Great Debate-Protein, what is enough

How many grams of protein do we need?  I have read/heard from 50g for women to 120g?  What about the guys??? I think they are supposed to be 75g to 150g? Personally, I have a hard enough time getting to 50 and that is ALWAYS with the help of a shake.

I am 19 months out and I really have a hard time because I can't eat much in the way of meat and I just can't gag down the shakes anymore.  I try to go by what my doc said and he said a minimum of 60g.  Also, it's hard to keep your calories down if you eat to high in protein, I am not trying to lose anymore but I sure don't want to gain any back after I just paid for plastic surgery. Stephanie

Hi Stephanie, Glad to see you on the boards!! How are you feeling? -Antoinette

I have always been told by my NUT everyone if different, depends if you are male or female. Do you workout, you will need more protein. You need more protein post-op than when you are a year out. I get 75g to 100g a day, depends if I am working out.  If I hit the gym I protein before and after my workout.

Jen, Kristen brings up a good point about working out.  The more calories you're burning from working out, the more protein your body needs.  For example, I started out right after surgery with 83 grams of protein per doctor's orders.  After I got into my full-fledged workout regime - including usually 1 1/2 hours cardio and an hour of lifting, I am now taking in no less than 200 grams a day.  I got this number on muscle and fitness magazine's website.  Over a year ago, they had a chart in there to figure out how much protein you needed to take in.  Hell, some of the premier bodybuilders are consuming, get this, .........350-400 grams A DAY!!!  I would say if you are doing a normal workout routine or (shame on you) none at all, just go with what your surgeon recommended.

my doc says 100 or more grams is the best. you feel better. luckily for me, i can eat alot and can tolerate all types of protein so it's easy for me to do it. physically anyway, mentally is another thing!

Good Morning Girlie! Hmmmmm my surgeon says 75g daily and I'm lucky if I get in that much. Been a little better with it lately, had gotten lax on my shakes.

Hey Doll....have an awesome day!

I started off getting in at least 70 grams of protein a day.  Now I drink three protein shakes a day at about 21 grams each and then whatever I eat on top of that.  I haven't gotten the go ahead to do full blown workouts yet so I'm holding to there.  Now one thing you have to keep in mind is that a normal body can only absorb 30 grams of protein at once and for us that number may be less.  So if you eat or drink something that's more than 30 grams of protein, that may be wasted protein.  I guess I'm getting enough of it though because I haven't lost any hair yet LOL

My Nut reccommends between 60g - 80g, and so far I'm averaging around 60g per day. In order to make that number I have to have at least two shakes. The rest I get from LF string cheese, yogurt, nuts (Almonds or peanuts) or fish.  - Antoinette