Hypertrophy of the intestines?

Does anyone know anything about this? I have been reading a lot that the benefit of WLS which allows us to not absorb all the calories in our food will be minimized by increased absorption in the common instestins (hypertrophy) unless we drink at least two protein shakes daily to keep the intestines from thinking we are starving to death. I had an allergic reaction to the protein shakes when just out of the hospital - itchy neck, tight chest and hives. My nutritionist said NO MORE PROTEIN SHAKES and not to worry, I just need to get my protein from food, which I do with no problem. But now I'm worried about this! Does anyone (especially further post-ops) have any resources or insight? Do you still drink protein shakes? Thanks in advance.

I try to drink 2 a day but dont get them down. I do drink at least 1 a day.I am 8 months out and my bloodwork does look good. Good luck, cindy

Jennifer, I've never heard of this, I think it's bogus. In fact, we only allow our patients protein shakes during the time when they cannot yet eat enough to get the proper amount of protein through whole foods. The mantra is to avoid all liquid calories after WLS (except the exception above). Protein shakes, although healthy, are liquid calories. Liquid calories (aka Coke, Pepsi, etc.), IMO, are probably the most common cause of failure of WLS... Good luck, Dr. C The Deaconess Surgical Weight Loss Center Cincinnati, Ohio (513) 559-2545

Thanks, Dr. Curry - I was hoping that you would reply! My doctor feels the same way about liquid calories, although the nutritionist said that some post-ops drink a limited amount of juice without problems. Some also use a protein shake as a meal replacement once a day to give them a big boost toward their protein requirements. I've been doing fine getting protein in, and I feel great...I just read about this and started to worry. Since I'm not trained in medicine or nutrition, it's difficult to sort out what is bunk from what is not. I have also heard this described as "short gut syndrome" and if you google that, you can find all kinds of scary things! Thanks again - I'm going back to my tuna fish without worries.

I also had trouble with protein shakes, so I have not had one for almost a year and my surgery was 15 mos ago. Protein are bars are horrible. I eat my protein, and many days my snack is string cheese or peanuts. My blood levels are good. I am down 130 lbs, 20 to go. My only issue is an incisional hernia which I am having repaired next week. Good luck!