Hydrolyzed Gelatin - Who knew it was so awesome?

In my journey to health, I try to fit protein into my meals and beverages in any way I can. 

I discovered these awesome fruity drink mixes by Bariatric Choice that taste great and aren't chalky like most protein shakes made from whey powders. I've recently bought more of these types of products from brands like Wonderslim, and BariWise and they are equally refreshing.  I was hoping to find a protein powder that I could mix into my flavored water to get the same effect without the extra cost of individual packets. I also wanted something to mix into soups and other foods. Currently I use Quest unflavored protein, which mixes well but is still thick when added to foods and drinks. 

I looked at the label of the fruity protein drink mix and discovered the first ingredient is Hydrolyzed Gelatin.  

What the heck is that? Is it protein? I decided to do some research and discovered it IS protein and so much more. Do you know what you're eating when you eat gelatin? Wikipedia reports "Gelatin is a mixture of peptides and proteins produced by partial hydrolysis of collagen extracted from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals such as domesticated cattle, chicken, pigs, and fish." 

There are many benefits to eating gelatin. Since gelatin comes from collagen of animals and we don't usually eat connective animal tissues in our diet, gelatin can be added to the diet to reap the benefits of this collagen! Many health experts explain these benefits. One article I found by Dr. Axe goes into detail. Did you know eating gelatin or incorporating gelatin powder or bone broth into your diet:

1. Improves Gut Health and Digestion

2. Protects Joints and Lowers Joint Pain

3. Helps Improve Sleep Quality

4. Lifts Your Mood and Improves Cognitive Abilities

5. Improves Skin Health

6. Helps Maintain Heart Health

7. Maintains Strong Bones

8. Helps You Feel Full 

Awesome! So back to this hydrolyzed gelatin in my fruit drinks. What is it? The term hydrolyzed refers to the processing of gelatin into a form that's usable for making a powder or drink mix. You still get the benefits of collagen, just in a different form versus eating a plate of pork tendons. There's more details of how collagen and gelatin powders are produced here. As with any healthy supplement, there's also a limit. Individual needs will vary, but most people can start off with about ½ -1 tablespoon per day of collagen hydrolysate, and increase by 1 tablespoon every two weeks or so as tolerated. According to Ray Peat PhD, gelatin can make up about 30% of total protein intake, which for the typical person is about 3-6 TBL of gelatin per day (1 tablespoon of gelatin is 6 grams of protein).

Important Note: Remember not to get too carried away with gelatin. Adding too much too quickly can cause digestive issues: bloating, loss of appetite, stomach ache are just a few side effects.

Back to my original question - can I find this in a powder form? 

Yes! Again my search led me to Amazon where I found a hydrolyzed gelatin protein powder that is affordable, unflavored, and mixes clear, and has glowing reviews of helping people with mobility, joint pain, and digestive issues. I purchased some today and can't wait to try it.

Who knew?  

The Pre and Post Op Liquid Diet

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a doctor, this is my own personal experience with the pre-op liquid diet for bariatric surgery.  I'm following my doctors instructions but your doctor may have completely different requirements.  This blog is for informational use only and should not be considered medical advice under any circumstances!

So here I am in day 5 of the pre-op diet.  This diet is described by my doctor as:

A full liquid, low fat, low carbohydrate, low sugar, HIGH protein diet for 2 weeks prior to your surgery and 2 weeks after surgery.  This is required to help shrink your liver and the fat around your stomach, making the surgery easier and safer to perform and to promote healing after your surgery.

I will include some other tips and tricks given to me below, but first, my personal experience thus far. I prepared for the liquid diet by first making a grocery list of acceptable items from the information below and then going to the grocery store and picking up everything needed to succeed.  Besides liquid, protein, milk, powdered milk, packaged protein drinks, and drink mixes I also bought several of the small blender bottles to quickly and easily mix and carry liquids on the go.  I'd also recommend these awesome protein funnels for adding protein to other soups and drinks without the mess. I also bought small 12 oz bottles of water since it was easier for me to track my water intake.

I prepared a medium sized lunch bag with all sorts of options for my work day.  I packed yogurt, yogurt drinks, soup, unflavored protein powder (for mixing into liquids without protein), carnation instant breakfast, and protein drinks.  The first day I was absolutely miserable but each day got better. My favorite dinner was chicken or beef broth with some protein mixed in and added bullion powder and seasonings for flavor.  The extra salt from the bullion also seemed to help maintain my electrolytes.  

Here is what my day looks like:
0645 - TAKE VITAMIN, IRON, B12, BIOTIN 
0700 -  cafe mocha - 1 cup cold coffee (or decaf), 1 cup skim milk (or almond milk) and 1 scoop "ISO 100" gourmet chocolate protein
0800 - Water, G2, Propel
0900 - Greek yogurt - light and fit greek toasted coconut
1000 - Water, G2, Propel
1100 - 1.5 cups of soup (Cream of chicken, cream of tomato, or other liquid soups such as butternut squash, carrot, or green - add seasoning to taste)
1200 - Water, G2, Propel - TAKE CALCIUM + D3 
1300 - Sugar free pudding w/ 1 tbsp unflavored "Garden of Life" protein mixed in (I make this the night before by mixing the dry pudding mix with one scoop unflavored protein and 2 cups skim milk, pour into three to go containers)
1400 - Water, G2, Propel
1500 - Aqua fusion protein+fiber drink mix in 10 oz water
1600 - Water, G2, Propel - TAKE B12, BIOTIN, CALCIUM + D3
1700 - Chicken or beef broth mixed with 1 tbsp unflavored protein,  
1800 - Yogurt drink (light and fit 0 sugar yogurt drink or Yakult light)
1900 - Sugar free jello
2000 -Water, G2, Propel - TAKE PROBIOTIC 

2 week Liquid Diet Secrets

• NO limit - You may have as much as you like not limited by meal times.

• Examples - The liquid choices on the sheet are suggestions.  If you find something similar to it, go ahead and try it.

• No chunks - strain out all vegetable chunks from soups.  No fruit or seeds in the yogurt.

• Protein – females 60-70 grams a day, males 70-80 grams a day.  Take in protein throughout entire day, instead of all at once. Try putting flavorless ‘Whey’ protein in your yogurt or drinks.  You can also buy shakes that have a high protein content - just make sure they are low carb and low fat.

• Fluid intake - try and get about 3 liters (96 oz.) of fluid per day.  This includes all the liquids on the list.

    Divide your liquids:

• 32 oz. before lunch
• 32 oz. before supper
• 32 oz. before bed
• 16 ounce water bottles x 6 = 96 oz.

Vitamins…

• Adult multi-vitamin with iron or child complete multi vitamin with iron – Chewable

• Calcium citrate with vitamin D – Chewable

**Remember -  Calcium and Iron should be taken 2 hours apart

   Iron should never be taken with milk/dairy products  

**Chewable, crushable or liquid vitamins are necessary for the first 4 weeks after surgery, then you may use whole pills to swallow.

Acceptable Foods

 Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials (no sugar added) blue box (HEB, Target)

 Unjury, Propass, Pure (online)

 Low fat/sugar free yogurt/greek yogurt/Dannon Light and Fit (carb and sugar control) NO FRUIT CHUNKS

 Sugar free popsicles

 Sugar free jell-o NO FRUIT CHUNKS

 Sugar free pudding

• V8 (low sodium)

 Decaffeinated tea or coffee (can add artificial sweetener, NO REGULAR SUGAR)

 Low-fat STRAINED creamed soups NO CHUNKS

 Healthy Select STRAINED soups

 Broth (chicken, beef or vegetable)

 Diet Snapple

 Crystal Light/Sugar Free Kool-aid and Hawaiian Punch

 Propel, Skinny Water or G2

 Skim Milk, Skim Mootopia (HEB product),

 Protein Drinks

 Up to 96 ounces of fluid every day! (minimum of 64 oz)

 EAS “carb control” (Walmart, Commissary)

 Isopure (Walmart, Commissary, HEB)

 Protein Powder (with less than 5 grams of sugar per serving) Unflavored protein powder is great to add to anything for extra protein!

When shopping for protein drinks, look for Low Carb and Low Fat products –

• At least 15 grams of protein per 8-ounce (1 cup) serving • Less than 5 grams of sugar per 8-ounce serving - Less than 5 grams of fat per 8-ounce serving.

Bariatric Liquid Protein Supplements: Recipes for Making High-Protein Supplements at Home

High-Protein Milk

Instructions: In a blender, mix:

1 cup skim milk

2 scoops (1 ounce) Carb Solutions or other protein powder

Sugar substitute

Vanilla or flavoring

--This recipe provides: ..190 calories..28 grams protein..2 grams fat..1 gram fiber

Variations:

• Chocolate milk: Add unsweetened cocoa powder to the recipe before mixing.

• Hot chocolate: heat the chocolate milk. Sip slowly.

High-Protein Fruit Punch

Instructions: In a blender, mix:

6 ounces sugar-free powdered fruit drink (such as Crystal Light or sugar-free Kool Aid)

2 scoops (1 ounce) protein powder

4 ice cubes

--This recipe provides: ..110 calories..20 grams protein..4 grams carbohydrate.. 2 grams fat

High-Protein Cream Soup

Eat soup when it is lukewarm.

Instructions: Mix well:

1 cup nonfat dry milk powder

1 teaspoon chicken or beef bouillon

3 tablespoons protein powder

Add enough hot water to equal 1 cup

--This recipe provides: ..200 calories..24 grams protein..20 grams carbohydrate..2 grams fat

**Choosing Liquid Protein Supplements from the Pharmacy or Grocery Store**

Read labels. Look for supplements with:

• At least 15 grams (g) of protein per 8-ounce (1 cup) serving

• Less than 20 grams Total Carbohydrate per 8-ounce serving

• Less than 5 grams fat per 8-ounce serving

Do not choose any of the following supplements. They are too high in carbohydrates:

• Regular Carnation Instant Breakfast • Ensure • Slim-Fast • Boost

**Tips for Protein Shakes**

• Non-fat plain yogurt can be added to shakes to increase protein and creaminess
• Freeze skim milk in ice cube trays. Blend these “milk cubes” with your shake to make it cold and slushy. This also adds protein without diluting your shake.
• Turn an ordinary protein shake into a vanilla or mocha latte by adding 1 teaspoon of decaffeinated instant coffee to a vanilla or chocolate shake. Or add 1 serving Sunrise Orange Crystal Light® to a vanilla shake for a dreamsicle flavor.
• If you find that you do not tolerate milk, you can use fat free Lactaid milk or soy milk to add protein to your shake. Avoid flavored soy milk (i.e. vanilla, chocolate, almond) as it contains a large amount of added sugar.

Misconceptions about Bariatric Surgery

Before I decided to apply to have bariatric surgery, I had a lot of misconceptions about it. In one Facebook weight-loss support group I'm a part of, people would ask for advice about whether to pursue it and all of these misconceptions came out loud and clear.  My close friend decided to have surgery and didn't want to tell anyone. To be honest I was concerned about her health and did a bunch of web research about problems with weight loss surgery.  The top misconceptions I found were:

1. You'll gain all the weight back! 

2. You'll have to take vitamins for the rest of your life!

3. You'll have all kinds of health problems or die during surgery!

4. That's the easy way out for people who don't know how or don't want to diet

5. You'll have problems with your pouch or need more surgery

I was able to answer each misconception by researching, asking friends who had been through it, and actually receiving this information first hand as a bariatric surgery candidate.  I'll address each item

1. You'll gain all the weight back - As with any diet or exercise program, weight loss surgery is only a tool. Yes, you'll lose a lot of weight in the first year but after that your body will adjust to its new weight, new food intake amount, and if you stop eating healthy and instead fill whats left of your stomach with junk, you will gain weight. Healthline reports this as the "Honeymoon" period and explains why this is the case here. This will happen with anyone who diets, loses weight and then returns to eating poorly.

The actual statistics for weight loss surgery show overall positive results.  Bariatric Surgery Source  reports over half of bariatric surgery patients regain weight within two years but despite the weight regain, the average patient has still kept off over 60% of their excess weight after 5 years. These are great results! The page goes on to explain how this can be avoided. 

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery also reports 

"As many as 50 percent of patients may regain a small amount of weight (approximately 5 percent) two years or more following their surgery. However, longitudinal studies find that most bariatric surgery patients maintain successful weight-loss long-term. ‘Successful’ weight-loss is arbitrarily defined as weight-loss equal to or greater than 50 percent of excess body weight. Often, successful results are determined by the patient, by their perceived improvement in quality of life. In such cases, the total retained weight-loss may be more, or less, than this arbitrary definition. Such massive and sustained weight reduction with surgery is in sharp contrast to the experience most patients have previously had with non-surgical therapies."

2. You'll have to take vitamins the rest of your life! - This is actually true. You will have to take a multivitamin containing iron for the rest of your life. The sad part about this concern is that this is something most people should be doing anyway! This was actually my least concern because I already take a daily multivitamin and many other health supplements that help me get the nutrients I'm missing from my food supply and also give me other benefits such as more restful sleep, less sickness, and heightened energy levels. I'm not really sure why people would be so concerned about this. If anything, its a great habit to get into and a positive benefit from surgery.

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery also reports 

"Bariatric operations can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals by reducing nutrient intake or by causing reduced absorption from the intestine. Bariatric operations vary in the extent of malabsorption they may cause, and vary in which nutrients may be affected. The more malabsorptive bariatric procedures also increase the risk for protein deficiency. Deficiencies in micronutrients (vitamin and minerals) and protein can adversely affect health, causing fatigue, anemia, bone and muscle loss, impaired night vision, low immunity, loss of appropriate nerve function and even cognitive defects. Fortunately, nutrient deficiencies following surgery can be avoided with appropriate diet and the use of dietary supplements, i.e. vitamins, minerals, and, in some cases, protein supplements. Nutrient guidelines for different types of bariatric surgery procedures have been established by the ASMBS Nutritional Experts Committee and published in the journal, Surgery for Obesity and Other Related Disorders. Before and after surgery, patients are advised of their dietary and supplement needs and followed by a nutritionist with bariatric expertise. Most bariatric programs also require patients to have their vitamins and minerals checked on a regular basis following surgery. Nutrient deficiencies and any associated health issues are preventable with patient monitoring and patient compliance in following dietary and supplement (vitamin and mineral) recommendations. Health problems due to deficiencies usually occur in patients who do not regularly follow-up with their surgeon to establish healthy nutrient levels."

 3. You'll have all kinds of health problems or die during surgery - Ok, first of all lets think of all the problems obesity causes. Do you know anyone who is severely overweight that doesn't also have severe health problems? Joint pain, diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma or breathing trouble, mobility issues, headaches, heart problems, high blood pressure... need I go on?  The most eye opening moment for me was when I went to my first support group and saw so many people who had just had surgery who were already off of their CPAP machines and all diabetic medications after only one month of weigh loss!!! After two months they are moving more and exercising and feeling amazing! Hearing their stories and how much their lives have changed in a positive way is so motivating! The reality is:

"As your body size increases, longevity decreases. Individuals with severe obesity have a number of life-threatening conditions that greatly increase their risk of dying, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and more. Data involving nearly 60,000 bariatric patients from ASMBS Bariatric Centers of Excellence database show that the risk of death within the 30 days following bariatric surgery averages 0.13 percent, or approximately one out of 1,000 patients. This rate is considerably less than most other operations, including gallbladder and hip replacement surgery. Therefore, in spite of the poor health status of bariatric patients prior to surgery, the chance of dying from the operation is exceptionally low. Large studies find that the risk of death from any cause is considerably less for bariatric patients throughout time than for individuals affected by severe obesity who have never had the surgery. In fact, the data show up to an 89 percent reduction in mortality, as well as highly significant decreases in mortality rates due to specific diseases. Cancer mortality, for instance, is reduced by 60 percent for bariatric patients. Death in association with diabetes is reduced by more than 90 percent and that from heart disease by more than 50 percent. Also, there are numerous studies that have found improvement or resolution of life-threatening obesity-related diseases following bariatric surgery. The benefits of bariatric surgery, with regard to mortality, far outweigh the risks. It is important to note that as with any serious surgical operation, the decision to have bariatric surgery should be discussed with your surgeon, family members and loved ones."

4. That's the easy way out for people who don't know how or don't want to diet - Really, the easy way out? Do you really think this is the first thing people who are overweight have tried? In fact, when applying for bariatric surgery, most programs require you to fill out a questionnaire explaining what you've tried. Many programs also require you to see a nutritionist and undergo a mental evaluation. I, personally, can not even remember everything I've tried as I've battled my weight my entire life. I have been in the military, I've lost over 80 lbs and regained it 4 times, I've been a fitness instructor and have helped many others with diet and exercise. But each person's journey is theirs alone and you never know what someone has been through. Not everyone can simply lose weigh with exercise and diet. The best thing you can do is provide support and remove this misconception so that people who need the help that bariatric surgery provides are not afraid to seek it out. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery reports 

"Individuals affected by severe obesity are resistant to long-term weight-loss by diet and exercise. The National Institutes of Health Experts Panel recognize that ‘long-term’ weight-loss, or in other words, the ability to ‘maintain’ weight-loss, is nearly impossible for those affected by severe obesity by any means other than metabolic and bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgeries are effective in maintaining long-term weight-loss, in part, because these procedures offset certain conditions caused by dieting that are responsible for rapid and efficient weight regain following dieting. When a person loses weight, energy expenditure (the amount of calories the body burns) is reduced. With diet, energy expenditure at rest and with activity is reduced to a greater extent than can be explained by changes in body size or composition (amount of lean and fat tissue). At the same time, appetite regulation is altered following a diet increasing hunger and the desire to eat. Therefore, there are significant biological differences between someone who has lost weight by diet and someone of the same size and body composition to that of an individual who has never lost weight. For example, the body of the individual who reduces their weight from 200 to 170 pounds burns fewer calories than the body of someone weighing 170 pounds and has never been on a diet. This means that, in order to maintain weight-loss, the person who has been on a diet will have to eat fewer calories than someone who naturally weighs the same. In contrast to diet, weight-loss following bariatric surgery does not reduce energy expenditure or the amount of calories the body burns to levels greater than predicted by changes in body weight and composition. In fact, some studies even find that certain operations even may increase energy expenditure. In addition, some bariatric procedures, unlike diet, also causes biological changes that help reduce energy intake (food, beverage). A decrease in energy intake with surgery results, in part, from anatomical changes to the stomach or gut that restrict food intake or cause malabsorption of nutrients. In addition, bariatric surgery increases the production of certain gut hormones that interact with the brain to reduce hunger, decrease appetite, and enhance satiety (feelings of fullness). In these ways, bariatric and metabolic surgery, unlike dieting, produces long-term weight-loss."  

 5. You'll have problems with your pouch or need more surgery - First of all, can we agree that every surgery has potential for complications? I found that most of the complications related to bariatric surgery are the same as that of other surgeries (such as blood clots, bleeding, constipation, problems with the incision or other problem during surgery).  The potential complications are listed by Bariatric Surgery Source - click the links for more information on each:

• Bleeding (also called “Hemorrhage”)
• Blood clots or blood clot symptoms (also called “thrombus”)
• Bowel function changes (sometimes diarrhea, but more often constipation after gastric bypass surgery)
• Bowel obstruction (also called an “internal hernia”)
• Dumping syndrome
• Dehydration
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Gallstones
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Incision(al) hernia
• Intolerance to certain foods – With a changed stomach size or digestive system, there will be certain foods that you’ll need to avoid and certain diet habits you’ll need to maintain. See our Bariatric Diet section for details.
• Kidney stones
• Leaks ( including gastrointestinal leaks and staple line leaks )
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nutritional deficiency, especially iron and calcium.  See our Bariatric Vitamins page for more information about getting the vitamins your body needs after gastric bypass surgery.
• Organ injury during surgery
• Stenosis/Stricture
• Marginal Ulcer
• Wound infection

Specifically for the sleeve surgery, obesity coverage provides a great article about demystifying surgery complications.   I like that this article starts with the benefits of the sleeve:

• It’s quicker and technically easier than gastric bypass surgery.
• It results in an average of 60% excess weight loss.
• More weight loss than Lap Band and slightly less than gastric bypass.
• Reduces hunger.
• Does not produce dumping syndrome like gastric bypass.
• Does not require band adjustments like Lap Band surgery.
• Weight loss is rapid. The majority of weight loss occurs in the first year after surgery

I hope this post has answered some of your questions about misconceptions of bariatric surgery. Thanks for reading!