21 Mos. Out - Too Much Protein?

I will be making an appointment with my Nutritionist in the next few weeks, but wondered if anyone knew if there was a physical danger to us by taking in too MUCH protein. I have been having 20-24 oz. of fish/meat protein almost every day for a year now, and am hoping this is not harmful. I quickly read a post last week where someone mentioned their doctor being very upset with them because they took in so much protein. Any information on this? Many thanks. Linda.

20 to 24 oz of protein a day from REAL FOOD is certainly NOT too much protein to take in. You could easily get 20 in a shake alone if you wanted to... An average goal is 40 to 60 grams a day. You CAN take in too much protein-- but it's an excessive amount- I can't even remember the figures I've seen- not a normal to modearate amount of protein that you need to worry about. If anything, I think that 20 to 24 oz is in the conservative side for a pos-op. Good luck in your appt! I don't remember the post about too much protein, but maybe someone else will.. Best, lisa C

Some old studies (which were very limited and may not have adjusted for the very unhealthy diets that were contributing to the subjects' high protein intakes) linked excess protein consumption to increased risks of renal failure. But, there doesn't seem to be any link between the modest amounts of protein we consume daily (in the 60-140 gram range) and any adverse health effects.

Hi, Linda! This past Mon. night our support group meeting at Middlesex Hospital was run by the program's dietician, so I brought up your question about too much protein. Her response was that she recommends that post-ops have 65-70 grams of protein a day, but that up to 100 grams of protein a day wouldn't be harmful. Regularly consuming more than 100 grams a day could stress our kidneys. Also, she discussed the importance of having some carbs in our diet, which she said the body uses for energy. If we have no (or very little) carbs, then some of the protein would be used for energy and not used in the manner that our bodies normally use protein. You wrote that you have 20-24 oz. of fish/meat protein a day. Depending on what type of fish or meat you're having, it has 4-8 grams of protein per oz., so 20-24 oz. would provide 80-192 grams of protein. Most fish and meat fall in the range of 5-7 grams of protein per oz., so more likely your daily range is 100-168 grams of protein. That seems to be a little high. When you've had your periodic blood tests, have they checked your protein level? Has it been in the normal range? It seems that you definitely should discuss this with your nutritionist. Please let us know what she recommends. It's helpful to hear what the various professionals have to say. Debby