These days, many people who are overweight and not able to lose it the traditional way through diet and exercise are opting for gastric bypass and other weight loss surgeries to help solve their problem. Most people think that if they are overweight, they fit the criteria to have these types of procedures done. However, there are cases where some people are so obese that the surgical procedures may actually endanger their lives. In such cases, most physicians will refuse to perform the surgery until the patient has lost a specific amount of weight. Usually, the diets they must go on are extremely restricted and are rigidly supervised. In fact, in extreme cases, some patients actually are hospitalized so that their diet can be constantly monitored.

There are a few different types of weight loss surgery, the most common being the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This surgery is only performed on those who have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of around 40. Another popular procedure is the Lap Band System, and those who have a BMI of 35 are eligible for this type of surgery, as long as they have an underlying medical condition that makes the surgery absolutely necessary. For these procedures, how high the BMI may be varies from case to case, and it is up to the surgeon to decide if a patient’s BMI is too high and will create a risk during surgery.

But, even if you have a BMI that is too high for most of the weight loss surgeries, don’t despair. You may be able to go for the alternative, which is to have two surgeries. The first is called a sleeve gastrectomy, followed by another procedure to convert the first into a gastric bypass. This is also known as “banana surgery” as the stomach takes the shape of a banana. It is also much safer for people who are too obese for conventional weight loss surgery.

Healthy Diets, Not Fads

Did you know that more than 34 million Americans are considered obese? Of these 34 million, 20 million try one or more of the hundreds of fad diets that are introduced every year, each one claiming to be the ultimate weight loss plan. For the ultimate weight loss plan, you need to exercise regularly, and make sure that you follow a well-balanced diet that is made up of 35% protein, 50% good carbohydrates, and 15% fat.

It is unnecessary to purchase all of the diet books that come out and follow the suggested recipes. You also do not need to go out and get all of the crazy exercise gadgets that are available. You don’t need pills, and you certainly don’t need poorly-made supplements that are actually often more fattening than the foods you eat. If you want to get exercise, it can be as simple as going for a walk each day, adding time and distance to your walks until you are walking about an hour per day. And of course, you need to maintain a well-rounded diet.

If you have tried any fad diets, you have probably noticed that you didn’t lose much weight, and any that you did lose came right back on as soon as you went off the diet. This is just one of the downfalls to fad diets. Another downfall is the fact that many of these diets are actually dangerous and can lead to a number of health issues. At one time, liquid diets were popular, but the original liquid diets were discovered to be dangerous. There are new liquid protein diets today that are much healthier, although they still should not be used in the long-term, as they can lead to gall stones in up to 25% of those who are using them. Protein supplements, however, can be a great addition to any diet as long as they are used properly.

Metabolism and Obesity

One of the factors used to control your weight is the management of metabolism, which is how quickly or slowly your body uses the food that you digest. A combination of genetics and good luck let some people have a fast metabolism, and they seem to be able to eat just about anything they want without gaining weight. Others aren’t quite so lucky, and the less they eat, the more weight they seem to gain. It is essential that anyone who wants to maintain a healthy weight get their metabolism back on the right track, and this can be accomplished by getting the diet on the right track. Remember, extremely low-calorie diets can actually ruin your metabolism, and sometimes, the metabolic changes are permanent.

Get Your Metabolism Back on Track with Protein Supplements

It is essential to have a healthy diet that will promote a healthy metabolism. In order to have a healthy diet, we all need protein. You can get the protein you need through a number of different foods, including milk products, lean meat, soy beans (and just about all beans), nuts, whole grains and a lot more. If you are not getting the protein you need from dietary sources, you may also want to add protein supplements to your diet, which make excellent meal replacements when you are in a hurry but still want to make sure that you get the nutrients you need.

Protein and Weight Loss Surgery

If you have decided to have weight loss surgery, your diet is going to have to change drastically, and you will need to have certain nutrients every day. Of course, you will need protein, which you can easily get in supplement form when there just isn’t enough in your diet. Your diet changes will probably begin before you even have the surgery, and it essential that you have enough protein in your diet during the recovery phase of the procedure. Some of the protein supplements that are ideal for this are protein powders and liquid protein shots.

Protein Powders – There are many different protein powders available, and the one you choose will ultimately depend on your taste, and any food allergies or intolerances you may have. For instance, whey and casein are wonderful protein supplements, but because they are milk derivatives, they may not be the best supplement choice for those who are lactose intolerant. Rice protein is great because it is hypoallergenic and is popular with vegetarians. Another popular choice is soy, which is a complete protein, containing all of the essential and non-essential amino acids.

Liquid Protein Shots – These are great because they are small, portable, and low calorie. One popular protein shot is Profect by Protica, which only has 100 calories per three-ounce serving. It comes in a variety of delicious flavors, including Blue Raspberry, Grapefruit-Mango and Fresh Citrus Berry.

There are many other types of protein supplements available, and if you are unsure which one is best for you following weight loss surgery, it is best to discuss it with a physician, a nutritionist or a dietitian.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey liquid protein for bariatric patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

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Obesity, the medical term for weight equal to 20% or more over what is deemed to be the ideal weight, is not only a medical condition but is also a risk factor for a number of other health conditions. Being obese can put you at risk for increased aches and pains as well as increasing the risk factors for more serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. There are other conditions that can be caused or made worse by being obese such as liver or gallbladder disease. For women of a certain age group, obesity can also cause or exacerbate problems with fertility, usually because of a condition known as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

In the past, the doctors based their judgment of obesity solely on body weight itself; however, more recently, doctors have been using BMI instead. BMI or body mass index is calculated by multiplying weight in pounds by 703 and then divided by height in inches multiplied by itself. There are a number of online BMI calculators that can be used far more simply than doing the math yourself as well as scales that do the math for you as soon as you step up on them. A BMI of 25 or higher is considered to be overweight.

A secondary test, typically only done for women, is the hip to waist ratio which measures the hips and then the waist. The waist measurement in inches is divided by the hip measurement in inches and the ratio is reviewed. A waist to hip ratio that is higher than 0.88 is considered to be the apple shape and is considered dangerous for one’s health. (Source: Christine Ammer, The New A to Z of Women’s Health, Fifth Edition ,Checkmark Books, New York, New York 2005)

There are 34 million adults in the world who are considered to be obese, with around 20 million of them on a diet at any given time of the year. There are literally billions of dollars that are spent on dieting products, plans and advice every year as well and huge amounts are also spent on weight loss surgery by those who feel they have tried and failed every diet up to that point. (www.StanfordUniversity.com)

How Protein Helps Metabolism

All foods that are eaten must be broken down and digested. Fats, carbohydrates and proteins are all broken down at different rates, because of the way they are composed. Fats break down very quickly regardless of their source while carbohydrates break down more slowly, with complex carbs taking the longest period of time to break down. Protein on the other hand takes the longest to break down in the body and can leave you feeling full for a longer period of time. If the body thinks it is empty, that it is starving, it will send a message to the brain so that the brain in turn will send the message back that it is time to eat.

With foods like fats and simple carbohydrates, the belly empties out faster and the message goes out sooner than if it were digesting foods like complex carbohydrates and proteins. This results with you eating far more than you meant to or should, leading to weight gain. In a person who is already overweight, this is more dangerous than in someone who is closer to their suggested weight.

Thermogenesis

The concept of thermogenesis is simple: It means that during the digestive process, the body will create heat. Certain foods cause a higher rise in temperature than others; the higher the rate of thermogenesis, the faster food is burned without being stored in the body as fat. Fats are easily digested by the body and create very little thermogenesis. Proteins raise the rate of this phenomenon more than any other food group with only alcohol causing a higher rate of thermogenesis.

Protein Supplements and Keeping Weight Under Control

In order to lose weight and maintain good health, it is important to set realistic, achievable weight loss goals. It is also important to realize that you cannot simply stop eating and expect that to be helpful; in fact you might find yourself not losing weight at all, as you shut down your metabolism completely. The key is not starvation: It is in making better food choices, learning better portion control and also learning how to space your meals so that your body is getting a constant supply of fresh energy. Using protein supplements along with healthy meals is a good way to accomplish this, by allowing you to use the supplements as a snack that keeps your body both energized and satisfied.

Protein supplements come in a number of varieties including: shakes, powders, bars, puddings, enhanced waters, and protein supplement shots. Of these, the supplement shots are the smallest with Profect from Protica delivering 25 grams of protein in a 100 calorie serving that is less than three ounces in size.

Obesity and Protein Needs: A Case Study

Diane has been overweight all of her life. After a consultation with her doctor, she is told that if she does not do something to get her weight under control she will face dire consequences. At her last appointment, Diane’s doctor was shocked at how bad all of her numbers were including her body mass index, her waist to hip ratio, and her blood lipid profile. After being put on a strict diet and strongly encouraged to start exercising, Diane is also told that she should start using a protein supplement to help keep her metabolism level high and her cravings low. Because it is so convenient to use, Diane has opted for Profect, which allows her to throw her daily needs into a bag so that she can head to the gym or to work without having to worry about mixing powders or refrigeration like other protein supplements.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey liquid protein for renal care patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

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Diabetes is a disorder caused by the pancreas’ inability to release enough insulin to handle the blood sugar in the body during digestion. There are three types of diabetes: Type I, or juvenile diabetes, Type II, also called adult onset diabetes and Gestational diabetes. Each type of diabetes has its own considerations and warnings for good health. Proper nutrition is important no matter what type of diabetes has been diagnosed.

Type I diabetes affects about 10% of all diabetics and is typically diagnosed at a fairly young age. Type II diabetes is typically discovered sometime after the age of 30, however, with so many children being obese, it is being found at younger and younger ages. The mechanisms for Type I and Type II diabetes are very different – juvenile diabetes is considered to be a defect in the pancreas itself. The body will start attacking the organ, destroying its ability to make insulin.

Type II diabetes, on the other hand, starts because the other organs in the body start resisting the insulin which is produced by the body. Type II is a progressive disease, starting with a need for dietary changes, then leading to a need for medications and eventually to needing insulin. A precursor to diabetes, pre-diabetes, can be present in the body for many years. Type II diabetes is more common in women than in men and tends to run in the family. Reduction of the risk of this type of diabetes is regular exercise and weight control. Warning signs of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, especially at night, constant hunger, blurred vision, unusual fatigue, sores that will not heal, unexplained weight loss, menstrual irregularity, and chronic yeast infections.

Risk Stats for Diabetes

Type II diabetes affects about 10% of all adults in the United States, with 90% of those people considered to be overweight or obese. Women who develop gestational diabetes are 20-50% more likely to develop Type II diabetes within five to ten years after the birth of the baby. Gestational diabetes is dangerous for the baby as well as the mother – the pregnancy is automatically classified as high risk (Source: Ammer, 2005).

Risk factors for diabetes include being more than 20% over your ideal weight, having persistent hypertension, having poorly controlled blood cholesterol, having a family history of it, especially in parents or siblings, being of certain ethnicities, including African American, Hispanic American, Native American or Asian American, or having gestational diabetes or having had a baby that is over nine pounds (with or without the diagnosis of gestational diabetes).

Testing needs to be done, including fasting blood sugar, A1C testing starting at 45 and completed every three years unless there is reason to test more frequently. Those who are at higher risk may need to be tested every year.

Protein Needs in Diabetes

Type II diabetes can be controlled with diet – just a small reduction in weight can typically eliminate the need for medication. Diabetes, if left unchecked, can lead to some very serious health risks, including an increased risk for kidney disease, blindness, heart disease and amputation. Protein plays a very vital role in not only helping to lose weight but in stabilizing the blood sugar levels that can be so hard to control for the diabetic.

When the body digests food, it is broken down at a rate based on what it is made of: fats and simple carbohydrates break down very quickly, while complex carbs digest at a slower rate. Proteins break down very slowly within the body and require more work by the body. This creation of energy also causes increased heat, a phenomena called thermogenesis. (Only alcohol creates more thermogenesis than protein)(Source: Westerterp). Fats are broken down to fats, carbs are broken down to be used for energy and protein is used as the last resort for energy but is used by the body for a large range of other functions.

Protein is important in the body, but can be dangerous if it makes up too much of the diet, especially in the presence of heart or kidney disease. The American Heart Association recommends that the upper limit of protein intake be no more than 35% of the daily calories, however, each diabetic’s doctor will set specific dietary guidelines. A person with stages one to four of chronic kidney disease should strive to limit protein because of their disease, but within reason and only under the direction of a doctor, a dietician or a nutritionist (Source: National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse).

For weight loss purposes, calories should come from carbohydrates (50%), proteins (30-35%) and fats (15-20%). The higher level of protein makes the diet more satisfying without deprivation. (Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) The protein need in the body is so great that if we do not get the right amounts, the body will eat more food to make up for it (Source: Massey University, 2009). The more food that is needed, the more calories will be ingested. It is a myth that protein does not turn to fat in the body – if there is too much consumption, the body will store it as such.

Protein comes from two sources, plants and animals. Plant protein, with the exception of soy protein, is incomplete because it lacks one or more of the amino acids that the body needs to have supplied by the diet. Because they are incomplete, vegetarians need to make sure that their diet is balanced and varied so that they do not miss out on any of the essential amino acids. The typical vegan diet gets about 10-12% of its calories from protein, while the average diet is 14-18% protein (Source: Mangels).

Animal protein is complete and comes from sources such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Leaner protein sources should always be selected so that the diet is lower in saturated fats as well as calories. Good animal proteins include tuna and salmon as well as other fatty fish. Turkey is another good protein source, specifically roasted, skinless breast meat. Low-fat dairy products and eggs are also excellent sources of animal protein that can work well in the quest to lose weight and be healthier.

Protein supplements are also important to add to the diet but should be of specific types. Some may be loaded with additional sugar, which can cause too much blood glucose. Profect, from Protica, is a small liquid supplement that supplies 25 grams of protein in only 100 calories with zero fat and zero carbohydrates. In addition, Profect supplies both vitamin C and vitamin B complex.

Be wary of protein bars, especially those with candy like flavors, as they may have enough calories or a high enough sugar content that they are equivalent to candy bars. Diabetics should discuss their supplement options with their doctor for optimal health. There are certain brands, especially of protein shakes, that are specifically designed for diabetics. Protein supplements have the advantage of stabilizing the blood sugar and preventing hunger between meals.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein shots for bariatric surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

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Nutritional status is one of the important parameters that decide the course of post surgical recovery. The concept of nutritional status in surgery involves various aspects of perioperative nutrition that includes both preoperative and postoperative nutritional status. Many studies show that preoperative acceptable nutritional conditions help to prevent early and late postoperative complications.

Klein et al. published a study in 1996 that compared 2 groups of patients: a previously malnourished group and another in agreeable nutritional condition. Both groups had undergone elective lumbar spinal surgery. It was reported that out of 26 postoperative complications, 24 were in the malnourished group. Based on the study findings, the study authors recommend that close attention should be paid to the preoperative nutritional status of patients undergoing surgical procedure. The researchers propose that individuals with sub optimal nutritional parameters should be supplemented and replenished before elective surgery. Similar studies done indicate that the conclusions can be generalized for any kind of operations. Hence, special considerations should be given to malnourished and undernourished cases.

Successful recovery from a surgical intervention depends on many factors, and post surgical nutritional support is one of these. Post surgical nutrition should be initiated as soon as possible. The improved nutritional status helps in:

- Wound closure

- Improving immune responses

- Preventing infections or sepsis, and

- Preventing immediate and late complications.

Proteins are a source of amino acids, the basic building structure of the body. Owing to this property, adequate protein intake is essential for proper wound healing. Protein depletion appears to delay wound healing by: prolonging the inflammatory phase; by inhibiting fibroplasia, collagen and proteoglycan synthesis; and by inhibiting neoangiogenesis (proliferation phase) and wound remodeling.

Surgery poses great metabolic stress on the patient, with the severity of the stress depending on the severity of the wounded site. An injured patient requires more protein than a non-injured patient because of the increased metabolic activity of wound healing, acute-phase protein production in response to stress, and amino acid mobilization from muscle used for hepatic gluconeogenesis.

Experimental protein depletion in animals showed a decrease in the tensile strength of wounds. In a study of 108 human patients with experimental wounds, individuals with either low serum protein or serum albumin had significantly weaker wounds than those with normal protein values.

Protein calorie malnutrition increases morbidity and mortality in the surgical patient. Many studies have found hospitalized patients in a state of malnutrition at admission. Thus, it is important to increase protein intake to optimize healing and immune function, and to prevent post-surgical complications in these individuals.

Protein requirement

In a non-injured state, adults require approximately 0.8 grams of dietary protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Elderly patients have a higher protein requirement (1-1.2 grams of dietary protein per kilogram of body weight per day) due to a decreased ability to synthesize proteins. The surgical/trauma patient can require significantly more protein. Minor surgery may not significantly increase the protein requirement; however, if the patient is already protein malnourished, wound healing will be adversely affected unless dietary protein intake is increased. Major surgery can increase protein requirements 10 percent, while a patient with multiple traumas may need 75 percent more protein. Special cases like burn wounds cause tremendous metabolic stress and have the greatest impact on protein requirements, increasing protein needs 75-100 percent.

Therapeutic modes of nutrition

Patients in whom the protein requirement of the body outweighs the intake, supplements are required to meet the increased demand. Therapeutic modes may be helpful in this case.

- Oral nutrition is safest, cheapest, and best.

- Enteral tube nutrition may be used in patients with a functioning gastro intestinal tract to supplement oral feeding or to replace it entirely. The latter is indicated for patients who require intensive protein support.

- Partial parenteral nutrition supplies only part of the patient’s daily nutritional requirements, supplementing oral intake.

- TPN (total parenteral nutrition) supplies all of the patient’s daily nutritional requirements. A peripheral vein may be used for short periods, but longer periods of use with concentrated solutions can readily lead to thrombosis.

Monitoring of weight, plasma proteins, glucose, etc should be done regularly.

Role of milk proteins in recovery process

Whey proteins are an excellent protein source for everyone — no matter what their age. From a nutritional perspective, whey proteins reign supreme. Whey is a by-product of the cheese and casein manufacturing process. It contains approximately 20% of the original milk proteins. Exciting new research is being conducted that indicates certain whey protein components help provide the growth of new body tissue. Biological activities include immune modulation and anti-inflammatory and healing effects.

Casein is basically a milk protein and is considered the major protein component of milk. Caseins are a family of phosphoproteins synthesized in the mammary gland. They possess immune modulator activity and can influence gut motility. Caseins are extremely high in the amino acid glutamine, which is the most abundant amino acid found in skeletal muscles and may play a role in supporting the immune system.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for diabetic patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

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Current research has revealed a promising relation between a high protein diet and low blood cholesterol levels. Many people with high cholesterol levels take medications to control their cholesterol levels. In this article we will examine the role of cholesterol and how its levels are linked to proteins in the diet.

Cholesterol is vital to maintain the integrity of brain cells, keep the membranes intact and the cells working. The protein receptors, imperative for inter-cellular communication, also anchor in cholesterol molecules present in these membranes. However, brain-cell membranes do more, as they contain receptors for key chemical messengers in the brain. These receptors permit cell-to-cell communication, and cholesterol helps to keep these attachment points functioning properly and the cells communicating normally.

Serotonin, a key messenger, has an anti-depressant effect, and proper functioning of serotonin receptors is linked to better mental health. With suboptimal cholesterol intake in the diet, poorly structured brain-cell membranes function inadequately with fewer receptors available to interact with nerve messengers. This could lead to depression.

Cholesterol is important for brain development in infants and plays a role in neuron function in adults. High blood cholesterol level is still considered a risk factor for stroke and heart disease, however, and physicians may decide that those risks outweigh any modest benefits for cognitive function. Scientists have not yet determined whether lowering cholesterol with medication will influence mental functioning.

In humans, normal metabolic oxidation reactions lead to harmful by-products. Accumulation of these harmful by-products causes damage to the neurons of the brain. Our bodies have antioxidants that protect it from these cellular damages.

Research has shown that regular consumption of cultured dairy products lowers cholesterol and protects against bone loss.

Role of casein and whey:

Dietary supplements containing proteins like whey and casein can be of benefit in lowering cholesterol. Casein and whey are natural based milk proteins.

Casein is the other protein derived from milk and is a complete protein. It is:

- Extremely high in the amino acid, glutamine, which is the most abundant amino acid found in skeletal muscles and may play a role in supporting the immune system.

- A larger protein (than whey) that is absorbed more slowly by the body. Often used when absorption over an extended time period is desirable.

- Not as absorbable (as whey) by the body because it has a lower biological value (BV) therefore more has to be consumed.

Whey: Whey proteins are not something new – they have been available for hundreds of years. It has only been during the last 15 – 20 years however, that the true potential of whey proteins has become known. This awareness has led to an increase in research activity to identify all the benefits whey proteins provide to the human body.

Whey protein contains an ample supply of the amino acid cysteine. Cysteine appears to enhance glutathione levels, which has been shown to have strong antioxidant properties that mop up free radicals — free radicals induce cell death and play a role in aging. Therefore, whey proteins can have a protective effect on neurons when taken on a long-term basis.

Whey protein concentrate has been found to be a potent inhibitor of oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Current research suggests that the conversion of LDL cholesterol to oxidized LDL is the trigger that leads to atherogenesis — the formation of plaque and lesions associated with atherosclerosis. This commonly occurs in arteries that nourish the heart. Therefore, any substance that prevents the oxidation of LDL is thought to be anti-atherogenic.

Whey protein is made up of several minor and major fractions, such as beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, albumin, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulin. It was discovered that the minor constituent responsible for whey’s ability to prevent the oxidation of LDL appears to be the lactoferrin fraction of the protein. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein that has been shown to reduce uptake of LDL cholesterol.

Whey protein has the following properties:

- It has the highest branched chain amino acid (BCAA) content found in nature. BCAAs are necessary for the maintenance of muscle tissue and they tend to be depleted following exercise.

- Is thought to be digested faster than casein and more completely than soy proteins.

- It enhances the production of the amino acid, glutathione, which is an important component for supporting the immune system.

- It is very miscible, which means it dissolves easily in water and other liquids making it more user friendly in some cases.

The link between protein and lower cholesterol continues to be studied, and the early indications are promising. With the broad benefits afforded by whey and casein, they are a smart addition to most dietary regimens.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey liquid protein for bariatric patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

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