Protein Question/How many grams used???

This was floating around on the main board a couple days ago, and I would like the "official" answers!  I use the 42gram protein bullets for my supplemental protein, and have been happy to meet my 60 grams of protein a day all but ONE day post-op.  Now there is information that we can only process about 20 grams of protein "at a time."

I began by sipping 1oz (of 3 oz) at a time, between meals, but have recently started to add the 3oz. of protein to 14 oz of water, and drinking it between meals.  I am a huge water drinker, so I may drink that down in 30-60 minutes. IF it is true that we can only metabolize 20 grams of protein "at a time" what is considered the time length of "at a time"????  Is half of this protein being wasted?  Should I divide it up between two bottles of water? If it is not so true, does it matter????

Again, confuZed, Linda

Can you tell me where the post about 20 g protein is? Thanks! Danielle Halewijn RD eNutritioncare.com

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/a,messageboard/action ,replies/board_id,4856/cat_id,4456/topic_id,3391956/

I finally found it!  I guess it was 30 grams of protein...I should have looked it up before I asked the question!  But I would still like to know!  Thanks!  Linda

Here's my dilemma.  If I'm understanding the info you are asking about, there is an idea that only 30 g of protein can be metabolized at a time.  Protein metabolism is described as a "protein turnover cycle".  Proteins are continuously degraded and resynthesized - it's like recycling but with key amino acids that can speed or slow the system. I am clicking on the link & just not getting it.  Was this a post on a message board? If so, which one?  I am very curious where this information is coming from and would really like to look at the source before I comment on it.  My curiosity is definitely piqued! Please help me find it! Thanks! Danielle Halewijn RD  eNutritioncare.com

The original post was by IowaHouseFlipper, 4 days ago, mentioning a 60 gram protein drink from GNC. The replies to her information included folks saying that you can't metabolize/use that much in one sitting, so much of the 60 grams would be wasted.

Yes, I was wondering if it is true that only 30 grams of protein can be metabolized at once, how long you need to go between protein intakes, in order for those 30 grams are used and the body can take in more.

What effect does so much protein have on the kidneys?  Again, how much spacing between 30 gram doses would be needed to protect them? (Assuming that you are taking in at least 64 oz of fluids each day?

Hope this clears this up, so the question is answerable!

ThankZ, L

I wanted to let you know - I have been actively researching this question. The answer I come up with is that this whole 25-30 g protein per serving is a myth.  There is no data I can find to support this claim.  In the research, I find nothing.  To the contrary,  I find info supporting my original idea - protein metabolism is a dynamic process and is not limited by volume as suggested.  Protein synthesis in your body IS limited by the quality of protein you consume. The additional idea that only body builders need more protein - well don't you think a protein starved RNY patient has needs at least equal, if not in excess of that bodybuilder? Protein & the kidneys - the protein load only affects the kidneys if you have kidney disease.  For regular folks, get your fluids and you will be fine! If someone disagrees - please take me to school!  But don't come back at me unless you have reliable, peer-reviewed data!  Heresay and 'someone said' doesn't cut it! My advice - get your protein in and ignore the people who think they know how much protein you can absorb!  You are fine! Danielle Halewijn RD eNutritioncare.com

THANK YOU!!!  You are such a godsend to this forum!  I only wish that more folks knew that you are here, as there is so much rumor and false information (I call it WLS Urban Legends) that seem to STAY on the main forum, and soon folks think it is true.  IF so many of us were not stuck with VERY POOR excuses for nutritionists, I suspect this would change!  In the meantime, YOU are changing this, for the good, every day!

Thank you to ALL of the nutritionists who contribute to this board!

Sincerely, Linda

I don't disagreee.  I've been at this for 6 years now (5 years post op) and have done enough research that I should have a degree!  What I've found over the years, is there is no way to know for sure about any of this stuff.  Most of the research testing done is with non WLS patients.  So I take it all with a grain of salt.  I try to think of the mal absorbtion factor for myself when reading studies. No one can know, or tell me how much protein my body can abosrb at one time.  My primary 'absorbtion' depot has been by passed.  My belief is, my body 'makes up' for the bypass by increasing absorbtion farther down in my digestive tract.  No proof....just a theory.  I don't worry about how much protein I can take in at one time....I just spread it out over the day, just in case.  Plus, I don't take in so many calories at one time that way.  I figure as long as my labs are good, then I'm doing it right. My cousin is a 12 year kidney transplant patient and she has to watch her protein intake like a hawk.  She only uses whey protein now because it causes virtually no damage.  According to the Mayo Clinic, most Americans take in way more protein than needed on daily basis and if it caused kidney disease then it would be rampant here.   I also read a lot about calcium supplementation.  Thats another 'debate' that I don't get into.  I have done research on that too....I generally go by the Mayo Clinic findings and not crap someone posted out there as fact. There seems to be a coorelation between protein intake and calcium supplementation that I think is interesting.   The study tracked post-menopausal women for 2 years, and found that women who consumed less than 550 mg of calcium daily showed bone loss similar to those who took in as much as 2000 mg a day.[15] At the Mayo Clinic, Dr. B. Lawrence Riggs measured bone densities and calcium intake in women for more than four years. Reporting his findings in the August 1, 1986, issue of Science, he noted, "We found no correlation at all between calcium intake and bone loss, not even a trend."[16] The calcium loss of osteoporosis is aggravated by animal protein, sodium, caffeine, tobacco, and sedentary lifestyle; calcium intake is a much less important factor. There is so much to this we don't know.  There are so many myths and beliefs out there it isn't funny.   The one thing I do believe is that each of us has to be pro active about our health and what this bypass can and will do for us.  It's a different lifestyle thats a fact.  Thanks for all the good info...and I'm glad I found this forum.

I can offer a little insight into the protein/calcium issue.  Protein acts as a transporter of many nutrients in your body, it's like the bus that travels all through your system.  Calcium rides the albumin bus through your body - it is transported by protein.  Clinically, before we determine if a patient is calcium deficient , we first have to correct for a low albumin level. You are also correct that your body adapts to the malabsorption.  For all of the areas that were bypassed, your body will create new areas to absorb nutrients  This "adaptation" process starts in the first few months and can take many years to complete.  The research for this is well documented in patients that have had their intestines partially removed either due to disease or trauma.  The research for WLS is getting better as we have more years of the high numbers of procedures performed each year.  Alot ot the scary info coming out now is in regard to deficiencies caused by people not continuing their supplements.  My mantra to all post-ops - take your vitamins! Thanks for appreciating what we're trying to do here.  It's nice to know we are making a positive impact.

regards,

Danielle Halewijn RD / eNutritioncare.com