Background for question:

On another message board, a woman was wondering whether or not she bought the wrong type of Protein shake (bodybuilding vs. plain protein) and mentioned that she is restricted so much that she's limited to mushy food at the moment. This woman was banded on 11/23/05. She also mentioned that she's going in for fill very soon. However, she never mentioned that she was replacing solid food with Protein shakes.

A woman responded asking why she was still on protein shakes this far out and that the #1 rule for bandsters was no liquid calories.

I responded saying that contrary to what she thinks, not all doctors agree with her and that both my doctor and nurse practitioner and perfectly fine with my drinking a Protein Shake for Breakfast because that's when I'm the tightest.

Ok, so she then replies that, and I quote, "It's well-known that the 2 exceptions to the no liquid calorie rule is folks having up to 2 nonfat milk servings per day and the breakfast shake if they are too tight in the mornings to eat solids. But they should not be used in lieu of solid protein...most protein needs should be gotten from real food so that the band can do its job...it doesn't restrict liquids, thus the rule."

Now, for the question.

Are those 2 exception really well-known? I've never read them anywhere. Or, is she just trying to cover up for the fact that she jumped the gun with this woman and I merely contradicted her?

I'm probably blowing this way out of proportion but every response/post I've ever read from this woman has an air of self-proclaimed superiority and it just drives me batty.

Your thoughts?

I am not sure what "THE RULE" is but I have a protein shake (unjury or slimfast) EVERY MORNING! Yes solid protein I'm sure is probably better. (for some) BUT for me a protein shake fills me up better and stays with me longer that eggs, oatmeal, cereal etc... My surgeon, my dr. and my nutritionist knows this and says it's OK!! Do what ever feels right for you. as long as you get in your protein I don't think it should matter. IMO

I am not sure what "THE RULE" is but I have a protein shake (unjury or slimfast) EVERY MORNING! Yes solid protein I'm sure is probably better. (for some) BUT for me a protein shake fills me up better and stays with me longer that eggs, oatmeal, cereal etc... My surgeon, my dr. and my nutritionist knows this and says it's OK!! Do what ever feels right for you. as long as you get in your protein I don't think it should matter. IMO

Oh, I completely agree with you. After I contradicted her, she didn't argue that my protein shake for breakfast was wrong but the fact that she jumped all over this woman about drinking protein shakes in the first place and then got pissy when I contradicted her is what bothered me. I am just wondering if her mention of the "well-known" liquid calories are indeed well-known.

I have previously seen these 2 rules. Having only read your post and not the other message board it does seem a little harsh. I am still on mushies but will have a high protein/low carb slimfast shake instead of a meal because getting "real" protein while on mushies is just nasty. If a shake makes me feel satiated. I'll have the shake. It is still healthier than a 'really moist scrambled egg' - as excerpted from my post-op diet instructions.

I think the rules will make more sense for me when I have actual restriction after a fill.

If I have learned ANYTHING on LBT it is that everyone and every surgeon is different. Take the woman's advice and ask your Doc about it.

My 2 cents - Brenda

** hope this font is better ( I really think my display is skewed)

I posted an excerpt from the personal trainer certification study guide that our son is using to get his certification. It explains 80 - 90% of ingested animal Proteins can be absorbed by the body. Only 30% of vegetable proteins. whey Protein is an animal protein and an excellent source for protein when people are trying to keep their calorie intake low. There are also protein suppliments which are "pre-digested" or hydrolized that allow the body to absorb 100% of the protein.

There are also very crappy protein powders out there that are a waste of money. Check out the post if you want more help with that.

http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=14199

But overall, I would say that if a good quality protein suppliment is being used, it can be as good if not better than protein ingested from meats and veggies.

Morsaille, could you increase the size of your font please? Im old and cant squint well enough to read small text anymore. *laughs*

I have previously seen these 2 rules. Having only read your post and not the other message board it does seem a little harsh. I am still on mushies but will have a high protein/low carb slimfast shake instead of a meal because getting "real" protein while on mushies is just nasty. If a shake makes me feel satiated. I'll have the shake. It is still healthier than a 'really moist scrambled egg' - as excerpted from my post-op diet instructions.

I think the rules will make more sense for me when I have actual restriction after a fill.

If I have learned ANYTHING on LBT it is that everyone and every surgeon is different. Take the woman's advice and ask your Doc about it.

My 2 cents - Brenda

I think you may have misunderstood my original post as I wasn't concerned about my own protein shake intake. I've already discussed this with my surgeon. I was never asking this woman for her advice but merely stating my opinion/contradicting her regarding her comments to the other woman. But, thanks for your reply. Best of luck to you.

Sorry- I re-read the post. You're right, of course.

Sorry- I re-read the post. You're right, of course.

LOL ... no need to be sorry, silly woman.

All I know for certain is that NO RESPONSIBLE LAP BAND SURGEON would give someone another fill when they already weren't able to swallow solid Proteins.

Usually living on mushies leads to poor weight loss or, worse, even gaining. But a fill will not correct that problem.

Many people can't eat any solids at all in the morning, or they would prefer to "eat" just a 16 ounce latte for their first 20 grams of Protein for the day.

I think the main consideration is whether or not the liquid Protein Drink (no matter what kind you take) is keeping you from being too hungry, too soon in the morning. Sound right to you guys?

All I know for certain is that NO RESPONSIBLE LAP BAND SURGEON would give someone another fill when they already weren't able to swallow solid Proteins.

Usually living on mushies leads to poor weight loss or, worse, even gaining. But a fill will not correct that problem.

Many people can't eat any solids at all in the morning, or they would prefer to "eat" just a 16 ounce latte for their first 20 grams of Protein for the day.

I think the main consideration is whether or not the liquid Protein Drink (no matter what kind you take) is keeping you from being too hungry, too soon in the morning. Sound right to you guys?

I'm in complete agreement with you on the fill matter. She is in no way in need of a fill if she's only on mushies right now. She's obviously too tight as it is.

I'm the type that can't eat solids in the mornings, unless I have no restriction. That's why I stick with my 16 oz. whey Protein shake, which keeps me full until lunchtime.

Thanks for your response.

I've never heard the milk rule, though I like it, lol. Gotta have my milk!

I have heard a lot of folks say they drink Breakfast. I'm not banded yet, but there's been enough that do it that maybe it's an understood rule, lol. :rolleyes

Sounds to me like she's just covering -- and not terribly well.

shake in the AM is cool, but shakes for all meals is not. liquids pass through the band quickly. Having nothing but shakes and mushies all the time defeats the purpose of the band... they pass right through.

The point is to eat normal, nutritious food, in a smaller quantity.

I am disturbed that she has gone on like this for so long with doctor not making any changes... has she discussed this with him? Has she had any post op appointments where he thinks this problem is OK. I am worried about her, and her aftercare situation.

P

I am disturbed that she has gone on like this for so long with doctor not making any changes... has she discussed this with him? Has she had any post op appointments where he thinks this problem is OK. I am worried about her, and her aftercare situation.

I'm not sure as to whether or not she's discussed this with her surgeon. I would hope that she has. If she hasn't, she certainly needs to ASAP. And, if she has and he still wants to give her another fill.....oy vey!! That's beyond comprehension for this girl. :faint:

With regard to the rules, I am planning on following an *really* well-known rule of "calories in, calories out". It doesn't really matter if the food is a protein shake, millk, ice cream, steak, pizza, brown rice, etc etc. Calories are calories are calories. If the protein shake fits into a person's daily calories, it doesn't matter that it's liquid IMHO.

But, the band is designed to work with someone on a diet of solid food... That is where restriction comes from. If you eat only liquids and mushies, then there is no restriction, and the band does nothing. The pouch holds SOLID foods in, maintaining a sense of satiety. Liquids only, and that would be gone.

But, calories are calories is not true. No bandster doc would go by that method, it may be well known, but it not the proper way to lose weight, especially on the band. You should talk to a dietician that specializes in the band. Protein is the key. If all your calories come from carbs, like pizza and rice, then you are not getting proper nutrition, and when you are on a diet that limits your intake of food...

NUTRITION IS PARAMOUNT.

I don't know you personally, but I highly recommend you rethink your way of eating on the band. It is not healthy, and will hurt you in the long run.

Just my 2 cents.