Question:
How long do you have to worry about cramming in all the protein? Permanently?

I know that it's important to maintain protein intake while you are losing weight so that you don't lose muscle, but after you're done losing, do you have to eat as much protein or do you cut back? I thought taking in too much protein was hard on your kidneys.    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 27, 2001)

October 27, 2001
It depends on the surgery. They are all different. It's best to check with the surgeon who will be performing your surgery. In my experience with the Duodenal Switch, I only require 40-50 grams of protein/day. This keeps my protein levels normal with no additional supplementation. Good luck to you..
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 27, 2001
From what I understand, you have to supplement your protein during the first 6-8 months, because you simply cannot get in enough protein unless you're really careful. Around 8 months or so, your portion sizes grow quite a bit. You'll be able to start eating about 1000-1200 calories or even more. When this happens, you won't have to be quite as careful about counting every gram, but you'll have to keep an eye on your diet for the rest of your life to ensure you get adequate nutrition.
   — [Anonymous]

October 27, 2001
I'm 1 year post op and still suppliment protein. I'm not fanatical about it but I find that if I suppliment 60 grams each day then I'm not as hungry, not as likely to graze, I avoid plateaus more and I feel better overall. Supplimenting 60 grams assures that I get all the protein I need plus some extra in the food I'm eating (we don't absorb all the protein we get in food). My protein levels are always perfect when I have bloodwork done. I eat normally and enjoy life - supplimenting the protein is just a bit of added insurance. Good Luck To You!!
   — ronascott

October 27, 2001
In our WLS classes, we were taught that protein first should be a lifelong rule for us. If you slack off and don't get enough, you will start drifting back to carbs instead, which will end up helping you regain weight. Also, if your body doesn't receive enough daily protein, it does begin to burn muscle (including heart !!), so yes, you will always need to remember "protein first". You compensate for the increased load to your kidneys by always trying to get in 64 ounces of fluid a day. Remember, this operation changes your entire life, you will always have to take the vitamins daily, too, or you WILL definitely end up with deficiencies that affect your health. This life-changing procedure cannot be "forgotten about" after a couple of years, or your health will suffer. Good luck to you !!!
   — Lisa D.