Protein is one of the three major categories of nutritional content - the others being carbohydrates and fats. Protein is necessary to build and maintain many vital parts of the body including muscles and the viscera (internal organs).

In general, most obese Americans have a diet that has relativvely too little protein (i.e. too much fat and carbohydrate). This leads to the paradox where a person can be both obese and malnourished. A good goal for protein intake is 40-50 grams of protein per day - and protein should constitute approximately 25-30% of the total calories.

Protein can be found in a variety of foods including meats and fish, and certain vegetables such as the legumes (e.g. beans).

Protein can be added to the diet by taking a protein supplement. This can be in the form liquids enriched with protein - protein shakes - or in powder form. Post-operatively, WHEY protein is preferred because it can be consumed with fewer calories than protein shakes. Again, the goal should be a total of 40-50 grams of protein a day.