Question:
What does protien have to do with plateaus?

All the wonderful advise I read about plateaus seems to suggest more protien. I'm not sure how that works, can anyone explain please?? I understand less food and more water and exercise but the protien amount is unclear. THanks    — jiggers (posted on July 31, 2000)

July 31, 2000
Why protein? Well, part of the problem is that our bodies ALREADY thought we were in starvation mode all the time, anyway, hence all the signals to "GIMME CALORIES". As long as you can convince your body that there is plenty of good wholesome nutrition on board, it will let go of the wt, along with the idea of nourishing the muscles, skin, hair, etc. BUT you need to do it in as low calorie/ carb/ fat/ sugar a way as possible. That's where the protein supplements come in. You get all you need in two (or more)servings, without the pouch stretching and "extras" that food and milk carry along. You get a whopping big load of protein for very little expenditure of pouch space and those dreaded extras. Your body is satisfied with the delivery, since it is well absorbed, so it shuts off the cravings, particularly for sugar. But protein supps should not be mixed with milk or juice, which contain enough sugar to keep the cravings pretty high for some folks. As long as you can keep your body assured that there is no famine, now or in the near future, you stand a good chance of continuing on a downward spiral.
   — vitalady

July 31, 2000
I'd have to dig out my pathoohysiology books to explain the exact reasons, but one thing that happens when your proteins are low is you retain more water.
   — Donna G.

July 31, 2000
Protein is reccomended because it fills the stomach pouch with something which is not too high in calories. It also is metabolised slower than carbohydrates, so hunger is reduced longer. It is also good for you. The way to use the RNY operation to help in weight loss is to eat three small meals a day of mostly protein, with a small snack in the mid-afternoon of again mostly protein. No sweet or high calorie liquids, no desserts, no junk or McDonalds type foods, plenty of exercise, no-cal liquids between meals. Good luck to you all.
   — Bruce B.

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