Frequently Asked Questions?

Is it possible to consume too much dietary protein?

Even though many health professionals do not advocate diets high in protein because of possible adverse effects on the kidneys and liver, the fact is there is little documented evidence of problems due to a high protein intake. Such myths of protein danger have been thoroughly tested and proved quite conclusively that high protein intake does not result in kidney or liver dysfunction. However, high protein intake may exacerbate pre-existing kidney or liver disease in which your surgeon may not recommend bariatric surgery until conditions improve.

What are your daily protein requirements?

Women Protein Requirements

Average Woman - 44g/day
Average Bariatric Woman - 55g/day
Ideal Bariatric Woman - 80g/day

Men Protein Requirements

Average Man - 56g/day
Average Bariatric Man - 65g/day
Ideal Bariatric Man - 100g/day

Note: Your Physician will set your protein requirements.

With so many supplements to choose from, is there really a difference between products?

Company product researchers and marketing professionals want you to believe there is not a difference, but generally for the surgical patient there is. Biological value or bioavailability is the most common measure of a protein supplement's quality. Such a value is based on four principles:

Amino acid pattern of the protein supplement. Note: Whey protein has one of the highest values.
Digestibility for the specific protein.
Assimilation or absorption of specific proteins.
How the body uses such protein.

Specific protein types that hold acceptable biological values are whey, casein, egg, and soy. Hydrolyzed gelatin is normally an acceptable source when mixed with whey protein. Most of the protein supplements offered by Protein4uonline.com contain either one or more of the above protein sources. Protein supplements are ideal for individuals who can not consume excessive volumes of food or have limited appetites. When evaluating your supplement to purchase, read the label carefully and look for low sugar products, as well as high-quality proteins types.

Overview of Protein Requirements

To The Patient:

Protein supplements that are offered at Protein4uonline.com are now available to bariatric surgery and weight reduction patients. These supplements will help satisfy your nutritional needs after surgery and complement your weight loss plan. The supplements will help you achieve your goals and have been clinically proven and scientifically designed to work in conjunction with your program. Two to three (2-3) supplements per day are recommended. Each box of supplements contains 7 individual servings containing 15 grams of protein each and most are vitamin and mineral fortified.

Following your surgery, it is important for healing, as well as to aid in weight loss that you consume an adequate amount of protein. Since you are limited in your food intake, it is recommended that you consume low-fat, low-sugar, high protein drinks such as those offered at Protein4uonline.com.

Protein intake should be adequate with each meal, since the body's ability to store protein or amino acids is very limited, and they are constantly required for synthesis. Even more significant to the weight-loss process is the very important inhibitory effect which protein has on the desire to continue eating. We recommend that protein be eaten first, to ensure that it is eaten, and to enhance the very important satiety response of the bariatric surgery. If you are on a weight reduction program it is recommended that you drink the protein between meals as it will balance your blood sugars, give you energy and lessen hunger.

Following bariatric surgery it is important to follow a special diet designed by your physician and/or nutrition professional. Protein plays an essential role in the diet as it is the primary food source following surgery. The protein supplements offered at Protein4uonline.com is an excellent protein choice post surgery as it is very easy to digest and efficiently absorbed into the body. It doesn't sit in the stomach for long periods of time like beef and other protein foods that may upset the system.

Protein plays a vital role in providing the body with essential amino acids necessary to sustain all living things. Next to water, protein makes up the greatest portion of our body. If the body does not get enough protein from your diet, it cannot properly build new cells and tissues. Such a condition is called protein energy malnutrition and restricts growth, impairs the healing of wounds and increases your susceptibility to infection. Initial signs of protein deficiencies may appear as general weakness, loss of muscle, brittle nails and most common hair loss. While dietary protein will not directly increase muscle size, it will help avoid further loss of muscle tissue that occurs during periods of bed rest, stress, injury, or illness. Bariatric surgery is an example of such trauma, increasing protein needs that can often cause the "catabolism" or muscle wasting to supply the body with its increased energy needs.

The effect of surgery on your body and the need for increased protein intake, which can mostly be accomplished through liquids should be clear. But how much protein should we consume? The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 44 grams a day for the average woman and 56 grams for the average man. However, this recommendation is for individuals in a non-trauma state. Confusing the issue further is the conflicting recommended number of protein grams needed to be consumed daily for the bariatric surgery patient. Your physician will set your protein requirement goal.

While you will eat fewer calories than your body needs during this weight loss period, you still require the same amount of protein as usual. In addition, protein helps the body function properly as part of many of the reactions in your body to continue life functions. Failure to obtain enough protein can result in significant hair loss, which occurs from 3 to 6 months after the protein deficiency. Even if you are eating enough protein by that time, you could still lose hair if your intake of protein was too low after surgery. Other consequences of a low protein intake include poor healing, depressed immune system, weakness, and fatigue. You should try to obtain enough protein in your diet as soon as possible after surgery. Some physicians ask patients to begin drinking protein up to 10 days prior to surgery.