ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass and Lap Band® Forum - View Single Post

LisaBoston · 02-26-2006, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LisaM

Not sure where you heard that you only lose fat and not muscle after WLS, but it was dead wrong. Any time you are on a highly restricted diet, your body will start using your muscle mass for protein if you aren't getting enough protein through food. And your heart is a muscle--that's why all the docs and dieticians are so hot on us getting our protein in. My dietician set my minimum at 56 grams of protein a day...that's why any time you see me talk about food, I always give the protein grams. That, liquid, and calcium are what I focus on throughout the day.

The dietician here said that loosing muscle mass is an effect of rapid weight loos mostly due to poor nutrition and if you are severely overweight, it is not immediate...it does take some time, but fat is the first focus then muscle. She does not recommend rapid weight loss for anyone. This was told to me pre WLS. My own surgeon told me that my body will loose fat first and not to worry too much about protein in the first 2 months or so, as I won't be able to take in that much and he also advises against protein supplements.

I liked my surgeon, but after reading posts here and talking to other Canadian patients, there is a BIG HOLE here when it comes to nutrition. I was given a paper from the surgeon that has 4 lines on what to eat. It basically says 2-3 weeks of puree and then introduce soft foods and all foods by 8 weeks. That is very vague. Thus I am so thankful for this site to learn about what I am supposed to do....there are so many thoughts and ideas, but in the end, I know how important protein is and along with fluids and vitamins, that is my focus every day.