What's the deal with PROTIEN??

Hi,
I'm a newbie and am having my consultation this Thursday, July 3rd and will soon begin my preparation for lap band surgery. I have been doing lots of research and reading on all these posts and keep reading about the protien issue and how everyone is using protien powder (whey best?). So I am a little confused as to why the main focus of our new diet will consist of all this protien. I have done just about every diet available and Aitkens was one of them, which did not work...so why would I want to do that again but with a band? Please help me understand this.

Its because with Lap Band, or any other WLS you are limiting your food intake. It will be very difficult to get enough nutrients in the day when you achieve good restriction.

So, when you are eating you should always make sure you are getting enough protein first. Sure you will still lose wieght if you don;t get enough protein, however, you will also be losing lean body mass which is very bad for your metabolism and your overall health.

Therefore protein is the most important nutrient for us.

Protein is a building block for your body, and will help you heal after surgery. In addition, it's a necessity for healthy life. Without adequate protein, there could be fatigue, hair loss, muscle wasting, poor wound healing, dry & scaly skin, and poor resistance to infection.

My surgeon told me that he wants 70-80 grams of protein minimum daily. I haven't had a problem getting that in at all.

My doctor says only this: eat your protein first when you eat a meal. Since you are going to have only 4 to 6 ounces of food at one time, then you want to take care of your biological needs first. Fat loss/weight comes off of the entire body, muscles included. So give them protein to rebuild themselves and then eat the other foods. Just always eat the protein first. That's it. Nothing complex! Good Luck!!

Secondarily, protein will curb your hunger, while carbs will fuel it. If you eat adequate protein you will find it easier to avoid binge eating and severe hunger pangs.

Thank you! This all makes sense now
Another question: so if protien does all this for our bodies and we eat it first....do you eventually still have room to eat some fruits/veggies etc? I have read all the posts that is common to start taking a chewable multi vitamin because it will obviously be difficult to eat all the necessary nutrients. Are there any other vitamins that should be taken to balance out what the body needs?

My nut has me taking a chewable multi vitamin and a B complex daily. I have to be careful and not intake any Vitamin K (interfers with blood thinners I take for a cardio problem)so I take the Flintstones chewables.