Although I personally had the RNY,  I also want to provide a space for those of you who have had the lap-band as well.  

My blogs are most often targeted to emotional aspects of recovery for obesity, with that in mind, the physical foods we must choose for our particular procedure are different.

With that said, I have read a few books by a lap-band surgeon, Dr Terry Simpson. I have found his books helpful for me as well and have found his website is a great informational resource with podcast and other excellent information.   

For more information, free online newsletters, videos, podcast and more visit Dr. Simpson at www.southwestweightloss.com.

In most support group settings, there is always one main question that comes up, "How much protein you can absorb at one time?"

Most will tell you that it is about 30-40 grams, however,the fact is that there isn't any conclusive research. Besides everyone's body is different and absorption levels vary in individual cases. 

If your a lap-band patient, you'll also be interested in protein (solid) food choices instead of the liquid protein supplements.  So here is an revised post on protein choices and how many grams of protein food contain.

You can see from the chart below an average amount of protein you would consume at one meal, this could be a good guide to follow. 

After all, when we get right down to it, we eat for nutrition and energy, not just to mark off the numbers on a chart. Our focus turns from rules to returning to health and wellness.  So with that in mind let's take a look at serving sizes and how much protein each food contains. The chart below will help guide you. Remember, if you are eating smaller amounts based on your current food phase, you should be getting between 70 and 100 grams per-day.

Protein grams on this chart are based on a "regular diet" serving size.*  See "food phase" entries for more information on what a regular diet looks like. After surgery portion sizes will be much smaller. 

On average an ounce of meat or fish has approximately 7 grams of protein.  

Beef

• Hamburger patty, 4 oz – 28 grams protein
• Steak, 6 oz – 42 grams
• Most cuts of beef – 7 grams of protein per ounce

Chicken

• Chicken breast, 3.5 oz - 30 grams protein
• Chicken thigh – 10 grams (for average size)
• Drumstick – 11 grams
• Wing – 6 grams
• Chicken meat, cooked, 4 oz – 35 grams

Fish

• Most fish fillets or steaks are about 22 grams of protein for 3 ½ oz (100 grams) of cooked fish, or 6 grams per ounce
• Tuna, 6 oz can - 40 grams of protein

Pork

• Pork chop, average - 22 grams protein
• Pork loin or tenderloin, 4 oz – 29 grams
• Ham, 3 oz serving – 19 grams
• Ground pork, 1 oz raw – 5 grams; 3 oz cooked – 22 grams
• Bacon, 1 slice – 3 grams
• Canadian-style bacon (back bacon), slice – 5 – 6 grams

Eggs and Dairy

• Egg, large - 6 grams protein
• Milk, 1 cup - 8 grams
• Cottage cheese, ½ cup - 15 grams
• Yogurt, 1 cup – usually 8-12 grams, check label
• Soft cheeses (Mozzarella, Brie, Camembert) – 6 grams per oz
• Medium cheeses (Cheddar, Swiss) – 7 or 8 grams per oz
• Hard cheeses (Parmesan) – 10 grams per oz

Beans (including soy)

• Tofu, ½ cup 20 grams protein
• Tofu, 1 oz, 2.3 grams
• Soy milk, 1 cup - 6 -10 grams
• Most beans (black, pinto, lentils, etc) about 7-10 grams protein per half cup of cooked beans
• Soy beans, ½ cup cooked – 14 grams protein
• Split peas, ½ cup cooked – 8 grams

Nuts and Seeds

• Peanut butter, 2 Tablespoons - 8 grams protein
• Almonds, ¼ cup – 8 grams
• Peanuts, ¼ cup – 9 grams
• Cashews, ¼ cup – 5 grams
• Pecans, ¼ cup – 2.5 grams
• Sunflower seeds, ¼ cup – 6 grams
• Pumpkin seeds, ¼ cup – 19 grams
• Flax seeds – ¼ cup – 8 grams

*The definition of portion size is dependant upon the amount of food you choose to eat. In other words, there is no standard portion size. For example, a toddler’s portion size will be much smaller than an adult’s portion size. Alternatively, a serving size is a standard amount used to “eye ball” or to give advice about the quantity of food eaten.

Dr. Simpson is a Lap-Band specialist.  Here are a few tips that Dr. Simpson tells his patients about eating with a band:

• If you don't feel hungry for breakfast, or if your band feels tight first thing in the morning, you do not have to eat breakfast. Hot coffee or tea seems to help loosen your pouch...so drink something warm.
• Set a clock if you have to remember to eat.
• Protein shakes are not recommended by Dr. Simpson, because Lap-band only works with real, solid foods.
• He says to make sure you measure your food.
• Twice a day you should get in 4 ounces of protein food and 6 ounces of veggies or fruit (preferably veggies)
• Make sure all food is chewed well and is taken in very small bites. He suggests a cocktail fork, a salad fork or chop sticks. No food should be larger than a the tongs of the fork or larger than your pinkie fingernail. Use a small plate.
• No bread, pasta, rice, or nuts, except walnuts. (avoiding foods that are sticky or tend to swell)
• Never reheat meats of any kind. Reheating tends to dry out meat or make it too dense. Remember small, slow and easy. (the podcast are great learning tools)

For more information, free online newsletters, videos, podcast and more visit Dr. Simpson at www.southwestweightloss.com.

I have a close friend how taught me the difference between advise and counsel...advise is free...

so here is a freebie...

Dr. Terry Simpson has been doing weight loss surgery and laparoscopic surgery since 1991. He has done thousands of laparoscopic cases, and specializes in Lap-band. He received his undergraduate, graduate, and medical degrees from The University of Chicago, and surgical residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. He is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, as well as a Fellow in The American College of Surgeons. He has authored three books about weight loss surgery as well as a number of articles.

I have read all three of Dr. Simpson's books and have followed his newsletters for several years.  Although, personally I had the RNY, some of his recommendations have helped me in the past.  His suggestions seem to be sound and it seems as though is has a successful practice... with that said...I called to inquire with Dr. Simpson's office about their recommendations for Lap-band patients.

They were gracious and helpful, so I am passing on some info...hope this is helpful.

Dr. Simpson tells his patients:

• If you don't feel hungry for breakfast, or if your band feels tight first thing in the morning, you do not have to eat breakfast.  Hot coffee or tea seems to help loosen your pouch...so drink something warm.
• Set a clock if you have to remember to eat.
• Protein shakes are not recommended by Dr. Simpson, because Lap-band only works with real, solid foods.
• He says to make sure you measure your food. 
• Twice a day you should get in 4 ounces of protein food and 6 ounces of veggies or fruit (preferably veggies)
• Make sure all food is chewed well and is taken in very small bites.  He suggests a cocktail fork, a salad fork or chop sticks.  No food should be larger than a the tongs of the fork or larger than your pinkie fingernail.  Use a small plate. 
• No bread, pasta,  rice, or nuts, except walnuts.  (avoiding foods that are sticky or tend to swell)
• Never reheat meats of any kind.  Reheating tends to dry out meat or make it too dense.  Remember small, slow and easy.  (the podcast are great learning tools)

Hopefully these tips will help...yes, you can you have many more miles to go. 

Dr. Simpson has a site at www.southwestweightloss.com see the podcast.