Question:
Do We get high Cholesterol from eating so much protein?
I am 6 weeks out and I noticed that my diet consists of alot of meat, cheeses, milk and eggs-all foods that contribute to high cholesterol. Anyone know if WLS people are prone to high cholesterol months down the road? — Cindy R. (posted on March 21, 2002)
March 21, 2002
I feel as long as we choose the leanest type of meats they should not be
that high in cholesterol. Iam eating top sirlion as my hamburger meat and
its 95% lean and 5%fat. Regular bacon to me is not a good choice but
turkey bacon might be better. I have always been a meat eater and never had
high cholesterol. Prior to surgery, my cholesterol was amazingly low
99!!!! So I must have been doing something right!!! So if my cholesterol
was fine before and it should be fine now and for life. Take Care.....
— Laura G.
March 21, 2002
According to some research, a high protien diet will actually lower your
cholesterol even though you are consuming more. The reason is that most of
the cholesterol in your blood is manufactured by your body. That is why you
can eat right and still have high cholesterol. Diets high in carbohydrates
can cause your body to produce more cholesterol. Diets high in protein
don't. If you want a more scientific explanation, try reading Protein Power
(Drs. Eades). My own cholesterol went from 230 or so to 144. And I eat LOTS
of meat and cheese.
— ctyst
March 21, 2002
I don't have any studies to site, but I have my own history. My family has
a history of heart disease, so my cholestrol levels are something that I
try to keep an eye on. During the mid 90's I followed a strict vegan
(McDougall) diet for over a year. I lost over 100 pounds and was
(briefly!)at the weight I am at now (9 months post DS surgery). My
cholestrol after 1 year of being vegan was 188, and my LDL/HDL ratio put me
in the above average risk for heart disease. Just prior to surgery my
cholestrol was 237 with an above average risk for heart disease. Since
surgery I have been getting my protein mainly from meat, chicken, fish and
dairy. I have also eaten a lot of shellfish which is high in cholestrol.
For my 6 month labs my cholestrol came back at 176 wiht a LDL/HDL ratio in
the average range. In my case the vegan diet was not as effective as the
surgery has been in controlling my cholestrol, and good vs. bad cholestrol
raito. If you want more spcific information please e-mail me anytime.
Till later... Alejandra Garman GR/DS 6-22-01 307//189
— rkndna
March 21, 2002
Increased protein itself cannot scientifically increase your cholesterol.
However, those high protein foods many times contain high
cholesterol.....some meats, eggs, cheese. There are other ways you can get
the protein in without the cholesterol like beans and legumes and also try
"EggBeaters". I think they test just like eggs but without the
cholesterol!
— emilyfink
March 21, 2002
RNY & DS malabsorb a good deal of fats/oils. So, just as you malabsorb
food proteins, so you lose the fats/oils AND the nutrients they once
provided (A, D & E). If you supplement your protein, or at least part
of it, with a good quality protein supplement, you eliminate the possiblity
of OD'ing on fats that can possibly turn in your cholesterol.
— vitalady
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