Question:
Do all RNY post ops take protein shakes?

MY surgery is scheduled for 2/27. My Dr. does the VBG and the VBG with bypass(RNY). He has told me there is little trouble with malabsorbtion and recommends vitamins post-op. I have read so much about these protein drinks here and was wondering of all RNY's take them. Why do some and some not?    — Kathy831 (posted on February 9, 2001)

February 9, 2001
I think that the answer to your question will vary widely from surgeon to surgeon. There are no malabsorption problems related to VBG; the degree of malabsorption increases with the length of intestine bypassed (proximal RNY patients having less problem than distal bypass patients). In the very early days of gastric bypass, surgeons recommended 60-90 grams/day of supplemented protein; some surgeons today still support that thought across the board for their WLS patients. Some of the most recent nutritional data state that 35-40 grams of protein/day is adequate for WLS patients. My surgeon is internationally known for his role in RNY surgery and supports that approach. His patients take protein supplements for only the first 3-6 weeks post-op, then are instructed to concentrate on getting their protein from their diet. I am 11 months post-op, have lost 125 lbs, had minimal hair loss from months 6-8, and have had serum protein levels within the high-normal range since surgery. Some WLS patients insist that increased protein minimizes hair loss; my surgeon states that it either happens or it doesn't, and relates hair loss to the same "shock" that the body experiences after any other major medical event (surgery, childbirth, general anesthesia...). Is his approach right, and other surgeons wrong? I don't know...I can only speak to my experience and that of my daughter, one year post-op. We have done beautifully with "less" supplementation. I think the bottom line is to follow the regimen prescribed by the surgeon that you have chosen. If you trust him with your life on the operating table, then trust his judgment on your particular post-op regimen.
   — Diana T.

February 10, 2001
No, not all RNYs use protein shakes -- my surgeon recommends that we get our protein from foods -- unless there is a problem. I'm 10 months post op and down 100 pounds (nearly at goal weight). I have no problems, never have really, with eating my protein. My surgeon claims we need to learn new, healthy eating habits rather than becoming dependent upon protein drinks and bars. One thing you said in your question is odd, I think "VBG with bypass(RNY)" I know that my RNY is not a VBG with bypass, so I assume you realize that your surgeon does not do RNY -- we have no banding in our stomachs, our stomachs are separated (usually transected totally) by cutting and stitching or stapling -- no banding. I've met many, many VBG patients who ended up getting them revised later to RNY -- so please do lots of research before selecting VBG (my opinion only). Best wishes on whatever you choose. Also, I take 2 Flintstones complete a day, 500 mcg of B12 daily and my levels are normal. I don't take extra iron from the multiple vitamin because I'm post menopausal.
   — Cindy H.