Protein and Biotin questions

What is the rule of thumb with protein powders as far as grams per serving go? Do you drink it with milk or water? Can we drink milk after surgery? I love milk! How many grams of protein should we be getting per day? The reason I ask is back a year ago I tried some protein mixes from a local gym and it was delicious- granted I have learned from this board that surgery may change my tastebuds. I am praying not. Here is the nutrition info: With 1 cup Powder& Skim Milk Calories 360 Calories from Fat 25 Total Fat 2g Saturated Fat 1.5g Cholesterol 35mg Sodium 430mg Potassium 860mg Total Carbohydrate 23g Dietary Fiber less than 2g Sugars 2g Protein 41g And what is this about hair falling out and I should be taking biotin?

Michelle, Your body can only absorb about 40 grams of protein at the most at one time. So u consume more than that it will just make expensive waste products when u go potty if u know what I mean. You need to get as close to 100 grams per day without going over. If you stay close to 100 grams u wont need the biotin probably. I was told to keep my protein near 100 and to only wash my hair about every other day or every 3 day. I did that and Ive NOT lost my hair. I actually lose less now than I did before surgery...I think becouse with all the protein and vitamins Im heathier now than before. If you have problems keep things down u might want to try the biotin. I have a friend who threw up alot and had a hard time keeping things down and she did loose her hair and has tried several of the biotin products. Im sure others will be chimming in on their experience ....this is mine. As for the milk. I had problems with milk the first week and once I changed to skim milk I did ok, Now I can drink one %. Just remember everyone is different and what u can eat this week might make u sick next week and what u couldnt eat this month u might live on next month. Your body will be going thru many changes. The important thing when picking protein powders is to watch the ingredients and look carefully for ones that dont have sugar in them. Immediatly post op the best thing for me was Profect. It was best to drink it alone for better absorption and I couldnt drink as much then so the smaller quantity worked best for me. Now I like Adkins Advantage chocolate. I also like my profect now but I put it in my Fuse drinks.

Michelle, You're pre-op, right? With you going through St. V's, they have a cocoction that they like for post-ops to try first. I don't remember the recipe anymore, but they'll give it to you at the all day nutrician class. I was told to try to keep the protein between 65-120 g/day. See? Everyone can be told something different. This really is a question for you to ask at the nut class pre-op. My protein drinks (AchievOne) are only 120 calories for 20 grams....quite a few less calories than the one you listed. Pamela was very lucky to have not lost hair. Some people however have the propensity to lose it no matter what they do. I get all my protein in AND take Biotin every single day. And yet, about 4-5 months after each surgery I have, I lose hair. I am on another round of losing from a foot surgery I had in August. I had a 2nd one in November so about the time the hair loss stops, it will start again! I DO recommend Biotin, and so do most nutritionists. I never had an issue with this until I had my RNY. Every since then, EVERY surgery I have had, I've had a mass hair exodus from my scalp. My experience has been that yes, the taste buds can & do change. So can your tolerance for certain foods, dairy included. I really recommend pre-ops to not even bother trying to find a favorite protein drink pre-op. Too many times, they'll find one they love, buy a ton of it, and post-op, it makes them . So don't waste your money. Get what the nuts tell you and go from there. BTY...my favorite 'flavoring' for their mix was lemon or line flavored sf jello. The other stuff and other flavors were either or way too sweet. Oh...and when you mix it up, if you do it in a blender, let it settle for 15 minutes or so before you drink any of it. The blender puts air into the solution and you don't want that air in your pouch causing you a tummy ache. Sherri

I am only about a week and a half post-op via St. V's, and although I love milk, I turned immediately lactose intolerant after my RNY. The good news is that Lactaid takes care of it, but just another thing you have to take during the day. I get about 80g a day of protein and it took some experimenting. The recipe that Sherri talked about from St. V's is: 1 c dry m ilk 4 c milk 4 packages Carnation Instant Breakfast (SF) I tried it pre-op and thought it was great, post-op, YUCK. SO, I do one cup of milk, 1/2 c dry milk, 1/2 banana, 1 packet Nutrasweet, and 1 Carnation instant breakfast. Then for my other protein supplement I do a Profect (only 3 oz, but 25 g). I also drink 2-3 glasses of plain milk during the day, depending on how much cheese I get in at meals. I have tried several of the mixes that you put with milk, but they just totally gross me out. SO, this is the best way for me. You just have to experiment until you find something that works. Regarding the biotin, I lost a lot of hair after each of my pregnancies, so I am guessing I am going to this time as well. I am taking biotin, but I don't know obviously if it is going to hel*****t. The dose is 300 mcg a day though if you want to use it. Best of luck! Belle

I am almost 2 years out and just started finding to many hairs in my brush.. I honestly think it is because my protien consumption.. has gone down.. so I am back on the extra cheese sticks and a glass of milk in the am before work.. that pure protien fills ya up faster anyway so... hey I love feeling full.. dont get hungry... I do Biotin daily with my vitamins.. a handfull every time I wake up.. seems to work for me.. Linda

I am 7 months out and take 2400 mg of biotin and 1 mg of folic acid daily along with my multivitamins and calcium supplements. Proteins - I like the Nectar's (cappachino and strawberry kiwi). Protein shakes - I have a Nitrotech chocolate shake (45 g protein) daily) love it Protein bars - Pure Protein, Nitrotech bars and Atkins Advantage (all within 2 g sugar requirements) Liz

I liked milk before surgery but anything over 1% upset my stomach. After surgery I tried the St. V concotion and thought I was going to die. I became even more lactose intolerent after surgery. So now I do Lactaid Milk and Soy milk. So even if you become lactose intolerent, you still are able to drink milk. As for protein I also do the profect vials. You'll figure out what works best for you as you go. Good Luck! Sam