Comparison of Meal Replacements Versus Protein Supplements and Utilizing the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) Method

The PDCAAS has been adopted by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the World
Health Organization (WHO) and is currently recognized as the standard method to evaluate
protein quality. This study will also examine patient tolerability, satiety, and
satisfaction while using meal replacements versus protein supplements. This research study
looks to gain knowledge on the varying qualities of protein and find the most effective
protein supplement and/or meal replacement that provides increased patient compliance and
promotes a healthy recovery.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Persons that are scheduled to undergo the adjustable gastric banding (AGB) surgery
utilizing the AP Lap-Band System.

- Not having any medical confounding factors as described in exclusion criteria.

- Willing to comply with food and exercise logs and comply with the full-liquid diet,
both pre-and-post-operatively.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Persons who are not undergoing AGB surgery or are unwilling to comply with study
methods or are medically not eligible.

- Taking diuretics

- Have been diagnosed with unstable diabetes, unstable neurologic conditions, unstable
cardiac conditions or gastro-intestinal disorders, renal dysfunction, wounds, and
autoimmune disorders that may increase protein needs.

- Uncontrolled gastrointestinal disease, such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis,
Celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis.

- Active malignancy

- Patients will also be excluded if pre-operative vitamin deficiencies are not
corrected by surgery.