How much protein are you getting?

For a long time I have felt that many VSGers do not get enough protein. I see many post that they try to get between 60-80 grams which seems super low to me.

I should be getting at least 1g per pound of lean body mass (as all of us should), which for me is around 120 - 125 grams, but 150 would be better for my goals.

However, I've also been thinking about Brandilynn's situation a lot lately (she does not absorb all of her protein) and then saw this post today by MWG about low protein levels:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/4351098/Low-protein-levels/

and am now thinking that the futher out we get, the MORE protein we need because of faster gastric emptying. Thoughts??

Interesting ... I was told that at 125 pounds, I should be getting 50-60g per day which allowed me to incorporate more variety of foods. Of course, I am still supposed to eat protein first to "stop up the sink" so to speak.

Where did you learn the "1g per pound of lean body mass "?

When we lose weight, we don't just lose fat, we also lose muscle mass. One way to help prevent this is to consume higher amounts of protein (1-1.5 grams per pound of lean body mass). Another way is to lift weights. When i was in the losing stage, my goal was 120 grams of protein, which I didnt have trouble meeting with shakes.

I believe that we do not absorb all of the protein that we eat (have to read the thread I linked and jillybean's post to understand), therefore I think the high amounts of protein are still important, whether we are in the losing stage or not.

I'll try to find studies...

Well most days I try to get in over 100, but **** I am so damn full all the time it makes it hard.  I just had my 2 year labs done and my protein level is good.  I do usually start the day out with a double scoop of whey and that gets me 50 right off the bat.  But if I don't have my shake then I fall miserably short.  Today is a good example...I had half a large taco with eggs, refried beans and cheese on it at 10:00 am, then nothing till about 5:30.  I was out shopping and forgot about food.  Afterward, I stopped at the closest gas station and picked up a Clif bar...not very high in protein.  So, I've probably had 30gm tops today so far and is after 6 and I'm stuffed. 

I know people talk about faster gastric emptying, but I still feel full hours after eating.  I confess, I struggle with this protein issue even at 26 months post op.  What to do....

Laura

I get much less than you would approve of. I love you, but will agree to disagree with you on this one though, lol. The US has an RDA of .8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (for me that would equal about 50 g protein daily). The World Health Organization has an RDA of .45 grams per kilogram ( so about 26 grams for me)... obviously, I am not getting that low, but I think that is richer, more developed countries like ours there is a push for more protein because it pushes more meat, which is a sign of prosperity still today.. I dunno.. I just do not think the science backs up a need for such high daily intake. Love ya though!

Fawn, I think she's also looking at this from an athletic point of view.  She, like myself, is a weightlifter and it DOES take more protein to gain muscle mass.  But I don't think the average non exercising person needs over 100 grams.  I know I don't malabsorb protein according to all my labs.  At least not yet, but that may change later down the road...who knows...

Laura

Actually the science doesn't back up any side. There just haven't been enough studies. WHO and US are firmly on the low protein, high carb band wagon but it's not based on studies but on politics.

But to set out and study what are true protein needs are (rather than to confirm or deny a small theory about protein) is just something people aren't setting out to do. It's all based on making a recommendation and then seeing what happens. I find it frustrating because I'd really like to *know* not just listen to a bunch of propaganda from both sides.

My only input here is that my surgeon told me the 70g per day of protein was for life. He might tell men 80. He is a big believer in protein and thinks many people don't get enough. My younger brother the health nut does get about 150 g protein per day. He uses protein powder drinks alot but mixes them in with fruits and vegetables and a variety of thing. He is very slim. 

Next time I talk to dietician I will ask if more protein is better and why (if I can remember).

Diane