ok so I have read all kinds of info on this. Some say you can only absorb 20 gms, some 30 and so on. Anyone have the true answer? Cause if you truly only absorb 20 or so thenwhy use 2 scoops in a protein drink if we cant use it all. 

My surgeon told me anything over 30 g your "pee" out.....

Ah, the great protein debate.

The upshot is the experts (at least on this board) disagree. Vitalady (Michelle), who is like 16+ years out and makes her living selling and knowing about protein and vitamins says the optimal absorption amount is 30 grams within 30 minutes of mixing up the shake.

Pam T. who is AWESOME, blogs and is also VERY VERY knowledgeable about protein and other things says this is an urban myth and we absorb whatever we consume, but to spread it out (I think for maximum metabolizing but can't remember for sure).

So the bottom line answer is - you get to decide.

For me, I figure for sure I absorb at least 30grams. When I'm WAY under where I'm supposed to be, to the point of getting edema from lack of enough protein, I'll make my shakes in the 40-50 gram range. But I'll still drink 3 of them, because I have to get in at least 120 grams per day. And when I'm struggling with edema I need to get in more. But that's just me - I have lots of trouble keeping my levels right.

Have you checked to see what your surgeon's office said? My surgeon used to side with Michelle, but IDK if that's changed or not.

Good luck in your journey =)

There are no definitive studies that I have seen that limit the amount of protein we can absorb.  The 30 gram myth has been floating around for  a long time.  I know a lot of people say that, including doctors.  However, it doesn't mean it is right.

The key for us is sustained protein intake.   That means we should take in our protein over the whole day to distribute the essential amino acids the protein provides.  That is the best way for us to look at protein absorption.

steve

My doc and nutritionist are of the mind that you probably absorb 80% of what you eat/drink "normally" and MAYBE 50% immediate post RNY, for the first six months. With that said, they still don't want you overdoing the protein (no more than 80 grams for women, according to them) because its hard on the kidneys to process. You need LOTS of water.

I gave up the protein shakes about three weeks ago because I was sick of them. Now, I am getting 80 grams of protein daily from all my food, and I am vigilant about it. Lots of fish, shrimp, sushi, egg whites, a little peanut butter, etc. The food tastes better to me and I don't have to choke it down. I will still have a shake at the end of the day if I don't have all my protein in.

Lots of opinions and beliefs out there. I just try to get the 80 grams in and see how it goes.

 Scarlett,  I had my surgery a day after you and see that you can eat sushi.  Real sushi with rice and all or sashimi?  I haven't tried any sushi yet, but I sure would like to.  

I am eating all kinds. Mostly spicy tuna roll and I take a good portion of the rice off, more than half. I also eat the hand rolls with no rice, and the Tekka Don (raw tuna on rice but I don't eat it). Its so much protein and I love it. I did buy a California roll this weekend and ate three of the pieces with rice on them - the brown organic rice. Sushi was one of my favorite foods prior to WLS and I'm so happy to be able to eat it. I have been eating it about three weeks now. I am able to get in 30-40 grams of protein at lunch that way.

I wonder how this applies to protein from food? Probably doesn't matter to me, I'm not able to get more than 28g or so at one meal yet anyway.

This is one of those questions that cant be answered with Internet research. Much like any diet every one and every company has their own opinions. I will only listen to my Doctor and NUT about this. However...I do know that there are problems from excessive protein over a long period of time, but that the definition of excessive is different for every single person. It is based one a ton of metabolic and weight factors. Eating 30 or 40 at one time doesn't seem to cause a problem, but getting 100+ once a day only for a long period of time could develop problems over the long term, unless you are becoming an extreme body builder. What it comes down too is you doctors experience if what your answer will be based on.

Have you read the ASMBS paper on it?  They say that is only a myth.  I believe them.

Kelly