Lap Band Protein

Question: Lap-Band and protein.? I had Lap-Band done in Aug. So far I have lost 35 lbs. I have tried Unjury protein, which was great, but expensive. The EAS stuff was terrible tasting and lumpy. I am mostly concerned because my hair is thinning, not so bad that you would notice, but I notice when I brush my hair. What are some ways to get 50 grams of protein a day, that taste good? Or where can I get a great tasting Whey Protein Isolate? The Whey Protein Isolate is the better type than the concentrate. I would prefer suggestions on the Isolate if possible. Thanks!

Answer: Hey, Have you tried protien bars? FRESH ENERGY BAKERY has some with 36 grams! If you dont have one of those near you, try the South Beach Protien bars, Or LUNA, they have at least 10 protien and low sugar. Also, Tuna, its low in cal and high in protien. I dont reccomed the protien shakes with the band because it is empty calories that you dont need. Solid protien is best.

Question: I had lap band but have trouble with what I can eat. Protein source that has a cake consistency or crunchy ? I live on Power Butter (www.frogman fitness.com) and milk, popcorn,ice cream, cake. I live on Power Butter (www.frogman fitness.com) and milk, popcorn,ice cream, cake.

Answer: As much as you may not like, or possibly even fear, it, tofu could help you out a little here. It's a wonderful source of protein and can take on the flavor of any marinade you put it in. If you don't want to do straight tofu, Boca Burgers may have an easier texture for you to handle. As for crunchy, I can only really think of bacon and pork rinds...not sure how you feel about that... Best of luck!

Question: On protein shakes for 7 more days preparing for lap band one week from tomorrow.....? And well,,,I got the protein shake powder from GNC and I am having TONS of gas!! Thank goodness I'm off today. No odor but like how awful at work tomorrow. Would gasX help??

Answer: I had gastric bypass 2 yrs ago, would do it again in a minute. I'm gassy all the time. Don't know if it will be the same with lap band. But you can go to www.barixclinics.com, and click on the buddy list. Lots of folks there have had it & can answer any ??? you might have. Good luck with your new life style. p.s. I've lost 154 lbs, & have 50 or so more to go.

Question: If you have had the lap band surgery, what sort of supplementation do you take daily? I know it's not as much supplementation as with a GBP, but I was just curious.. do you do the protein shakes three times daily, or just take mvi with minerals??? I am really strongly considering the surgery- tired of the "roller coaster" of weight loss programs. Any other advise for me regarding how your life has changed for the better or worse post- op?

Answer: I had lap band 4-16-08 and I am down 50 pounds and lots and lots of inches. I take a multi vitamin plus minerals and my other medications. I was on insulin 4 times a day and now I am on oral medication two a day and if I lose more weight, I was told I would probably be off all of it. My blood pressure medication was cut in half. I do water aerobics for exercise because I have two knee replacements and a metal rod and screws in my back. I do not have to take medicine for arthritis since I have had the surgery. After you get off the diet after the surgery (all liquids for the first week) then soft foods, to me it was an easy surgery (I know surgery isn't easy, but this was for me after all the other surgeries I have had in my life. I just spent from 7:30a.m. to 3p.m. at the hospital the day of the surgery....no pain meds needed after surgery, what I had was just discomfort, which was tolerable. Never did take any except for some tylenol (two crushed) for a headache that I had and I was told due to the stuff they gave me to put me to sleep, I would probably have one and I did and the tylenol worked and I started driving on Friday, the surgery was on Wednesday and Thursday I was too tired to drive and I have been on the go ever since. Just do what your doctor tells you to do...each doctor has their own way of doing things and they do know what is best for you. I have been so excited for my weight loss that I have learned DO NOT GET ON THE SCALES EVERYDAY....measure your sucess by how loose your clothes are, your rings that you wear, your shoes these are called NSV non scale victories. You will get to know these. I was so excited when I could cross my legs and tie my shoes and when I had to pull the car seat up to drive...all of these are little things but they are major victories in my life, oh, I flew out of town one week and I didn't have to use a seat extender. It is just amazing just how I do feel. I am so happy that I did have the lap band and wished I had it sooner. Oh, getting ahead of myself, I drink a protein drink in the morning due to the fact, I just hate to eat breakfast and I have always been that way so you have to have something and I drink Atkins Advantages Shakes, premixed, lots of flavors and you can get them at Walmart, Target, and some of the pharmacies (higher at the pharmacies) They have 15 grams of protein, 1 gram sugar (which they taste like they have lots of sugars) and 2 grams net carbs..I tried really hard for the protein powders but after a little while, just couldn't get them in front of my nose. I love the yogurts they have out..watch sugar content, my nutritionist said nothing over 7 grams of sugar. I really try to stay on the diet, but my surgeon told me, everyone cheats and he told me how to cheat without ruinning everything. He said it is not for everyday to cheat and I haven't. Sometimes you just want something and if you have a very little of it, it satisfies you. It is not a magic bullet, I have to work everyday for what I done. Getting your mind set for the lifestyle change is hard. You have to learn which kind of hunger you have, head hunger or hunger hunger. I still have problems with the head hunger and it does get better but times it is a pain. Good luck...there is a web site that compares both the surgeries and it is http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/lapband/about/options.htm there is another web site that I go to also and it is a support group for all types of weight loss surgeries and the people there are just great www.obesityhelp.com

Question: Does anyone who has lap-band surgery, have any advice on eating meats? I had my surgery 10 months ago and am down almost 60 pounds, but I have a problem eating meat. I can eat fish and fried chicken tenders, but that is about it. I use a protein powder to supplement, but would like to get some ideas on how to expand my choices. Fish and chicken are getting old. Thanks in advance for the advice and help..

Answer: I eat tuna and chicken salad. I also can eat steak, juicy, not dry and I have no problem. I eat bake and roasted chicken, I can eat bake pork chops, moist, not dry. If the meat is dry, I cannot eat it, it will not go down. I had my surgery 4-16-08 and I am down 52 pounds and lots of inches. I cannot drink the protein powder drinks, I use the Atkins Advantage Shakes, premix from Wilmar. Everyone is different in this journey and like our bodies, we all have different outcomes. Good Luck

Question: Anyone out there had lap band weightloss surgery? I had the surgery over 2 years ago now, I lost weight and have kept it off. . . but I still am very limited as to what I can eat and actually keep down without vomiting all the time. I have not had the band tightened in well over a year. Anyone else have this problem. What are you able to eat. It seems like I live on popcorn, protein shakes still and soup?

Answer: I had lap band 9

Question: I am having bariatric surgery and need good sources of protein. Any suggestions? I am not having the gastric bypass. I am having the Lap Band procedure. I still need good protein sources so I don't lose my hair.

Answer: I had gastric bypass surgery in April 2005. I started out at 268, now I’m 180 and holding. These links will help you in many ways to make a decision if this is for you or not. I vote yes, because it made such a difference in my life. I was taking 8 pills a day, and after my surgery, I lost my diabetes. The way they do the surgery, takes your diabetes away. I no longer have to take glucophage, and I no longer have high Cholesterol or high blood pressure. I’m down to 2 pills a day. I went from a size 26-28 to a 16-18. http://obesityhelp.com/member/rjpoole/ Most people struggle with paying for the surgery. Go to this site, it is a great support system for you, because it’s only people who have had gastric bypass or lap band. Every insurance program has been rated, and you’ll get tips on how to deal with your insurance company, as well as, surgery tips, food tips, and just support. This site is free! I’d have to rate it a #1 site if you want to learn about the surgery and how to deal with the insurance companies and get support from other people in the same boat as you. This is the #1 site for gastric bypass and it’s free! Extremely helpful! http://www.obesityhelp.com/ This explains about the surgery: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gastric.htm I really researched my surgeon, and I made a wise choice. Always get a surgeon that has done at least 200 of these surgeries. Get someone with a lot of experience, and you will do well. Here’s all about my surgeon… http://obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+profile+James+Pilkington+djp.html http://www.cmch.org/profile-pilkington.html You just can’t find a better surgeon than him! He’s probably done at least 500 of the surgeries, so far. I did so well after my surgery, I thank him every time I see him. I made it to 175! It's been almost 2 years since my surgery. I haven't had any complications at all with my surgery! My health has been very good, and I've lost the weight nice and slow, so my body doesn't look that much out of shape. I've been faithfully taking my vitamins, and my blood work came back excellent! I still think very highly of Dr. Pilkington, and would recommend to anyone thinking of this surgery, to have Dr. Pilkington as his or her surgeon. I'm walking proof, that he is an excellent doctor. I just spoke to another patient of his who told me she had a very good experience with him, and she is in excellent health, as well. He is a very caring doctor. I live in Florida in the winter. I see alot of folks down there because of my job, and I see people from all over the USA and overseas. Since my surgery, I've talked to lots of others that have had the surgery in Florida, and some of them didn't do as well, and I tend to think it's because their doctors weren’t as competent as mine. I feel that part of how you do, is because of your general health and attitude. The other major part is how good your doctor is. Here’s a website that tells what to look for in a surgeon; http://www.texasbariatricspecialists.com/gastric-bypass-surgery.html http://www.docshop.com/education/bariatrics/choose/ Gastric Bypass diet: (after surgery) http://www.gicare.com/pated/edtgs22.htm There is a very good web site by a guy named Basil White. He’s a govt. worker and a comedian. He walks you through everything. Very interesting. He had the surgery and did well. If you want an idea how people handle the surgery, read here! http://www.basilwhite.com/gastric/ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/HQ01465 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-diet/WT00007 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-surgery/AN01378 http://www.webmd.com/content/article/46/2731_1654.htm http://www.lapband.com/lapband/aboutlapband.do A must read if you have questions: http://www.liteandhope.com/livechat_archive1003.html http://www.bariatricedge.com/dtcf/pages/finding_support.htm?WT_srch=1 Check out this link, this lady put her heart and soul into it, with lots of great info: http://www.gastricbypassfamily.com/index.htm Vitamins I take… you have to be very faithful about taking them after surgery, because you can become very sick if you don’t. There were recommended by my surgeon and nutritionist. http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=301120&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod403359 http://www.webmd.com/hw/weight_control/hw252819.asp Some other helpful links… http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Obesity/Gastric_Bypass_Surgery/ http://www.stapleclub.com/general_info.htm http://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/1454/1337 http://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35508 http://www.connectionwls.com/ http://www.mygastricbypass.com/ http://www.gwdocs.com/health/eHA-eHA_Content_C-Generic_Content_Page_Template_1131123706877.html Risks of Gastric Bypass Surgery Gastric bypass surgery is considered the safest and most effective type of bariatric surgery. But as with any major surgery, the procedure does carry some risks. http://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35508 http://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35514 Good luck with your surgery and new life!

Question: My brother is having lap band surgery what kinds protien shakes does he need? He is going to have surgery Aug 19 I would like to know what brand of protein shake is the best prior and after his surgery Is there a fairly good cheap brand for him like at walmart or something because he going to be living off them for awhile I think these are quite expensive any help is welcome Under 800 calories 2 weeks prior to shrink the liver the doctors said

Answer: ISOPURE high protein/zero carb I used to work at a GNC and people with that surgery would come in for it ALL THE TIME the bottled ones are best for this BUY THEM BY THE CASE and ask for a discount

Question: My jaw locks at night while I'm sleeping, ever since my lap band surgery 2 years ago.? I had the lap band surgery almost 2 years ago and ever since I have had bad lock jaw while I sleep. I have had a lot of problems with pain in my teeth and needing filling repaired. Is this because of the lap band? How can I help stop it? I don't take my vitamins like I'm supposed to either. I probably haven't had enough protein either.

Answer: It could be from when you had your operation. Sometimes the anesthesiologist can knock your teeth and cause damage with the pipe that they put down your throat to help with breathing while they're putting the band in. Did they tell you this when you had the operation? You really should be taking your vitamins though otherwise you could develop alot of problems in the future.

Question: I need some suggestions on protein supplements? I am having Lap Band Surgery in about 6 months and I need some suggestions on protein supplements. I would really like to try some powders that are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, etc. Maybe some you can use to mix with milk, etc. If you have any suggestions I would really appreciate it. Thanks so much for your time!

Answer: I use Unjury.com, they have good tasting flavors. I had Lap Band 4-16-08. Their protein is one of the highest medical protein. Go to the website and read up on it and the pricing and also their recipes....You can't go wrong using Unjury.

Question: How has drinking protein shakes helped you? I just started drinking whey protein every 2 hours, about 5 (8oz) shakes a day. This is what my nutritionist said to do for 3 days. Then I will have 2 shakes and a small meal.(in prep for lap band) I just want to know if anyone has ever done a protein shake diet before?if so,what did it do for you? Thanks so much for your help!

Answer: Whey protein is great for meal replacements. It keeps you full and gets you all the nutrients you need:) Try http://www.buybulkwhey.com for some great recipes Good luck

Question: Have you had Gastric bypass or lap band surgery? I would like to know what kinds of pills/ supplements you need to take after gastric bypass surgery. Also about what types of food you need to eat and how often, to prevent problems from lack of protein and so on. Also if you had the lap band how much weight did you lose and was lose skin a problem. Also I would love to know what you weighed before and after ( and which procedure you choose to go with) And if you had it to do again what if anything would you do differently. P.S. I would love to hear from anyone who went out of the country to get it done and what that was like. or if you have a surgeon referral for NC. THANKS!!!!

Answer: I see to many probs w/ gastric bypass....called dumping syndrome and a host of others....the lap band isn't so bad due to the fact that if you start having complications it can be loosened or removed altogether. Bypass is a done deal once complete and your life will never be the same as presurgical. They both have about the same success rate....if you do it...do the band plz.

Question: What do protein shakes do for women? I just started drinking whey protein every 2 hours, about 5 (8oz) shakes a day. This is what my nutritionist said to do for 3 days. Then I will have 2 shakes and a small meal.(in prep for lap band) I just want to know if anyone has ever done a protein shake diet before?if so,what did it do for you? Thanks so much for your help!

Answer: Whey shakes supply ample nutrients quickly to the body and aid in tissue repair. Always consume whole food proteins as well. Good luck with the lapband!

Question: Is it possible to follow the prescribed Lap Band diet, without having the surgery? I am in the process of getting approved by my insurance for the Lap Band Surgery. I have met with the psychologist and dietician...I have already recieved the "after surgery" diet plan. What I am wondering is, has anyone tried to follow the diet without actually having the surgery (ie drinking lots of water, protein shakes, 3 small balanced meals, etc) and been able to loose weight successfully? I have a 1 year old daughter, and my husband passed away 3 weeks after she was born, so i am all that she has. I want to be healthy for myself and my daughter, and the prospect of surgery (especially since the day is getting closer) is suddenly making me very nervous. Any and all infor that anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer: It is always possible to follow any diet plan. The issue is, how long you can follow it. How many times have you tried dieting? How long did you succeed? You may be one of those who can do it. There are some who can. However, generally speaking, most people (both morbidly obese and just over-weight) can diet for a while, but then fall back into the bad habits and gain it all back. I was that way. I have gone from 285 (at 6'3") to a max weight of 490. Back and forth, down to 380 and back up again, over and over again over the last 10+ years. Each time I failed I added more weight back. With the band in place I am forced to keep on my diet. When I do over eat, I am forced to stop before the caloric damage is too bad. Additionally it changed the way I viewed food. It is no longer the center focus in my life. When I eat I spend more time talking to my dinner mates then eating. The amount I see as a good meal has changed. A few days ago I said to myself "Man, I ate like a pig today at lunch". My lunch at Wendy’s consisted of ½ Wendy's Caesar salad, ½ small bowl of chili, and the Asian Chicken dish (6-9 pieces nuggets). I was as full as I can make myself before vomiting. After a moment, I laughed at myself. Two years ago that was a dieting meal. I used to eat at the Chinese buffet for lunch almost 3 times a week. I was not uncommon for myself to go back 3 or 4 times. I haven’t been to a buffet (except for two birthday parties, so didn’t choose the place and still didn’t eat a lot) since I had my band 1.5 years ago. Each person has to do a "Risk/reward" analysis for all types of surgeries and if they need it at all. Is their weight so bad for them that it is better to face the risks of gastric surgery instead of dealing with the risks of being at their weight? If it just because they want to loose a few pound to look good, then absolute not. If it's because they are dieing of obesity (like I was) then yes. Getting the band was the best thing I have ever decided to do in my life (except for getting married and having kids). I have lost 150lbs. After only 4 months I went from a BMI of 57 to 49 (I lost 10lbs before due to diet restrictions needed to prepare for surgery). My Knee's and Back hurt a little still, but not like they did before. I was taking Percodan for the pain, now I'm taking Motrin. My heath is improving by leaps and bounds. I have had to stop taking my blood pressure meds and turn down my CPAP (sleep apnea) machine down twice. Now I'm at a BMI of 40. If I had gone into see the doctor about getting the band today, I would only be a borderline candidate. 40 is usually the cutoff but it can go down to 35 if you have other issues like diabetes. A great website about all weigh loss surgeries is in my sources. Good luck.

Question: If a person doesn't eat right the right foods after lap band surgery what can happen? My Dad Had lap band surgery on 4/12/2010. He came home on the 14th. He started out on full liquids like he was suppose to. He is suppose to do that for 2 weeks and then go to pureed foods for 2 weeks. He saw his Bariatric Doctor on the 19th and he said that Dad could eat any thing that could be blended in a blender.He ate several days after his surgery an Ice cream cone. He didn't feel good then. Plus he eats what he wants when his is not home. His first taste of meat was a 4 oz. patty He said he thought he needed the protein. I am against this because I think he needs to follow the stages he is suppose to do. He has not gotten sick with most stuff. I know he is not suppose to do it . He tried BBQ chicken and threw it up. He ate tonight. One scrabbled egg and one piece of sausage and he is still only suppose to have 4 oz. at a time. He does some stuff he is not suppose to do even at home. Although he does some stuff he is suppose to do at home. This knowledge of what can happen is for me because I don't think that he will do what I say because he is stubborn and if I say do it he won't do it because I said he should. Some times he listens to me and some times he doesn't. He only does some stuff he shouldn't do but he does still do blended stuff as well.He does have Diabetes as well but since surgery that is doing well. He use to be on Insulin.

Answer: Unfortunately you cannot change your dad's food choices. However, you can be a good support for him and remind him (and offer him) foods that are on his diet plan. For instance, when your dad starts to reach for a hamburger, you can say, "Hey dad, I would be happy to make you a blended protein shake instead. Will you have that instead of the hamburger?" However, in the end your dad has to make his own food choices. If your father is eating solid food and it's going down okay, then he's probably going to be okay. There's some risk that overeating at this stage (so soon after surgery) could cause the band to slip because the band is not tightened. However, 4 oz of food isn't going to cause too much problem. At some point in the near future your father is going to start getting fills for his band. At that point he will be very limited in terms of how much food he can eat. If you are continued to be concerned about your father and want to find other ways to be supportive to him in his gastric-banding journey, why don't you give his doctor's office a call? Explain your concerns to them and ask the office what you can do to support him. If you have any questions about the surgery, what to expect, etc, visit my website at www.phoenixrevolution.net. I have a lot of information on there about the gastric banding surgery!

Question: Why can you have v-8 juice and 1% milk but not tomato soup in stage 3 lap band diet? I'm starving...? I don't like any of the protein drinks i tried...carnation instant breakfast no sugar added ok i put protein crystals in it...i would enjoy tomato soup also...any opinions on that?

Answer: I can't tell you why you can't have the tomato soup, but I may be able to help you with a new protein shake and a little experience. First, if you are having such a hard time, call you doctor. He is there to help. Second, I found that if I ate small ice chips it helped with my hunger. It gave me something to bit on, and for a few moments it filled me up. I had to have eaten 10 cups a day for the first few days after surgery. Third, my lab-band doctor was using this Myocil protein shake (I'm not sure of the spelling) when I first started the diet to have the surgery. It was revolting. I forced it down, but I defiantly didn't look forward to it. Then about 2 days after my surgery the doctor started using "Chike". It is so much better tasting. It tastes a lot like Carnation instant breakfast. However, it is thicker so it kept me full. They have sample packs you can order at http://www.chikenutrition.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=23 (and NO, I don't work for or get any money from them, I am a lap-bander). I have also used the Atkins Advantage Shakes. I did like them, but it seemed like I as always having to go to the store to get some more. The Chike tub make 28 servings. I'm 6 months post-op and have lost 87lbs. Just remember in the end it will be worth it. When I had to buy pants at the same size I was in High School, I just about cried. Good luck.