Question:
What is a good amount of protein to get a day?

I see people on this list saying things like 100 or 120 grams of protein a day, but my dietician says that only need 50 grams a day and that getting over that amount does not improve my health at all. I am confused... why so much for some and so little for me? Thanks for your help.    — Tami S. (posted on January 14, 2004)


January 14, 2004
My surgeon says we need between 50 and 60 grams of protein a day.
   — Patricia T.

January 14, 2004
Tami, It's strange that you would post this question. Check under "last 300 questions" for Not a question, but an observation... I mentioned a few things about protein. I am NOT an expert on the subject, and there are hardly any others. There are, however some members you will find here that are very knowledgeable on the amounts of protein that HELPED THEM. At the advice of a very dear friend on this website (I won't call her name, I've done it several times within the last few days) and what I've noticed others say that *they* used, I challenged it with my PCP/surgeon(s). It's best to get check with your doctor. It's between you and him. We are ultimately responsible for our own decisions. I started at 60-70g and increase as necessary., especially when the "carb demons" are after me! I'm not altogether sure taking over 120g is an especially good idea. I have learned about protein, its uses and IMPORTANCE for WLS patients, however my being non-professional/non-credentiallef at this time restricts me from actually *advising* the "correct amount". You may get get different opinions and suggestions, however the final deccision is between you and your physician(s) (PCP-primary care provider and your surgeon. Hope this helps in some way! Proximal LAP RNY 9/3/02 265/138/115-126 Hadiyah McCutcheon, a.k.a. ~~~
   — yourdivaness

January 14, 2004
Sign onto www.thinnerself.com to figure out your protein...
   — who A.

January 14, 2004
I just had an in-service today with the Bariatric team from the hospital I work for. The Nutritionist suggested 60 grams of protein daily for women and 75 grams a day for men. Each surgeon has their own guidelines, so my suggestion is to call his office or the hospital's nutritionist that performed your surgery. Good luck to you...
   — adeas

January 14, 2004
That's a very good question, and I'm sure there are a million different answers. When I went for a post-op checkup at 5 weeks, my doctor asked how much protein I was eating. When I told him I was managing about 65-75 grams per day, he told me that he wanted me to get 80 grams a day from just protein supplements, in addition to my daily food intake. This has been very difficult for me to do - I'm just now able to get in a total of 120 grams per day. I'll have to question him further at my next appointment for the reason I need to ingest so much protein.
   — Grace B.

January 14, 2004
It depends on your type of surgery AND the result you want. I personally take 180g or more of protein supplement. But then, I am very distal. And I am VERY afraid of regain & the comorbs that go with it. My doc requires 150g, but I want that safety edge of appetite, volume and craving control. If I'm stressed, I do more of it. I use it as much to meet the "numbers" as I do to hold my weight steady. I'm 9+ yrs out
   — vitalady

January 15, 2004
My surgeon requires a minimum of 50grms/protein a day. He says that our bodies can only absorb so much and anything more than that would just be wasted.
   — boonikki29

January 18, 2004
My requirement is 57g a day. My nutritionist said it was based on height and being a woman. I'm short (5' 1/2"). Everyone at the doctor's practice is given their own total. Some are low like me, others are 90g or more.
   — Dragonfly2B2

January 18, 2004
All doctors and dieticians will vary... rather than worry about what people say here.. and my dietician.. I keep track of stuff on fitday..and I look at my protein in terms of my other calories.. and work toward 50% calories protein, 25% carbs and 25% fat... that's my goal.. don't always make it there.. *grin*... good luck!
   — Lisa C.




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