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PhotoNut
09-08-2006, 05:03 AM
The following information comes from a three page section of the NESTA (National Endurance & Sports Trainers Association) study course which I thought was worth sharing with all of you. I will try to include the most important points while keeping this post as brief as possible.

Protein
Dietary proteins are strong compounds that build and repair body tissues from muscles to hair and fingernails. In addition to maintaining the body's structure, proteins speed up chemical reactions in the body, serve as chemical messengers, fight infection, and transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. The body uses protein only if carbohydrates and fat intake is insufficient. When utilized as an energy source, protein is diverted from the many vital functions it performs for our bodies. Therefore it is crucial that we intake enough carbohydrates and fat so protein is not pulled as a primary energy source.

Proteins are made of smaller units called amino acids. Think of protein as the building block of muscle, and amino acids as the building blocks of protein. When we eat food high in proteins, the digestive tract breaks this dietary protein into amino acids. These amino acids are broken down to different size chains, or groups, to be absorbed in our small intestines. These chains of amino acids are called peptides. The human body can absorb only very small di and tripeptides (chains consisting of two or three amino acids). Larger peptides must be enzymatically broken down (hydrolyzed) before any absorption can occur. Most breakdown and absorption occurs in the proximal section (duodenum) of the small intestine. The human body has approximately one foot of duodenum. Once past the proximal bowel. there is essentially no further protein absorption. Undigested protein passes into the colon where it is a known health hazard.

Beef, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, soy, grains as well as some protein supplements have no di and tripeptides. These proteins have average peptide sizes ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 Daltons which require significant breakdown time and limit average absorption to 30% at its best.

People who do not eat animal products can meet their protein needs with plant proteins found in vegetables, grains, and beans. However, plant proteins lack one or more of the essential amino acids. Therefore a keen sense of combining plant proteins to provide all of the essential amino acids is important. A good example is rice and beans. Each of these foods lacks one or more essential amino acids, but the amino acids missing in rice are found in the beans, and vice versa. Although considered complete proteins, the human body does not possess the necessary enzymes to break down vegetable proteins and most of it ends up in the colon where bacteria gain access to it. Research has shown that most of the gas once thought to come from the fiber found in vegetarian sources of protein such as beans, is now known to be caused by the undigested vegetable protein instead. Animal proteins, found in such foods as eggs, milk, meat, fish, and poultry, are considered complete proteins because they contain all of the essential amino acids our bodies need.

The following list will describe the different types of protein supplements available on the market today.

Concentrate
This type of protein has 20% to 80% purity, with the remaining consisting of fat and lactose. Could be 20% protein, and 80% fat and lactose; usually the case when not specified in a product. If the concentrate consists of mostly protein, it usually states so in the label. This is one of the cheapest and lowest quality proteins available in the market today.

Calcium Caesinate
This type of protein is even cheaper and lower in quality than “concentrate”.

Isolate
This type of protein has a purity of 90% and up—can only have 10% or less consisting of fat and lactose. Except for Soy Isolates – You should avoid Soy Isolates at all cost.

(Here is an excellent article about Isolates: http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/he...n-powder-1.htm (http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/health-nutrition/whey-protein-powder-1.htm) )

Whey Protein Hydrolizates
Remember that to “hydrolyze” something means to break it down to smaller particles; the key here is how “extreme” the hydrolyzation is. It could be 1/10th of 1% and can still be called “hydrolyzed” by law. If the protein is really high quality, the label will state 100% Whey Protein Hydrolizates. The best protein on the market today is made by Bio Nutritional Research Group (BNRG) and it is called Proto Whey. This is the only protein on the market that is 100% absorbable.

Keep in mind that by law, all ingredients must be listed from greatest amount present in the product or supplement to the smallest amount present. If soy isolates, calcium caesinate, or a whey concentrate are one of the first ingredients in your supplements, you can be certain you are throwing away your money and being taken advantage of.

Because of the types of protein contained in most if not all protein supplements (with the exception of Proto Whey or any other protein that is micro peptide protein complex from extreme hydrolyzed whey protein fraction), a maximum of 30% of its content can be absorbed by the duodenum or proximal bowel (where all protein is absorbed by the human body). The remainder goes on to the large intestine where it rots and creates gas and GI discomfort. If you are getting gas and discomfort from your protein supplement, you can be certain that it is a low quality protein that your body cannot break down and therefore cannot absorb.
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A doctor told me that most people can calculate the right amount of protein for them by multiplying .35 times the amount of weight you wish to sustain. Of course, I you are at 350 pounds and your goal weight is 125, you would want to gradually reduce your intake rather than a sudden drop.

Example: I want to weigh 130 pound. 130 x .35 = 45.5

As in all things here, be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations for you. I know that right after surgery the typical protein amount is 60 grams. This is to help us recover from surgery, and because we are eating a very low fat/low carb diet - which means our bodies are going to be looking for more protein for energy.

007 - James Band
08-17-2007, 11:41 AM
Isolate
This type of protein has a purity of 90% and up—can only have 10% or less consisting of fat and lactose. Except for Soy Isolates – You should avoid Soy Isolates at all cost.


Pnut,
Can you elaborate on the stern warning to avoid soy isolates? I've been Googling whey vs soy and everything seems to indicate soy protein is very beneficial. Granted, most of the sites deal with body-building. Is there something that makes soy isolate dangerous for banders?

PhotoNut
08-17-2007, 05:38 PM
This information was gotten from the NESTA (National Endurance & Sports Trainers Association) study manual and is not my own opinion. However, I don't feel that soy isolates are dangerous but perhaps lacking in complete protein needed so badly by post-op bandsters. I know that there was another section of the manual which went into more detail about NESTA's concern regarding soy isolates and I will try to find that. In the meantime, if memory serves me right (and I wouldnt put any money on that heh) it seems their concern was about the isolate process of soy protein rather than the soy protein in and of itself. When I have more time I will follow up with this and post more info.

dianemarie
08-17-2007, 07:49 PM
hi, can u tell me why I get leg cramps at night, when I go to bed?
,,, I was thinking maybe, i NEED more potasium...... DIANE

MrsS
08-17-2007, 08:21 PM
hi, can u tell me why I get leg cramps at night, when I go to bed?
,,, I was thinking maybe, i NEED more potasium...... DIANE

There is a potassium, magnesium, calcium combo that really helps with legs cramps. My dad is diabetic and his legs cause him terrible pain. He swears by this stuff and doesn't ever let himself run out of them. They are pretty big pills, though, so probably not band friendly. You might check at your health food store and see if it comes in another form.....

dianemarie
08-20-2007, 07:35 PM
hi, thanks will check it out for the pills for leg cramps, the next time I get in the area of a health store....

luv2read
08-29-2007, 03:32 PM
When I went to the nutritionist yesterday, she suggested Unjury brand for protein drinks. Have any of you tried that brand?

Joy
08-28-2008, 11:00 AM
Maybe this is not the right place to ask this ?....but are protien shakes Ok to have when U first come home...I am making an order from Bariactic eating and need to know. Thank you!
Joy

newlifeat57
08-28-2008, 10:02 PM
When I went to the nutritionist yesterday, she suggested Unjury brand for protein drinks. Have any of you tried that brand?

I have tried the strawberry sorbet (by Unjury). It tastes really good. I even put it in my oatmeal a couple of times and it was really good.


Maybe this is not the right place to ask this ?....but are protien shakes Ok to have when U first come home...I am making an order from Bariactic eating and need to know. Thank you!
Joy

When I first came home after my WLS surgery I was only allowed to have clear liquids for several days, then for the next week I was allowed to have other liquids. The the next week, I could have blended drinks/food, then a week with mushies, then the next week I could have the real meal deal. So, really it depends on the guidelines your Dr. and Nutritionist/dietician gave you. From what I have read on this forum and on other forums, everyone is a little different. Best to check with your Dr.

cwalck
01-11-2010, 07:22 AM
Can you guys tell me what are the best flavored protein shakes just plain out of the can mixed with water or milk. I am a sweet tooth person. Is it best to get vanilla and flavor it or is there a really good chocolate that won't be like medicine getting it down? I know I will have to depend on them now and again and want your experiences instead of having to buy a dozen or so brands before I find a good one. Thanks

CMN
03-18-2010, 02:06 PM
Dear Diane,

I was getting leg cramps unmercifully before I was banded but they put me on these bariatric vitamins and I have not had a leg cramp since. I told the doctor about it and he said I was low on potassium. I have been eating a lot of shakes with bananas in them too.

Trailabite
04-14-2010, 05:54 PM
Can you guys tell me what are the best flavored protein shakes just plain out of the can mixed with water or milk. I am a sweet tooth person. Is it best to get vanilla and flavor it or is there a really good chocolate that won't be like medicine getting it down? I know I will have to depend on them now and again and want your experiences instead of having to buy a dozen or so brands before I find a good one. Thanks

I like the Syntha-6 protein mix. It mixes well with water or milk, taste great and has slow release proteins. If your lactose intolerant IsoPure is also good. And don't buy them from GNC, go to Vitamin shoppe, it's a lot cheaper.

MoOrLess
04-14-2010, 11:18 PM
I like the Syntha-6 protein mix. It mixes well with water or milk, taste great and has slow release proteins. If your lactose intolerant IsoPure is also good. And don't buy them from GNC, go to Vitamin shoppe, it's a lot cheaper.

If you are diabetic (like I am) I have JUST started using Glucerna products - shakes and mini-snack protein bars....they keep blood sugar from spiking throughout the day - and it works! I wish I had used these a lot earlier in my band journey (I'm in year 3 now).

art
06-05-2010, 04:56 PM
I know this is late but I found MUSCLE MILK to be very good tasting. It has no milk and each 14 ounce container has 25 grams of protein. I have found the chocolate, vanilla and banana to be the best. The chocolate is especially good.
art

MoOrLess
06-05-2010, 07:56 PM
The only thing GNC told me was that with Muscle Milk - unless you get the "light" -- it is really high in calories....

Craig A
06-05-2010, 09:28 PM
The GNC amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60 will keep your sweet tooth happy. Any flavor, I personally find it too sweet but it is good

Jachut
06-07-2010, 01:57 AM
Soy itself can be dangerous because of the hormonal effects it has on the body - contrary to the popular opinion that middle aged women should ingest a lot of it to help with menopause. It is thought to have influences on such diseases as breast and ovarian cancers, and causes problems for males also.

I'm not sure whether there's additional risks with soy isolates. I dont know a lot about it, I'm just reporting stuff that anyone can find online.

MoOrLess
06-07-2010, 02:07 PM
Soy itself can be dangerous because of the hormonal effects it has on the body - contrary to the popular opinion that middle aged women should ingest a lot of it to help with menopause. It is thought to have influences on such diseases as breast and ovarian cancers, and causes problems for males also.

I'm not sure whether there's additional risks with soy isolates. I dont know a lot about it, I'm just reporting stuff that anyone can find online.

My digestive system wouldn't handle soy at all. I did read about everything you mentioned Jachut....I just do whey now

MommaStone
06-07-2010, 03:57 PM
We are all so different; my digestive system can't handle the whey and I do soy isolate only : )

MoOrLess
06-07-2010, 07:16 PM
yep Deb...that's so true -- just like being banded, we are all different

sarcasticandsmart
02-05-2011, 05:52 AM
I really like the Premiere Protein shakes that I get at Costco. The chocolate are great right out of the container, I prefer to blend the vanilla with either frozen mixed berries or frozen strawberries.

Trailabite
05-04-2011, 11:11 AM
If anyone is looking for a good multivitamin in liquid form try this stuff: as soon as my existing vitamin runs out this will be my next purchase.

http://www.maxmuscle.com/uploads/pds/VitaCellAntiOxPDS.pdf

breezy
12-01-2011, 06:40 PM
I must, I repeat MUST tell someone about the best tasting, the most addictive, delectable and plain and simple delicious protein shake I have ever tasted in my life!! It is called Eat Smart by iSatori. I have only had the Double Vanilla Ice Cream flavor but man, oh man, is it GOOD!!! Eat-Smart does *not* contain hydrogenated oils, corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, fructose, dextrose, or aspartame. It does have probiotics and fiber though. I mixed it with 4 oz of almond milk, 4 oz of orange juice, crushed ice and tossed it in the blender..... Instant delight! I look forward to it every morning..keeps me good and satisfied until lunch time! (You think I like it?) :heh: