I don't get sleeved until tomorrow. However, I've been researching some new approaches to the bariatric diet. No, I'm not a board certified dietician. I just wanted to investigate the real reasons why bariatric patients have to always eat Protein first. I understand why protein should go first the first three months after surgery. I just don't understand why it has to be for a lifetime.

I found some research that said that protein should always go first to aid in absorption. However, the surgeries of the past 15 years have been more advanced to where malabsorption isn't so much of an issue. I think it has to do with the way/amount of intestine that is cut. I didn't read so much into it since I'm getting the sleeve.

Matthew Weiner, MD is one of the leading surgeons who have been advocating for VEGETABLES FIRST instead of PROTEIN FIRST. you can read more about it at www.Dr.MatthewWeiner.com. He also has a YouTube video where he discusses this more in length. He argues that Americans have always been eating their protein first and look where it got us. My opinion that a better way of eating might be more of a focus on vegetables instead of animal protein.Vegetables, Beans, nuts, and seeds can supply protein as well and you will lose weight much faster, which is what all bariatric patients want. I just think that this would be a great, new way to eat starting my first year after the surgery. What is your opinion? The book is called "A pound of Cure" by Matthew Weiner, MD

I will be 3 years out in December. I have been maintaining for awhile. I still think "Protein first" but i have shifted my focus to ensuring veggies every meal. Example, i make an egg beaters omelette many mornings.. I start with sauteed veggies. I often have a salad for lunch, with lots of different veggies, not just lettuce - topped with tuna or chicken or something. Snacks are often protein because i find them more satiating than a celery stick.... I can have a piece of nitrate free turkey sandwich meat with a bit of tomato and feel "satisfied" for quite awhile.

dinner, well, it is mostly protein and a green veggie type thing like a salad or green Beans, or brussel sprouts, or cauliflower or something.

Anyway, I do think we need a lot of veggies and I seldom suffer from constipation or anything like that. My protein is based around fish, other seafood, Protein drinks, sandwich meat (not the best due to sodium, but handy) and some chicken and beef. I tolerate all foods, it is more of a convenience and preference thing.

I try to keep my "Mantras" simple......

Before surgery (and most of my adult life) it was - "life is uncertain - Eat dessert first" (wow, big surprise, huh)

Now after surgery it's - "Protein first"

Why ??? Because it seems mother nature in her continued effort to make my life a joke has decided to go after whatever little muscle I may have instead of the mountains of fat I want to get rid of........and protein is supposed to help prevent that. So, in attempting to get in anywhere close to the amount of protein needed to help provide nourishment to my delicate remaining muscles, while only able to fit in 3-4 ounces of food......well....you do the math.

Though I do not have the sleeve, the post surgical eating plan is pretty much the same for all of us....

Pure vegetable Protein is not complete. It lacks certain amino acids that aren't found in any combination of plant based foods. People still do well, but I'm just sayin'. After you go through major surgery, your body will need good sources of protein in order to heal. I also think that you'll find, it helps with satiety on less food for longer periods of time. When I start adding starchy carbs back into my diet, I'm hungry a lot sooner, and it doesn't make the best use of my "tool". That being said......

My surgeon is also one who thinks that our "western diet" is too high in animal protein. Aside from the fact that our bodies do need protein, they push push push it to bariatric patients because they want to get them off of carbs. Also, given the dramatic drop in capacity, we need to make sure to get enough of the "building blocks" in, first. Once I'd gone through my months of post op, he said he's fine with me having 45-50 grams of protein per day. He's big on protein and veggies, period. I am, and have always been, protein driven. I'd give up all else to have meat, chicken and fish. For me, getting in enough protein isn't an issue. I don't think that eating fish, chicken and meat got us fat. We're obese because of the volume and all else we eat in addition to protein. 2-3 oz of good lean protein at each meal, is healthy.

My last thought is..... You're just starting out on this huge life change. Try not to bite off more than you can chew (no pun intended), right out of the gate. You will have a lot of healing to do, and if you've always eaten animal protein, is giving it up right now a good idea? Have you tried before? If so, were you happy with it, or miserable? Just don't set yourself up for anything negative from the start. As you get used to what will become the new normal, see how you feel & tweak it from there.

The best of luck to you!

Edited October 6, 201411 yr by mrsto

WLS has allowed me to really listen in to what my body is asking for....it's a fine art, the tuning in, and I'm so glad to be able to respond appropriately now. I can grow a head of purple cauliflower, steam it and have one bite and know that it's not the right thing for me at that moment (true story) -- or I can go out to eat an unexpectedly stumble on the perfect food even when I thought I'd be doing something else entirely. Meanwhile, I totally agree that we as a culture are protein-obsessed. Alex just put up a great piece about this: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/321108-protein-supplements-after-weight-loss-surgery-yes-or-no/?hl=%2Bprotein#entry3622484