Kidney Problems

Sandi -

Yes, our kidneys get a workout after RNY.  It's a combination of the increased protein intake, rapid weight loss (and the need for our kidneys to process the toxins produced from fat that's burned as energy) and can also be tied to not drinking enough water.  From what I've seen it's common to see high protein levels in urine in the first several months post-op, but as the weight loss levels off and the body grows accustom to the new diet routine the levels go back to normal.
Because of all the extra work our kidneys need to do during rapid weight loss and with the high protein die****ER is essential.  We are at risk for developing kidney stones bu****er helps to keep the kidneys flushed and working at top speed.  If you're already doing 64oz then you might want to bump that up and add another glass of water a day for now.

Abnormal kidney lab results can also be related to calcium -- both what suppelements we're taking and possible bone resorption if we're not getting enough calcium. If our Vitamin D is deficient for long periods of time (which causes the body to not absorb the calcium we take) the body will begin resorbing calcium from bones and essentially ignore the supplements we're taking - which would need to be processed through our kidneys. The increase calcium output would show up in a urine test.  So check to see if they checked calcium levels in the urinanalysis.

The ASMBS Bariatric Nutrition article that Mary linked to is a good source of information.  Print a copy for yourself and read it (it's deep and technical, so take it in small chunks) and print a copy for each of your doctors. 

Pam

Thanks Pam for the info. I struggle with my water intake daily, but I make a conscious effort to drink more and more.

I am not sure if this reply makes sense  but I'll try anyway.   I have  a good friend who lost kidney function several years ago and is dependent on dialysis.   He is currently going through the process for rny  so he can get his weight under control so he can get on the kidney replacement list.     

Thanks everyone for you help and encouragement regarding possible kidney problems. 

I guess it's a little difficult to determine the cause since I don't know why my kidney function is considered abnormal.

I'm going to make an appointment Monday with the specialist and we'll see what they say.

Sandi

here is a link to some informations may be helpful too.

Hope you get feeling better


Protein and Your Kidneys