protein

Hi, I had RNY surgery just a few months ago in April. My surgeon told me to aim to eat 50-60 grams of protein each day. When I let him know I was havig trouble getting that in, he assured me many people had trouble and as long as I got at least 30 grams in at a minimum I should be fine. I have been getting my 30 grams in but almost never hit 50-60 grams. Is this typical? will it hurt me that I'm not getting in enough protein? I know I should supplement with protein drinks or shakes, but I really don't like the taste and I'm already forcing normal food down and just don't want to force drinks I don't like.

Does anyone know any symptoms I should watch to indicate I'm not getting enough protein?

On the bright side, I've been doing great getting in my water. Which is another reason I don't do the protein drinks. I wouldn't be able to drink them easily like the water and wouldn't get enough liquids.

Thanks,
DeAnna

Short version: the body needs proteins to function and repair. If you do not provide adequate amount of proteins in daily diet - day after day - it will first use stored blood proteins and then start breaking muscles. Since most likely you are MO - you also may have a lot of muscle s- but even as you lose weight - you want to lose fat and not muscles.
Less muscles - lower BMR = possible lower weight loss.
add also so many other issues: slow healing wounds, hair loss, skin issue, vision issue, muscle pain and cramps (while the body is breaking down and consuming its own muscles) and so on.
First 1-2 months - you most likely have some reserves.. but now - you need to step it up and get as much as you need it.

There are ways to get proteins. Shakes are one - but there is teh Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese, fish, meat, eggs... egg whites... and so on....

when in doubt - google it

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&gs_nf=1&cp=20&gs_id=26&xhr=t&q= protein+deficiencies&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&oq=protein+deficien cies&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=fe6f8 da2d5e72e38&biw=1323&bih=897

Thanks so much H.B. I truly appreciate the info you shared. I'll definitely look up other ways I can incorporate and get the total protein I need.

All the best,
DeAnna

Hi! I know this post has been here for a while but I had RNY in 2008. Let me tell you what will happen if you don't get your protein. First your hair will fall out. Mine did at about six months till about a year. Your body will eat the muscles to survive. Then when you try to do something physical, you will be weak and shake. It is not easy to rebuild muscle.  Your body will also deplete your bones to maintain calcium and other vitamins. I was 5'7" and by 9 months post-op, my height was 5'5". My surgeon ordered a bone density test and now I have osteo. I was like you, I couldn't tolerate any of the shakes or drinks. Now that time has passed, I have found one I like. It is Premiere Chocolate. It has 30 grams of protein and will taste like a shake. I actually like it. I can only buy them at Sam's here in the Dallas area but you may be able to find them other places. Refrigerate it or even put it in the freezer for a little slushy treat. I have even made mine kinda like a popsicle. Another thing to do is mix powered milk into yogurt or pudding for extra protein. You can also make like a potato soup and mix it in there. Any extra protein you can get will help. I also ordered BeneProtein from the internet that I made into shakes for myself. I would use fresh fruit, ice, water, and a big scoop of that BP. It doesn't taste like the other stuff out there. Try banana with some peanut butter and the protein. It is great! I try to drink two shakes a day so I know I have my protein. The calorie count is low. Don't worry about the water. Better to get protein and fluid this way than not to get protein at all. The heart, large muscles, and brain can not function without protein. Take it from me....I had to do exercises for months to just be able to do a squat or situp. I still can't do a push up because my arms are so weak. Good Luck.......

Hi Slamb - thank you so much for that great feedback on the protein! I'm definitely going to experiement with the different protein powders to find one I like for a shake and I'll check out the one you recommended. I'm finally getting past some of the nausea, at least right now I'm feeling better so the shakes and drinks don't seem as much of a turnoff as they were before. Definitely scary stuff to worry about muscle and bone loss. I really appreciate you sharing that.

All the best,
DeAnna