Question:
How much protein should you have daily?

I am 4 months post op, and exercise moderately. I want to suppliment with protein drinks. How many grams should I have? Thanks    — DENISE C. (posted on February 8, 2001)

February 8, 2001
Hi Denise, I had my surgery 4 days before you. I was told 70 grams of protein a day. Helen
   — Helen C.

February 8, 2001
This is really an individual requirement, based on the type of surgery you had and your blood work. A very common figure given is 6o grams a day. I had a RNY one year ago. I was getting in sixty or better, and when I had my blood work done my protein was extremly high, so was my B-12. And my weight loss was at a crawl. So my Doctor and nutritionis cut me back . I now try to hit in between 4o and 6o a day. I can get most of this from food. But I like my coffee protein drink in the morning. That counts for 19 grams of protein. So I have to watch closley the rest of the day. The key is to keep up on your blood work and stay with your program. By the way I had 5 feet of intestine by passed. Some one that had 7 feet bypassed would require closer to 80 grams of protein a day. Once again it depends on surgery and diet habits. I eat no sugar, very little fat. I mostly eat meat and vegetables and fruit. Hardly any starches, about and ounce each meal. And I measure every meal so that it is a half cup. I wasn't doing that before and was on a very long plateau. I also eat only three meals a day. No snacks. I hope this was helpful. Carin
   — C S.

February 8, 2001
I get a minimum of 120g a day. I hold my weight more steady and my skin feels tighter at 180g a day. I have a very extreme distal, but the rule seems to hold steady for everyone I work with. The protein supplement (if not made with milk or juice or other high sugar beverage) is a good way to get protein that can be used by your body right away. Since we have no stomach for digestion, the pre-digested proteins are more fully absorbable. There is no sugar or fat to speak of in the right ones, so ALL of those calories go to your muscle and organs. No wasted calories. And water, LOTS of water.... I did 6 1 oz meals per day during the wt loss period so that my pouch was still at the 1 oz size when I reached goal wt. But I've never counted the protein from foods. I don't really LIKE protein food, so making mine chocolate suits me perfectly!
   — vitalady

February 9, 2001
My Doctor told me to get 90 to 100 grams per day.
   — Kathy W.