never be strong enough to cook for everyone else and then not eat. I've told my hubby to please keep his junk food - and any food - away from me for the week!
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My pre-op diet starts next week for my surgery on 9/29 (thankfully, I only need a one week diet) but I appreciate hearing everyone's perspective so I know what to expect. I will be traveling for business for the first two days of the diet - any suggestions on how to manage the diet AND not scratch anyone's eyes out? I'm seriously praying that there is no birthday cake floating around the office next week!
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