Too much protein??

Hi all, So I'm 3 days post op, and am getting my protein in by about 4pm (usually at least 35-40g).  I'm going to check w/the nutritionist on Monday, but can I get too much protein?  Can I still drink the protein drinks into the evening, or should I just be doing other sf/decaf/low cal drinks?  Just wanted to get some advice from you all. Thanks, Jennifer

It takes *alot* to have issues with too much protein.  For a healthy adult, we are talking somewhere around 200g per day before kidney function begins to deterioriate. I shoot for 100-120 per day as a general rule, and if I'm nursing a sports injury, try to add another 20 in there for extra healing.

Thanks Andrea--I figured I was ok, but just wanted some reassurance.  BTW, I didn't have a chance to speak to you last Sat, but you're looking great!  And your lil' ones are adorable as ever!! Jennifer

From this article (which is a boring read, but worth the time): http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/15 50-7289/PIIS1550728908001639.pdf Current clinical practice precommendations for protein intake after surgery without complications are conisstent with those for medically supervised modified protein fasts.  Experts recommend up to 70g/d during weight loss and very-low-calorie diets.  The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is approximately 50g/d for normal adults.  Many programs recommend a range of 60-80 g/d total protein intake or 1.0 - 1.5g/kg ideal body weight, although the exact needs have yet to be defined.  The use of 1.5g of protein/kg ideal body weight/day after the early postoperative phase is probably greater than the metabolic requirements for noncomplicated patients and might prevent the consumption of other macronutrients in the context of volume restriction. ... During the early postoperative period, incorporating liquid supplements into the patient's daily oral intake provides an important source of calories and protein that help prevent the loss of lean body mass.  Experts have noted that adding 100g/d of carbohydrate decreases nitrogen loss by 40% in modified protein fasts.  One popular myth is that only 30g/hr of protein can be absorbed.  Although this is comonly found in both lay and some professional reports, ther eis no scientific basis for this claim.  It is possible that, from a volume standpoint, patients might only realistically consume 30g/meal of protein during the first year. (BTW, thanks :-)

My nutritionist told me to go for 60-80grams of protein a day and to not exceed 100. In fact she said if I hit 100 she wants me to call her so we can go over what I am eating.  Too much protein can affect your kidney function.

Thanks--don't think I'm going over 100, so hopefully all is ok

I think too much of anything could be a bad thing, but I wouldn't worry that you are taking in too much postop bypass surgery.  Most of us have to struggle to get enough in ... so congrats on doing your job!   My doc told me recently to increase my protein intake.  I've been shooting for and reaching the 60 mark, but they're now saying 80-100.  I'm trying, but some days I don't get there.  I drink a shake in the a.m. and a shake in the evening and that will give me 70, depending on what I've put in them.  I use Calorie Countdown and a scoop of protein powder, and then add whatever else strikes my fancy at the moment.  They average around 34 or so of protein that way before the add-ins. 

Thanks Dena--good advice about adding the extra protein powder.  I'll have to remember that when I'm a little further out.

wow I feel bad my Doc. said 40-60g for the first 3 months.... I better increase!

This early out I wouldnt worry about too much protein. Further out you can have too much protein - if you eat more than your body needs it gets stored (hello - fat!)... its important as time passes to eat balanced and get your calories from not only protein but fruits, veggies, grain/starches as well. Medically wise you shouldnt worry about too much protein thou - especially with the limited amounts we can consume for the first year or so its hard to overeat.  35-40g of protein is extremely low - if you can get in more at this point I suggest you do, unless your NUT advises otherwise.