Protein guidelines

I received the BariatricEating newsletter today, and the following was information on calculating how much protein we need per day. How much protein is enough? Different surgical groups and nutritionists gives us a slightly different numbers of targeted protein grams for our post operative nutrition. However, it is generally agreed upon by medical and health professionals that the body needs about 1.25 grams of protein per kilogram of ideal bodyweight. I know I've lost many of you... kilograms and grams, oh no... but don't worry it's simple. Ideal body weight is used rather than current weight as fat doesnt need protein. In addition, ideal weight is not necessarily goal weight, as some doctors use a seemingly 'too thin' weight from a table. Let's say you are 5' 4 and your 'ideal' weight or maybe a better term would be 'realistic' weight for your medium frame is 145 pounds. Divide your ideal weight by 2.2 to convert pounds to kilos and then multiply this number by 1.25 grams per kilo. So if you should weigh 145... divide by 2.2 which equals 66 kilos then multiply by 1.25 to equal 82 grams per day. Your body needs 82 grams of protein each day to maintain muscle mass if you are even moderately active. Using the same formula, a man who has an ideal weight of 185 would need 105 grams of protein per day. I don't know where people come up with 45-60 protein grams a day as a target, but that's a one scoop shake short! Is this the correct method? How do we know? The last time I had bloods drawn, my prealbumin was 17 which I know is low and I thought I was getting adequate amounts of protein. I'm going bonkers trying to get enough protein in daily. Any advice? Thanks - Cathy

Hi Cathy, I remember from various nutrition visits with the dietitian as well as Dr. Irgau telling me that these guidelines don't really apply to us because we still have to factor in malabsorption. If we don't absorb all we eat, calculating by body weight will not take that into account. I err on the side of caution and keep my intake at minimum 80-90 grams most days, and I am two years out. As far as the bonkers trying to get it all in, get the most bang for your buck with small amounts. Those little 3 oz individual cans of tuna have a whopping 20 grams in it. Most string cheese has 8 grams each. 3 oz of shrimp has about 12 grams. Can you do shakes or suppliments of some kind? Chicken and meats usually have about 7 grams per ounce, same with eggs. Here could be an sample day: Morning: Hot chocolate made with carb countdown or milk 8 grams Breakfast: 1 egg 7 grams 1 slice cheese 4 grams snack: string cheese ( 2 if you can eat 2 oz which I can at this point ) 8 grams Lunch: 3 oz tuna salad 20 grams Snack: Protein shake ( around 30 grams depending on the kind used and what you mix it with ) Dinner: 3 oz chicken, fish or beef 21 grams small bit of veggies and whatever else you can tolerate. I usually have a small amount of potatoes or whatever. Right here you are looking at 98 grams and that's not including a snack at night yet. I usually always have something in the evening. Remember to think small portions at regular intervals and eat even if you're not hungry. We have to eat by the clock pretty much ( in my opinion ) because if most of us let hunger alone dictate, we would never get enough. A little planning ahead and it's pretty easily done! Don't get overwhelmed by amounts thinking you need overly large portions that you can't eat easily in order to get enough. Hope this helps. Linda

I try to have on a daily basis Cream of Wheat or Oatmeal with 8oz of Skim Milk and add a scoop of protein powder. This will equal atleast 32grams of Protein. I also add cheese to soups for added protein. Tofu is good for protein cut into slices and dip in a egg wash and coat with italian bread crumb mixture and bake or heat in a non-stick pan. For a quick snack at home or on the run I get the Power Crunch bars at The Vitamin Shoppe or online for 14grams of Protein ,4 sugars, per bar. At CHRIAS they sell protein Hot Chocolate mixes that I mix with 12 oz of Skim Milk (for added protein) which are quite good. Using unflavored protein powder after cooking ie:Chili,mashed potatoes(add cheese with this too),Spaghetti sauce is also another way. I hope that this helps you..... Sharon ObesityHelp Support Leader

Cathy, These guidelines I believe are to assist the people who are further out from the surgery. It gets you into the ballpark of your needs. I would suggest that you check with your surgeon's protocol for your post op timeframe to be sure you are doing the right thing. I did one of the 1-3 months support classes at PMRI a long time ago where they went over this information...Although its probably a year old and I am sure like everything else with WLS its outdated and something has changed. I know I found out the calcuim requirements that were originally listed on my nutrition sheets changed at my 18 month visit. If I did not do follow up visits I would never have known. Please call your Dr's office to be sure you are hitting the right number. Debbie