Question:
I read on a profilers page that even though we eat all this protein

we are not absorbing it, and that there is a formula to calculate your usable protein based on how many calories u are eating , for example the profilers page stated thet her nutritionists said that if u are eating 60g of protein you should be taking in 1440 cals in order to use that protein properly and extra protein just means extra calories, so someone eating 800-1000 cals a day should only be getting in 30-40 grams of protein-Anybody know anything about this    — TotallyTori (posted on April 16, 2003)

April 15, 2003
Gee I never heard that. Just 60 grams of protein daily. Whatever you do get to that goal and stay there.
   — bob-haller

April 16, 2003
I don't see how you can calculate your usable protein simply based on caloric consumption. <p> 12 cups of crabmeat is 1444 calories - broken down into 286g of protein, 0g of carbs and 25g of fat. <p> 111 saltines are 1445 calories - broken down into 30g of protein, 238g of carbs and 39g of fat. <p> 0.78 cup of lard is 1442 calories - broken down into 0g of protein, 0g of carbs and 160g of fat. <p> So, as you can see, you cannot extrapolate protein, carb or fat consumption based on caloric content - there are three unknowns in the equation. <p> There is some malaborption of protein and calories (and other things), to be sure. But that varies with the amount of intestine bypass, probably the size of the pouch and the stoma (which will determine how quickly the food moves into the intestines) and the time since the surgery. The theory is that the body has an uncanny ability to heal itself and the cells of the intestine at the area attached to the pouch eventually perform some of the functions that were performed by the part of the intestine that was bypassed. Supposedly, that is the major reason that the weight loss slows down and eventually comes to a complete halt in most people - because we are malabsorbing less and less...JR
   — John Rushton

April 16, 2003
This sounds like my nutritionist. The formula she uses is not how food is composed or how much protein is in a particular food. It is simply how much protein our body can actually USE as protein in relation to our intake (most easily measured with calories). Beyond that amount, extra protein is just calories like any food, no protein benefit. It is a scientific, nutrition fact, not a theory. It is also supported by my surgeon who consistently says 40g of protein (I must admit I had decided he didn't know what he was talking about because of this site and it's devotion to 60, but it's backed up medically). I'm sure she'd be willing to explain all the details, including providing the formula, if you are interested. I find that even though I am convinced, I still have 60 as my goal because it was so drilled in here. I figure I'm going to eat calories no matter what - whether they're "usable" or not, protein sources are likely to be healthier choices. Unless I go to fruits and veggies...
   — jen41766