Protein and other misc questions

[Guest guest]

Lucindy,

If you need to get serious about protein, find a powdered whey protein

supplement you like. Then you have to find a way to make it a habit. I

have one first thing in the morning, mid-afternoon at work. When I come

home from work, I go ahead and mix one and put it in the fridge to drink

later. If I wait to mix it, I'm too tired and blow it off.

The bars are tasty, but you won't be getting as much good, available

protein.

in Austin

RNY April 1998

Protein and other misc questions

> Hello fellow WLS'ers. I usually lurk because most of the questions or

concerns I have are addressed..so thank you all.

>

> Yesterday, I was informed by my nutritionist that my protein levels are

bordering on low and she suggested eating protein bars or supplementing them

somehow.

[Guest guest]

>>> Yesterday, I was informed by my nutritionist that my protein

levels are bordering on low and she suggested eating protein bars or

supplementing them somehow. In the past I have gagged on the taste

of protein bars bcuz they were either too " sweet " or too " paste-like-

thick " . Anyway.. I tried one today..the detour bar and OMG it tastes

almost like a snickers (caramel peanut). Is this really good for

us? I mean it tastes too good to be so 'nutritious'? Any comments?

Does anyone else use these protein bars?<<<

**I agree, the Detour bars tast great, as do the U Turn (made by the

same company and like a Milky Way bar). I eat them occasionally, but

only half a bar at a time. They are pretty big and high carb for me.

BUT I do not count on them for protein. They aren't any better at

providing protein for us than any other food that we eat. So, they

are a safe snack/mini meal, but not any better for us than other food

protein sources.

>>> Also, does anyone know where to get Proteinex in the NYC area

(retail). I got the sample before by mail and kinda like the idea of

being able to take the protein and be over with it.

***Don't have an answer to the " where " question. It is my

understanding that Proteinex is a collagen. It is okay as part of our

protein supplementation, but should not be used as our only protein

supplement. A predigested, blended whey product is better absorbed

and provides a full range of protein types. It is also less expensive

than Proteinex. It takes 4 tablespoons to get 30g of protein with

Proteinex. The 30 grams is considered a standard amount for a serving

for us. So a bottle only contains 8 servings, and at 2 servings a

day, it would take almost 2 bottles a week. You might want to try

some samples of various blended whey protein powders. I just put some

powder in an empty bottle and take it with me. When I need to drink

it, I add cold water and shake. You can find samples at

www.vitalady.com She has lots of brand and flavors. I especially like

the chocolate Pure Whey Stack, the Nectar Apple Ecstacy, and the

ProPlete Gold in the fruit flavors (like vanilla pineapple and banana

cream).

>>> How do we know how effectively we are absorbing the vitamins and

protein and calcium between blood workups? I mean the further out we

get, the less we take the blood tests. How can we tell we are

becoming depleted?

I am a year out. I will continue to get my blood work done every 3 to

4 months. That is the only way we can catch trends before they become

problems. If we wait until we have symptoms of depletion (especially

in some areas like iron), it is very difficult to get the levels back

up again.

Sheri

In Sunny Florida

[Guest guest]

Lucindy - I also LOVE Detour bars. They are pretty high in protein, but

also very high in carbs. They do not help me to lose weight. I only plan

on using them now for when we are camping. I think you're really better off

using protein drinks. I don't know how your surgery affects absorption,

though, so maybe it's different for you. As for blood tests, I think you

need to have them done twice a year by your PCP even if your surgeon doesn't

do them. This way you can keep an eye on things. And for certain if you

don't feel right, then they should check your bloodwork. Hope this advice

helps.

Jeanne in WI

Age 39 - Dr. T. Chua

Open RNY - 5/21/02

314/210/199 or less

djgraves@...