Question:
Can someone explain why protein is needed?

I'm wondering why the huge focus on the amount of protein that is needed post RNY? It seems that 60 grams/day seems to be the magic number here. I know that many days pre-op I did not get that much protein in. And yes, I know what foods have protein and how much protein. And I know I was not eating many of those foods pre-op! For RNY my surgeon does not push protein. He says to include a good source of protein in each meal but if I add up his sample meal plan it has around 30 - 35 grams of protein in it. Now for the BPD/DS surgery he definitely does stress protein, but not for the RNY. He does a very proximal RNY, about 1 foot bypassed. So....where is the protein absorbed? If it is in the stomach, then why is protein stressed more for the DS surgery since they have larger pouches? If it is the intestine, then it seems the amount of protein absorbed would be greater with a proximal and less with a distal RNY or DS. I'm talking about 'food' protein, as opposed to supplements which I read are more easily absorbed. I'm not questioning the need for protein in general, I know it fuels our body and muscles, etc. But why do we have to focus on it so much more post-op RNY than pre-op other than we eat less of everything post-op.    — Karen F. (posted on May 25, 2001)

May 25, 2001
Go to "vitalady.com" she has a very good explination on the subject of protein!
   — Dennis J. B.

May 25, 2001
You asked WHERE? Digestion occurs in the lower stomach, locked away forever with RNY, some use left with DS. Absorption (of well digested foods) occurs primarily in the first 12-18" of the intestine. So, again, even a short proximal is missing the first 2 helpers (digestion, best absorption point). Part of the focus is volume, yes. Part of it is the lack of digestion and some is the malabsorption. Now why is it more important post? I've wondered about this. Years ago, when I used to consider protein to be a T of grated cheese & 2 courtons on my salad, NO ONE corrected this thinking at all. Not one doc, no nurse--nobody. I did this for 7 years. Never was much of a meat easter. I cannot believe that I didn't suffer more damage than I did due to protein deficiency. Part of the problem is that we expect docs & nurses to know way more about nutrition than they do. And many will admit that their sum total of info is less than 7 hours of class + "opinion". They never did learn much about SUPPLEMENTAL nutrition--the field doesn't really exist. So, I tend to think that no one bothered to correct my pre-op ways for the same reason the other stuff went undiagnosed: who cares about another fat girl? Could be that I am becoming crotchety in my old age, but that's what I see with hindsight. No one told me to consume calcium during any previous weight losses, no one told me to be sure to hold protein levels up so I'd lose fat, not muscle........ I don't think they KNEW--not their field. I don't think they particularly cared, since they figure we can't stick to it, ANYWAY. And I really don't mean that to be insulting! No, I don't take my teeth to my eye doc, either. And that's not a slap in his face. As for how much protein we were getting pre-op? Who knows? All I know is 100% of my normie friends & employees have lost weight using protein supps, which tells me that they were NOT getting enough previously.
   — vitalady

May 26, 2001
Here is another reason. When our bodies are getting fewer calories they begin looking for another fuel source. I wish they would just use fat, but they really like using our muscles. We need to make sure we have a plentiful supply of protein to help minimize the loss of muscle mass we will all experience with weight loss. This is important, because loss of muscle mass = slower metabolisms. Adequate protein helps convince our bodies that we are not in danger of starving. When you are allowed to, add muscle building exercise to further increase muscle mass, you won't get bigger, just more toned and stronger, and your calorie output will increase dramatically! You can get too much protein however, hard on kidneys nad liver. Fortunately, most of us will not absorb enough for that to be a worry. Be thin, but also be strong!
   — blank first name B.