Anyone familiar with Chitosan?

[bella5425 0]

I am interested in trying the supplement Chitosan to help get my cholesterol under control. It works by forming into a gel and when you eat about 50% of the fat you consume sticks to this gel and it's not digestable so it comes out through bowel movements. One of the bonuses is that you can lose a lot of weight but I am wondering if anyone has used it w/ the lapband and whether or not it causes things to get stuck in there b/c it forms into a gel. i asked my md and he said it probably didn't work and to go another route to try and lower my cholesterol but i really want to try this chitosan. anyone familiar w/ it? Pros....Cons?

thanks

Bella

[Barbwired 13]

Is this the same as Alli? Because I've wondered if that's possible to use with the band too.

[BetsyB 9]

It's not the same as Alli---it's made from crustacean shells that are alleged to glom onto fat and remove it (and its calories) from the body. Only, it doesn't do this--the claims are false.

I would be very reluctant to take chitosan---not just because it causes things to clump up (and therefore might become stuck), but because it's claims regarding fat are unfounded. Well, not just unfounded---proven false. The FDA routinely issues warnings to its makers/promoters regarding this claim. It does NOT do what it is purported to do.

Further, it may interfere with the absorption of Vitamins and minerals that you DO need.

Look, you have a gastric band. Your stomach space is finite. First, you don't want to fill it with crustacean shells when your body needs other things. Secondly, wouldn't it be a better approach to tailor your eating to fit your fat/cholesterol limits? There's not that much space---you can fill it with healthier food, and do great!

If cholesterol is a huge concern, and does not respond to diet and exercise changes, it's time to talk to your doctor about medications that have passed muster and are known to reduce cholesterol.

(Chitosan does help blood clot. It's used in bandages. That is its only real medical use.)

[bella5425 0]

thank you for your information. i will take it under consideration. i do eat very healthy but cholesterol is found in animal products primarily and i drink a fair amount of milk and eat fish which is why i am having an issue with cholesterol. i cannot exercise right now due to severe spinal trauma and a broken tailbone although i am in physical therapy three times a week. i eat approx. 900 cals a day which is how i have lost 140 pounds in the last year. thank you again for your info but i am eating very healthy and was just considering secondary options.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's not the same as Alli---it's made from crustacean shells that are alleged to glom onto fat and remove it (and its calories) from the body. Only, it doesn't do this--the claims are false.

I would be very reluctant to take chitosan---not just because it causes things to clump up (and therefore might become stuck), but because it's claims regarding fat are unfounded. Well, not just unfounded---proven false. The FDA routinely issues warnings to its makers/promoters regarding this claim. It does NOT do what it is purported to do.

Further, it may interfere with the absorption of Vitamins and minerals that you DO need.

Look, you have a gastric band. Your stomach space is finite. First, you don't want to fill it with crustacean shells when your body needs other things. Secondly, wouldn't it be a better approach to tailor your eating to fit your fat/cholesterol limits? There's not that much space---you can fill it with healthier food, and do great!

If cholesterol is a huge concern, and does not respond to diet and exercise changes, it's time to talk to your doctor about medications that have passed muster and are known to reduce cholesterol.

(Chitosan does help blood clot. It's used in bandages. That is its only real medical use.)

[Jachut 487]

The benefits of it are speculative at best, and personally, I wouldnt take the chance with a band, of taking any product that's going to bind up, clump etc.

With a healthy diet in moderate portions, your cholesterol levels are going to improve. And you can try some of those plant sterol spreads too on a regular basis. Oats are wonderful for reducing cholesterol as well.

I agree totally with Betsy - if those measures dont work, then its time to speak to your doctor.

[BetsyB 9]

I wasn't suggesting you don't eat well. Really, chitosan doesn't work for cholesterol--that was my only point.

But if milk is a staple, can you pare down on servings or switch to something like soy or almond milk (less fat, no cholesterol)? Sometimes, little tweaks and shifts to non-animal sources makes a big difference. (The Almond Breeze and Silk almond milks in the refrigerated case with the milk are awesome.)