Food Selection for Gastric Bypass Patients

Dieters who dejectedly complain they are figuratively "stuck" with their excess fat may be surprised to learn there is a scientifically-accurate truth to their statement. Fat cells -- which are created when the body is unable to convert excess calories to energy -- are permanent. Fat cells cannot be removed by any diet known to humanity [1]. They can, however, be reduced in size. This is the experience enjoyed by people who lose weight [i].

There is, however, an increasingly popular - and controversial - method to eliminate fat cells permanently via an external, non-diet method. Scientifically referred to as a Gastric Bypass Operation, but more popularly known as "stomach stapling", this procedure literally staples part of the stomach together. The result is that food intake becomes severely restricted, and the body begins the process of malabsorption, or a decreased ability to absorb nutrients. In addition, the duodenum [2] is bypassed to prevent the absorption of nutrients that could cause excess calories, and as such, the creation of additional fat cells [ii].

In addition to this, a more complex and less frequent procedure called Extensive Gastric Bypass or "biliopancreatic diversion" involves the removal stomach parts, and the circumvention of the duodenum and jejunum - or in laypersons terms, the circumvention of the first part of the small intestine, and the middle portion the small intestine. The result is an even greater malabsorption capacity.

The bulk of concern surrounding stomach-stamping procedures is emanating from the medical community. Some experts are worried that individuals opting for this rather dramatic surgery are not prepared to make post-procedure lifestyle changes. They point out that since stomach stapling reduces the size of the stomach, and therefore the amount of food that a person can digest is severely reduced, an individual must be fully equipped to eat wisely after the procedure. This "wise eating" must include both the volume of post-procedure food that is eaten, and the number of calories that are eaten on a daily basis [iii].

These experts are also quick to point out that the failure to adequately prepare people for post-procedure wise eating habits often leads to various forms of malnutrition. These include anemia due to Iron and B12 deficiencies, hair loss, calcium deficiencies, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, diarrhea, and the loss of water-soluble essential vitamins such as C, Niacin, and B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, Biotin, and Folic Acid [iv].

The jury on whether stomach stapling is a "fair" choice, or one that is driven by unhealthy body-image stereotypes propagated by the media and elsewhere, is hotly debated and will continue to dominate conversations about this controversial procedure. Yet what cannot be lost in this debate is that, everyday, real human beings are facing an uphill battle after their stomach stapling surgery. For these people, whether they chose to have the surgery due to body image issues or not, the rationale is rather academic once the surgery is over. What they clearly need at this point are nutritional supplement solutions that cater to their new eating limits and framework.

Profect, which is a nutritional supplement created by Protica Research, does not support the proliferation of unhealthy body image expectations that people are inundated with each day; especially impressionable youth. Yet with this being said, Profect has been engineered to provide those who have opted for this dramatic weight-loss surgery with an ideal source of post-procedure food.

Each serving of Profect is contained in 2.7 fluid ounces, which is significantly smaller than most other nutritional supplements. It is therefore aptly suited for those who must limit their volume of food intake. At the same time, each serving of Profect contains only 100-calories - none of which are from fat -- and as such will not lead to runaway caloric intake.

What is clearly the most appreciated medical quality, however, is Profect's protein configuration. Each 2.7 fluid ounce serving of Profect contains 25 grams of protein. This is the densest protein available on the market. As such, individuals who are obliged to eat very small food portions can easily ingest 100% of the U.S. Recommended Daily Intake of protein in less than six fluid ounces.

In addition, each serving of Profect contains 50% to 100% of all nine water-soluble vitamins. These vitamins help consumers replenish the vitamin stores that they may be losing due to the post-procedure side effects noted above, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating. In the long-term, daily usage of Profect provides the body with the critically important constant flow of water-soluble vitamins.

Indeed, the controversy surrounding stomach stapling, which also includes its hefty price tag, will continue; and it is important to hear all views. Yet what must also continue is quality education and awareness. People must be adequately informed that while their weight may seemingly "disappear" overnight thanks to stomach stapling, there is still a challenging road ahead. This road includes an eating regimen that will require conscientious food selections, much smaller portions, and careful monitoring of protein and vitamin intake.

ABOUT PROTICA

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com

You can also learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com

REFERENCES

[i] Source: "Is the Number of Fat Cells you Have Predetermined?". iVillage. http://www.ivillage.com/diet/experts/wlcoach/qas/0,,222000_36838,00.html?arrivalSA=1&cobrandRef=0&arrival_freqCap=1&pba=adid=13185251

[ii] Source: "Weight Loss: Gastric Bypass Operations". WebMD. http://my.webmd.com/content/article/46/2731_1654.htm

[iii] Source: "What You Need to Know About: Gastric Bypass". About.com. http://weightloss.about.com/cs/gastricbypass/l/blgastby1.htm

[iv] Source: "Gastric Bypass". MedlinePlus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007199.htm

Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com

Latest News

CORRECTING and REPLACING Metabolic Research, Inc. Signs Contract ... Stockhouse, Canada - 8 hours ago Metabolic Research, Inc. (OTC:MTBR) announced that it has entered into an agreement with General Nutrition Distribution, LP, for storefront retail sales of ...

DC Brands Takes a Big Step in the Right Direction MarketWatch - 1 hour ago DC Brands then purchased the assets of HARD Nutrition and began its quest to produce a new health line of products. DC Brands is now proud to announce the ...

Black-bean soup is loaded with nutrition Houston Chronicle, United States - 5 hours ago When paired with vegetables, it’sa bowl brimming with nutrition. Red peppers add color, texture, flavor and powerful antioxidants, including beta-carotene, ...

Nutrition As You Age Boston Channel.com,  USA - 6 hours ago As we age, we need to follow a healthy diet for optimal nutrition. We need to consume a balanced diet containing carbohydrates (choose mainly whole grains), ...

Experts Discuss Applying Systematic Review to Nutrition Field Newswise (press release) - 9 hours ago Newswise — Performing systematic reviews of nutrition related topics raises unique challenges not often encountered in the field of medicine. ...

On Nutrition: 'Blenderized' food has same nutritional content as whole Inside Bay Area, CA - 15 hours ago By Ed Blonz DEAR DR. BLONZ: I recently injured my jaw in an accident, and, for the time being, have to eat food that is largely blenderized. ...

Give the Gift of Health to Your Pets for the Holidays with Dog-Wa ... MarketWatch - 14 hours ago Good nutrition and frequent exercise are the most rewarding presents pet owners can give their dogs. "Feeding dogs a healthy diet is a gift that keeps on ...

Examiner.com

Nutrigenomics - the genetics of nutrition Examiner.com - 10 hours ago by Annie Kay, Nutrition Examiner Philadelphia Health Examiner Thomas Hartmann recently shared some of his exploration into the nutrition systems of Ayruveda ...

Trouw Nutrition and Aimco sign cooperation agreement Feedstuffs, MN - 8 hours ago Trouw Nutrition Int., the leading global animal nutrition company and Arabian Integral Ministration Company (Aimco) and its branches, an important players ...

Dr. William Sears to Talk on Child Nutrition & Parenting Honolulu Advertiser, HI - 3 minutes ago ... by many to be the ultimate "how to" guide to raising your child, is flying to Hawaii to discuss his latest research on nutrition and parenting. ...