Question:
Is there a such thing as TO MUCH PROTEIN?

I'm pre-op, but trying to substitute 1 or 2 meals with the protein shakes and other 'better for me foods'. Well, yesterday I had 2 protein shakes, a meal replacement protein bar, salmon and some popcorn and by the end of the evening the protein was 105 grams. and all that with 1100 calories..but the amount of protein scared me because i wasn't sure if that OK.    — hatda (posted on January 4, 2008)

January 4, 2008
Your doing fine. Pre Op I was on a diet of 1200 Cal. and of that I was looking foir 75-95 Grams of Protein per day. Make sure that you are getting 100 Oz of water per day. I set 6 bottles a day of Dasana which is about 16 oz and work my way through them during the day. Water is important too!
   — William (Bill) wmil

January 4, 2008
My surgeon suggests 70-80 grams or protein daily. That cannot be done on the intial diet stages past surgery, so high protein shakes or protein liquids have to supplement your limited diet. Popcorn is one item my surgeon suggests be avoided. It's considered a snack food--like pretzels, cookies, candy, most nuts, etc. He does however recommend a limited amount of almonds as the only nut to consume post op.
   — Dave Chambers

January 4, 2008
Some surgeons require 80-100 grams of protein a day - so I think you are fine. Our new way of life...I don't think there is too much protein for us. LOL. They beat it into your head big time - PROTEIN! PROTEIN! PROTEIN! You go girl. Don't forget to get your fluids in each day and your exercise and don't forget your vitamins and supplements.
   — jammerz

January 4, 2008
Sounds to me like you are doing good. I think the only time you should be worried is when the protein shake or whatever you are having is really high in calories or fat. I to eat popcorn (the mini bags) for a snack and my NUT told me it was fine. As long as your doc and/or NUT ok it after surgery you should be good. Good luck!
   — juliebelle0402

January 5, 2008
I have a M.S. degree in Exercise Physiology and what I remember is if your body can't use it, you just flush it out. Protien is not stored in the body, so what ever is not used for building and maintainance will be converted into a compound that will be used for energy. If your not getting any fat or carbs. (you need a little to help in the convertion) you can become ketotic (by-product of changing protien into energy) but it is just passed out through the urine. 110 grms. of protien is not really that much out of 1100 K/cals. I too am pre-op. I have one more consult w/a cardiologist and my date will be set, probably 4-6 wks. out. Good luck and don't worry, you'll do just fine. Paula B
   — paulajaneb

January 6, 2008
It's interesting how everyone else responded, because my nutritionist said just the opposite. She does not want me using protein shakes preop; for one thing she said everyone gets really sick of them postop and ones we take now may not be tolerated postop, but more importantly she wants to see that I can make "real food" choices without relying on the shakes. I get in enough protein as a preop by having 3 meals and 2 snacks daily, with some form or protein at each. Protein bars are OK if for some reason I'm skipping a meal (I have some in my car so I'm not tempted by McDonald's when I'm hungry) but we won't be relying on the shakes forever and so we need to learn how to make proper choices and enjoy food without being dependent on shakes. I kind of equate it with those liquid diets that result in people regaining weight after they go back to food, and I don't want to be one of those who regain weight after WLS!
   — obeseforever