Question:
What is the total amount of protein needed per day?

My doctor is anti-protein. I want to start protein shakes on my own..but dont know how much protein i should look for in a drink. I want soy i know that much and would use this in place of breakfast every morning. My dietition say 25 per day for me. Is this corret?    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 15, 2000)

August 15, 2000
60g is ideal for a basic protein supplement for max wt loss and good health. Made with water or other s/f beverages, not milk. Soy is not as bio-vailable (easy to absorb) or tasty as whey. Soy is also gritty and can be hard on the bowels of normies or us. Usually soys require mixing with a sugared beverage to get good flavor, but they can be gritty and thicken upon standing. It is a good protein source, but be sure you try a small sample rather than investing heavily in it. When I first had my surgery 6 yrs ago, soy was my only option. I had to sort of gear up to take them, but once I found whey, I had to count the moments until I COULD take the next one! Much easier to get smething in that you look forward to!
   — vitalady

August 15, 2000
I am concerned with your statement that your "doctor is anti-protein". Is this your primary care physician or your WLS surgeon? If he's your surgeon, I find it hard to believe he doesn't stress protein. I don't know what procedure you had (or are having), but I know that with an OPEN RNY, protein supplements are incredibly important. It is simply not possible to get all your protein in with your limited diet for quite a while. Does your surgeon have a nutritionist on staff? If so, I would definitely recommend making an appointment. Best of luck to you:) 3 months post op and 65 pounds gone forever:)
   — Paula G.

August 15, 2000
I had an rny open, distal 4 months ago. I was told to get in 80 grams of protein per day. My last lab tests showed my protein to be a little low so my Dr told me to add a protein supplement each day. I had a terrible time finding one I was able to tolerate. I finally did find a soy supplement I can tolerate if I mix it with orange juice. I know this is not the ideal way to mix it, but so far it's the only way that works for me. I use about 6 ounces of OJ, 2 ounces of water, several ice cubes, and 2 scoops of protein mix (20 grams). I have had no problem with the OJ, even though it does have more sugar than I had eaten previously. I believe that because the sugar is a natural fruit sugar, rather than refined table sugar may have a lot to do with why I can tolerate it. I tried a small amount at a time to be sure it wouldn't cause trouble first. I realize I may take some hits on this cuz it's not really "proper", but my hair was falling out pretty good & I was desperate to find a way to keep more protein in. I am four months post-op & have lost 90#. The weight is still dropping regularly. I still try to get my 80 grams of protein in the food I eat, but sometimes it's just not possible. I will now have to go try some whey supplement.My fingers are crossed that it will work for me, too. I don't know what it was about the others, but the taste really gagged me.
   — Kathy W.

August 15, 2000
25 grams a day??? That's not enough for anyone. The nutritionist I went to said: 80-90grams weeks 1-4, 70-80grams weeks 4-8. 55-60grams thereafter. If you exercise regularly, you need a little more. Since I work out most days, I get in 60-70grams. You may want to try seeing another dietician. Good luck!
   — Maxine E.

August 15, 2000
I eat 50-60 grams of protein a day and my ProBlend55 is another 27.5 with one scoop mixed in water and ice.. so 77.5 a day and most times more...
   — Victoria B.

November 6, 2006
Based on the pre-op materials I received from UCLA - there is a calculation to determine an extimate of how much protein we need. 1.5 grams per 2.2 pounds of ideal body weight. www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm
   — erinjstarr