Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Protein Supplements

NicoleW8ing · April 21, 2008

Hey All...

I called into a local radio show (food, weight and diet. I have some curiosity about protein-supplement alternatives that might be suitable for me once I am banded. I asked him his thoughts on Protein supplements (powders) and what he thinks are the best protein rich foods.

As soon as I got the question out of mouth and explained that I will be getting the lap band surgery, he said, "You need to think about this surgery. If you had read my book, you would know it's the wrong way. Surgery is the lazy and unhealthy way out."

Absolutely apalled at this point, I stayed silent, as I couldn't think of an appropriate comeback for public radio. The guy proceeded to tell me how such and such chapter in his book would have told me how to avoid surgery and if I would just try to change my eating habits, I could lose hundreds of pounds.

As soon as I mentioned protein supplements, he said, "Because she even mentioned supplements, we can tell just how inexperienced she is! Protein supplements are a novice's mistake!" HELLO! My Doctor has told me to take protein supplements post-op.

I explained to him I have exercised and changed life style eating, but for me, I see no progress, which is why I have elected to have the surgery. He continued to belittle my choice some more, saying that I have no tried enough, I need to read his book, and I need to delay my surgery as I haven't really thought about it.

OH, and the best part... when I called, I introduced myself and mentioned lap band. I said, "Are you familiar with this procedure?" He replied, "I'm a DOCTOR!" It took everything in me not LOL at his haughtiness on the air.

As some of you may know, this surgery took many years of internal debate by me, as I am sure is the case for most of you. Most of us have struggled with weight and tried MANY different solutions to correct the problem before deciding on surgery.

Needless to say, this guy never answered my question.

Oh, and I got a free copy of his book, which I'll be chucking as soon as it gets here. I got that free copy for answering a nutritional question correctly, so much for naivete and inexperience? Ah well...

What are y'all's thoughts on the health ramifications of protein supplements versus actual protein?

Thanks all!

:tongue_smilie:

Edited April 21, 2008 by NicoleW8ing

shortgal · April 21, 2008

I guess I would have said " Let me clarify my question, which is not should I have WLS, but rather what is your opinion about Protein supplements and what are the best Protein rich foods"?

I don't know about health ramifications, I dont think they can hurt us for part of our diet or occassional use, but when I read some of those ingredients lists... hmmmm.. what are all those things?

Fresh always seems better to me and once banded liquid Protein will just go through the band (I'm referring to the time after initial post op diet phases). I still use a shake now and then, and on fill day and used them in the first few months after banding, now I don't use them much.