MD says No protein drinks....don't worry about protein

I am a new post op, but my husband also had lap RNY 6 months ago.  My MD DOES NOT want us to drink protein drinks.  He says the extra protein is hard on your kidneys and makes hydration very difficult.  I know this is true of protein due to my nursing background.  I am a little concerned though since everyone on the board focuses on PROTEIN!!!   Let me know what you think.  I would like to know if any other MD's are using this theory too.  He does encourage you to eat your protein rich foods first but no protein drinks. Thanks!!!

My surgeon does not encourage them either...though, I did use them (and, still do) when I needed to, with his knowledge. ~~Sherry

My doctor didn't tell me "No Protien drinks" but he did tell me after 3 months I didn't need them anymore.

But when I stopped the shakes, I stopped the weight loss. And there was no way for me to get enough protien in a day without them. I have stalled my loss right now, because I have stopped the drinks in the past month and a half.

Dame Tooter doesn't drink shakes. She can help you find ways to get all your protien in without shakes....she's awesome.

3 doctors and none want me on protein supplements.  I can eat protein bars if I want as a way to add extra protein to my diet - and if I find I absolutely can't get at least 50 grams a day of protein in, then yes I am allowed to supplement.  Otherwise, they want me to utelize food.  Have done so without problems.

I've been told since day one that I'm able to start getting protein from food to go that route.  Many people on the boards are advised to use protein supplements.  There are also those who simply cannot get the full amounts needed by food alone and have to use supplements to get the required amounts.  Protein is very essential for healing process so many will recommend them in the beginning stages as you are on liquid stage usually at this point and getting in the amounts needed is often very hard.   Also many people are recommended often times by their plastic surgeon to supplement to assist in the healing process after plastic surgery.

Jennifer, Some of it is- "Man Bites Dog!!!"

Since Protein Supplementation is the thing that is most "out of the ordinary" For most folks. It gets the most "chat." More people here are likely to be eating Pickles somewhere in their intake, But you rarely see a post about it.

My Doc also wants his patients to focus on Protein Rich Food Sources As opposed to "shakes" and such. Early post-op stages he suggests them to get protein levels up To speed healing, But when moving to solid foods, he recommends actually "Moving to Solid Foods."

There are Message Boards that are extensions of Supplement Sales Sites,

And the free exchange of people from those sorts of – "Must buy these products to succeed" boards to this one Generate a sort of "cross pollination" of information from Surgeons With information coming from "Salesmen/Women."

Many Long term Post-ops use protein supplementation on an

"As needed" basis to get their total protein requirements. Sometimes it seems that "Post-Ops Live on Protein Shakes!" And obviously just from the first several replies here, That is not the case for most.

Above all- Do what YOUR Doctor recommends for you.

Best Wishes - Dx

My surgeon also does not recommend them..BUT he does understand that while his advice is always appreciated..he does realize that his advice isnt law.. Despite his encouragement of his patients to get their protein from food sources..he totally understands if someone chooses to supplement.. This will probably get me yelled at but hey..thats ok with me.. As postops..we need to make choices that are right for us.. While our surgeons are wonderful people who help start us on the path to a new and healthier life..they are not the end all..they can advise you..they arent your boss nor your keeper..depsite their advice you still need to decide what is best fro you and your health.. If I could not get my protein from food..of course I would supplement..and if my surgeon (who is one of my bestest friends) told me not to do supplements..i'd tell him to kiss my arse..because despite his wisdom..he doesnt have the right to dictate.. And besides..its a protein supplement we're talking about..not twinkies! Just use common sense..if you feel you need a supplement im sure you can use them to satisfy your protein and dietary needs. My surgeon also feels that too many shakes are unnecessary calories (most people dont realize just how many calories protein shakes can have) and when you only use supplements..or use supplements in place of food..you are not getting the benefits of the other nutrients that come from the food..not just the protein and the fiber..we need fiber..too many shakes/supplements can be very binding.. I guess i'm saying to do what works for you..if you can..find a nutritionist that is well versed in the needs of a bariatric patient..most surgeons dont know that much about postop nutrition.

My doctor and nurse practioners do not reccomend protein supplements or the drinks.. Actually they stress not to use them at all. They suggest getting the protein from the foods. They say not to worry about it so much in the beginning ( I am 2 months out) because our bodies will use some stored fat for awhile. THey stressed to take the vitamins and calcium pills. Once they do the bloodwork check (about 3 months after surgery) if it shows that I need more protein, then they will reccomend to add a shake or a bar or something. Personally, I find it very difficult to get ina lot of protein without the supplements but I am trying to follow the docs advice. I think because of the lack of protein, I have less energy to exercise and stuff.  I am about 9 weeks, some of the stuff I can actually eat...does not have a lot of protein. I still cannot handle chicken.. well very rarely..and then only 1 or 2 bites. I am sure as time goes on I will be able to get more substancial proteins in so I will not be sluggish when I should have energy. Oh, the part about the protein drinks.. the doc says because it is a drink, it will not stay in your stomach very long..so you may get hungry again sooner then sticking with solid food.

Thanks for all the responses...I felt like I was the only one not drinking the protein shakeS!

I didn't drink shakes for very long, but you DO want to get that protein in.  Not enough protein leads to lots of problems - for me the biggie was hair loss.   It came out in handfuls!  Also as one other poster said, less protein can mean less weight loss.  If you can get all the protein you need by eating foods, more power to you!  Many of us can't, which is why we do the drinks.  Best of luck to you as you begin your journey.  I wish you success.

Bekki