How much protein is too much??

Just a curious question even though i dont have to worry about it quite yet. Dr. Bell and his nurse Linda stress the importance of getting in 50-60 grams of protein each day. Linda said that getting in too little protein will make it harder to lose weight. She also said that we shouldnt be getting in more than the 60 grams because that will also inhibit us from losing weight at a speed we should be losing at...when i look at the food posts, some people are almost double this.. any suggestions as to if there is such a thing as too much protein ????? Deanna

Deanna - Not sure about how to respond on whether there is such a thing as 'too much' protein. My personal opinion - 'too much' of anything may have a consequence. I am 9 months post-op and still stay between 60 and 90 gms of protein a day. Good luck!!! Happy New Year! Carla

Wow. All the post op patients i've talked to when talking about a plateu or a stop in weight loss usually always suggest getting more protein in, more fluids, and less carbs. Nobody at my meetings have ever mentioned anything like too much protein or whatever. My doctor hasn't either, he wants me doing 80 grams a day (which im already doing now) by the next visit. He told me that with more things you can get in it's more protein you're going to be able to have. Thats a new one to me.

All the MD's I have seen, and the dietican's stress the importance of meeting the protein requirements first and then adding in ALL food groups including carbs in moderation. Any long term eating plan that excludes an entire food group is a diet or eating plan that is unrealistic to maintain long term. I believe that if you enjoy an ocasional carb... you feel less deprived and are less likely to binge! Also be very careful in your high protein choices... many have high fat and calorie counts as well!! becky (-96 lbs since 10/1/04 )

Deanna- I think Rebecca hit the nail on the head...when adding "too much protein"...you may also be increasing your calorie count...which then will inhibit weight loss. It makes sense... Joanie

Much of the muster behind the "too much protein" chestnut comes from studies that attempted to discredit the Atkins program by suggesting that very high protein diets (that lacked any nutritional balance) had ill health effects. Of course, the culprit wasn't high protein-- it was the lack of balance. For the most part, putting your body into ketosis (by restricting your carbohydrate intake while maximizing your protein intake) will be the most effective means of burning your own fat (which is the goal, after all). The amount of calories you consume, provided your body doesn't get in many carbohydrates will not matter dramatically as the body simply does not burn all calories the same. High fat diets (assuming the eater does not have a cholesterol problem) are problematic when the body stores the fat-- however, without the trigger of carbohydrate consumption, consumer fats tend to quickly become waste products. So, the moral of the story really is that you can't get too much protein and, as long as you are keeping your carbohydrates relatively low you will lose weight effectively. Many studies indicate that the body does have an upper limit to its ability to absorb protein-- but, spaced out over the course of a day, and combined between food and protein-enriched beverages, a gastric bypass patient can easily get in at least 120 grams of protein a day wiht a little work. Also, you do not need to give in to the carb-cravings--- holding those demons at bay will not weaken you and make you more likely to overindulge. Quite the contrary, your days, and then weeks and then months of success will empower you to avoid them (maybe even laugh at them) when they call you when you are stressed, or tired or dredging up those old feelings that used to beckon satisfaction with a little carbohydrate hug. So, my advice for what worked for me is to get in as much protein as you can, take your vitamins and calcium supplements and recognize that each day being in ketosis brings you step closer to your goal. Good luck.

Hi Deanna I've asked this question too -- remember, each doctor has their own protocol and rules. Linda and Dr. Bell agree that you should not eat more than 60 grams of protein in the beginning - when you are rapidly losing weight. Once you've lost the big chunk, increasing your protein when your appetite increases is fine -- its then that you need to check your calorie intake. I usually get in around 90 grams of protein a day and 132 oz of water - and as long as I'm not eating too many calories, I'm ok. Of course, I have been eating a lot of calories too, so I haven't been doing as well as I could. Linda and I did the "protein train" a few weeks ago - eating only protein shakes and bars, and protein for dinner - and we both did really good - so the information about limiting carbs and fat is also worth taking into consideration, once you are out more than 6 months. I hope this helps to clear things up God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau