those of us who have had the RNY need to be very careful about getting in enough protein. i think the situation with the DS'ers is a little different, but frankly i don't know enough about that surgery to comment.
the surgeons in the obesity center i attend insist that most folks get 60-80 grams a day. but some of us who are 'special,' mainly because we have more than about 200 pounds to lose, have to get in 80-100 grams a day.
so, how is everyone doing it? any protein supplement products you like? what don't you like?
oh. and to answer the inevitable question, i reached my highest weight ever last august, while in the hospital on an 800-calorie diet: 506.
when i had my first consult with the surgeon on november 6, 2001, i weighed 424. the weight loss was not the result of diet and exercise, because i still could barely walk, but because the doctors had FINALLY corrected my sleep apnea.
surgery was on january 29, 2002. and i weighed 409 going in. my last weight was on wednesday, june 12, and i weighed 300 pounds. so, still more than 100 to go, but i'm down 206 pounds, 108 due to the surgery.
as we get more participants, how about we start a thread of our profiles?
Alvin & I went to his support group meeting last night. First one ever for us. The question was asked if you decide when to STOP loosing weight, or if you body just does it on it's on.
The answer was discussed for quiet a while, but the final answer was "When you stop eating enough protien and start back eating carbs, then you will stop losing weight" I thought all of you who also post on the LC site would like that answer.
One of the panel participants talked about a protien powder that she gets from the Vitalady.com site Jiff: is that the right URL? She said it could be mixed into hot or cold drinks and did not have a taste? Anyone know what that is?
The overall opinion at the meeting was to find a protein drink you like and start the day with a good high protein drink, and then eat your protein first with all your other meals to get the right amount of protein in.
Checking in from the DS perspective here. We also need to focus on protein. We malabsorb fats and protein, therefore it is imperative for our health to take in adequate amounts of protein. The actual protein grams needed seems to vary from surgeon to surgeon (well, their advice varies anyway!).
Because our eating capacity is not as limited as those with an RNY, we are able to get more of our protein through foods, without as much emphasis on protein drinks, but during the early stages when our eating capacity is less, many people do depends on protein drinks to make sure they get enough protein in.
For the first six to nine months, my eating capacity was very limited (well, for a DS person, probably not compared to the RNY!) and I ate mostly protein. After that, my eating capacity grew, which is normal with the DS, and now I am able to eat more variety. At my one-year follow up, the nutritionist asked me to add fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. I had actually already been eating the veggies, but have never been a big fruit person, but I am trying.
Boy, do I ever get tired of trying to figure out new and interesting protein foods. I read the low carb forum, but still look for more ideas.
I tend to go in spurts, or have food jags. I'll like one thing for awhile, then switch to something else. Lately, it's been crab salad or tuna salad, eaten with red pepper and celery sticks. For awhile it was salmon marinated in terriyaki, and then there was scallops, and then there was shrimp with cocktail sauce, and um...low fat hot dogs with mustard.
Because I am one of the few DS patients who struggles with constipation as opposed to the opposite, I've also had stages where Kashi Good Friends and milk has been my friend! (It may have carbs, but has fiber and protein too).
and maybe they were talking about the isopure powdered protein? i've never tried it. i have tried the premixed stuff in a bottle, the one that looks like weird koolaid. and i felt as if i swallowed a pureed jellyfish!! ick!!!
and it's interesting about the weight loss stopping when you add in carbs... that goes real well with the info i got that people who lose lots of weight really really restrict their carbs. [so, do you really think those 5 potato chips i ate today count????]
and, dawnajoy, thanks for the info about the DS. a friend had it a while ago, but i had no idea what was involved. but she did promise me that she wouldn't have the vomiting.
i've found that chili is my friend on some tough days.
Alvin says I try to kill him...I thought about what would be a good lc quick meal for after chruch tonight, so I bougth some hotdogs. No bread just the weiner. Well it was too fat for him, made him a little sick. It does seem strange to me that nothing made him sick at first, but now that he is about 2 months out, things disagree with him more.
just temporarily, barb... or try the low fat kind.
i didn't throw up for the first 5-6 weeks, but after that!!!!! it's kind of an adjustment period while the stomach continues to heal and we expand our horizons.
but, just like with the carbs, our tiny tummies just can't handle fatty foods.
by the way, i hope old alvin didn't try to eat a whole one!!!!
Alvin has had some problems with his kidney function since the surgery. His surgeon and his PCP has referred him to a kidney specialist. His labs show that his kidney function had deteriated 3 points (whatever that means) in the last month.
So to fix the problem until he can get into the specialist, he's decided that it is because of too much protein. So he has quit his protein shakes in the morning, and for lunch today he wants potato salad. OK, I forgot when he got his DR liscenses. Probally when there were still 5 & 10Cent stores. Hope he doesn't do too much damage.
but i will. since it's a MAN who decided this!!! did he think of calling his PCP and asking him if he should change his diet while waiting for the kidney consult? or maybe his surgeon?
i guess a lot depends on when his appointment is, but the decision to eat potato salad could be disastrous over the long haul!
protein protein protein
