Here are a few things on protein.

Here are somethings I found about the importance of protein! Following your surgery, it is important for healing, as well as to aid in weight loss that you consume an adequate amount of protein. Since you are limited in your food intake, it is recommended that you consume a low-fat, low-sugar, high protein drink You can also purchase protein powder and add it to liquids or mix it into certain foods. As you are able to tolerate more and increase the variety in your diet, you should rely on high protein foods to help meet the protein goal. The best way to help minimize the amount of excess skin with weight loss is to maintain adequate protein intake and exercise with weights. Plastic surgery consultations are available for those who need to remove excess skin. Protein is an essential nutrient for cell maintenance and repair, and regulation of a wide range of bodily functions. This is how much protein the average person who hasn't had weight loss surgery needs a day. We have to double that because we only absorb about half of what we eat. An adult female whose best weight is 110 pounds, or 50 kilograms, needs about 40 grams a day. Transient Hair-Loss Hair-loss and -thinning are common side-effects which occurs in almost everyone during the first 6 months. It is very alarming, however it will not lead to baldness and it is reversible. Once your weight stabilizes and you take in more protein, the hair will grow back. Hair treatments and permanents should be avoided. Be sure to take in an adequate amount of protein. Tina

I would agree with almost everything above, except the impression that 40 grams of protein a day is enough for anyone Especially not so for RNY patients... extra is needed.... and even more so if dramatic weight loss is occurring, to prevent starvation... Talk to your surgeon or nurtitionist for the exact amount... but goal should be around 100 grams per day.

That 40 grams is for the average female not us. That's what I was saying we need double that because we only absorb half of what we take in. My doctor says we need at least 80 grams because we only absorb 40 which is what the average persons intake should be.

Yeah, but in the immediate postop period, or following any other type of surgery/injury the body's protein requirement *dramatically* increases from from it's routinely necessary amount So for brand new postops it should be even higher than that 80 grams ... and that goes for any kind of surgery, since protein is what is used to repair cellular damage associated with surgery or other tissue injury. (Note: infection is also a type of tissue injury). The 80 -100 grams should be a long term maintenance rate, not a 'healing period' rate And you are so right, most people underestimate how much protein they really need, and that causes a LOT of things like all the symptoms of malnutrition: hair loss, exhaustion, anemia, slow healing, slow weight loss, etc. Thanks for the reminder info, it's always important!

Hi, I'm 2 years/3 mos post-op, but I still think I need to keep supplementing my protein. I'm a very small-boned person (5'1", 100-105--I was at 215 to 220 before surgery) and I just don't think I should eat large enough portions to get the amount of protein I need to be as healthy as I should. Any suggestions? Thanks--Molly

I agree that all RNY patients will need protein supplements for optimal health maintenance. Not all surgeons promote that (FYI). The exact brand of protein you choose is really relative to what your system can stand without it coming up again. At any rate, the Whey protein is the best nutritionally. I have a great bit of info on the misleading ads some products display, and the types/quality of protein products, if you want I can share it with you, via email. Personally I like the Unflavored Unjury. It's a medical grade supplement, not just any "muscle man" type supplement. It's harder to get because it is primarily promoted to the medical community and certain types of patients There's a link below you can order through. I use 1/2 scoop in a bottled water with 1 pkg Crystal Lite (any flavor) and "shake shake shake".... Each time I drink it I get 10 grams protein and 16-20oz of water! IMO that's the best way to supplement. If you want you can add 1/2 scoop to your bowl of soup, or other foods It can be mixed in oatmeal or yogurt too, but dissolves best in a liquid We have several flavors of Unjury on our group online store at http://www.obesityhelplouisiana.com We have some great vitamins in there too, and using the OHLA site helps to support a local OH chapter. Thanks for asking!

Kat I agree with you on the Unjury that is the only protein I like or use. I get the vanilla, and chocolate Auto shipped each month so I always have my protien. I like to mix the unflavored in sugar free pudding that you make yourself.

Tina.....this comment has nothing to do with protein really, I just wanted to say I just looked at your new pic......YOU GO GIRL!!!!! Looking Good

Thanks Christie