Question:
My doc says protein for life...I hear on here that is not so.
I read these questions and answers every day and I get so much info. Problem is that where I live (WA state) my doc says that we will need to supplement protein for life. I am having open proximal on Aug 13 and have been told that I must take in 60g of protein drinks a day. That is only 2 shakes and I have been doing that to prepare for surgery anyways so I am not worried about that. But I hear so many people saying they only have to do protein supps for the first few months or first year. Why is there such a different in medical opinion? Any of your answers will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much and sorry so winded. Michelle — Michelle J. (posted on August 6, 2002)
August 6, 2002
Hi. My Dr is really strict too. He has us on 100% protien but no protein
shakes or bars. we get all our protein from food. After we loose 75% of
desired weight we can start to add the whole healthy natural carbs found in
veggies, fruit and some grains. but again I stress it is mostly protein. I
have been losing really well, and I feel great! 10 weeks post op down
-56pounds! I started at 225 and am 5'3". Good luck
— robyn R.
August 6, 2002
hi there my surgeon didnt feel it neccessary for protein sups but did want
us to get it in as much as possible from food he also wasnt too concerned
about fat intake but he was with carbs and sugars he said we no longer
absorb fat like before but carbs and sugars we do still but still watch fat
intake anyhow he also stated that bottom line with smaller pertions of
anything your ganna lose weight regardless but i personally have noticed on
the weeks in which i incease protein intake and water intake and am
strickter on the carbs i have a much higher weight loss that week also
protein is good for the hair im told best of luck to you :)
— carrie M.
August 6, 2002
I think there are variations, because nutrition is a new science (so says
my nutritionist). My doctor believes in protein first, but allows a
variation of other foods (no sugar for a year). His nutritionist once me
to begin tracking my protein after six months and when I reach 50 grams a
day, I can cut out the supplements. She stresses receiving protein and
other nutrients from food, because she believes there may be nutrients in
food that we are not aware of that we need to keep us healthy. I think
that I will probably stick with protein drinks for a while, because I like
them and also to keep my protein level up without having to worry about
what else I am eating.
— Lisa N M.
August 6, 2002
Hi Michelle! I think every doctor has a different opinion. My doctor just
tells me to make sure that I'm reaching a minimum of 60 grams of protein a
day. I do that without even having any protein drinks. Yuk! Can't stand
them... My eating habits are quite normal. I make sure I have protein
first, no matter which meal, and then maybe a little carb or fat. Take
care and best wishes on your upcoming surgery! Open RNY 4/29/02 -61.5
— stacey L.
August 6, 2002
Every surgeon/nutritionist seems to have a slightly different approach on
the matter of protein supplementation, as do the post-ops on this site and
others :-) Our bariatric surgeon is one of those who only prescribes
protein supplements for the first six weeks, then mandates that patients
learn to eat as "normally" as possible, deriving their necessary
daily protein from diet. The four of us who have had RNY have followed
that regimen, are now between 17 -32 months post-op, are all "at
goal" and are healthier and more energized than ever before in our
adult lives. I think that having routine labs drawn is a critical factor
in post-op care, and a patient's total protein value and serum albumin
values will indicate whether the body is receiving adequate protein intake.
We have labs drawn every 6 months by our PCP (who was "nervous"
and inexperienced in caring for WLS patients), even though our surgeon only
recommends yearly labs for his long-term RNY patients. Our lab values have
remained in the high normal range throughout our post-op course. It is
important to remember two other things: everyone's body chemistry and
metabolism is different....what has worked for us, may not work for
you....you are your own best "consumer advocate"...if your
surgeon does not suggest or provide routine post-op labs, then YOU insist
on them, on a regular basis, for the rest of your life....it is the only
and best "tracking mechanism" for those essential nutrients such
as protein, calcium, B12, and iron. You (or your insurance company) have
paid a lot of money, and you placed a great deal of trust in the skills of
a surgeon to alter your anatomy and give you an opportunity at a whole new
life.....listen to your surgeon and follow his instructions.....at the same
time, listen to your body, because it will usually try to tell you when it
"needs" something....and advocate for yourself and a healthy
future. Best wishes!
— Diana T.
August 6, 2002
As you can see, surgeons and dieticians differ in their opinions. As far as
protein, I try to get in as much food protein as posible. Food as all of
the other nutrients in it that you need to absorb the protein and make it
as effective as possible for your body. Are protein drinks bad? OF course
not, but my feeling is that they should be a supplement, not a staple.
— Vicki L.
August 6, 2002
It seems some doctors want you to stay on supplements for life, while most
advise that you use them early on until you are able to eat enough protein
in foods. The bottom line is that they all agree that protein is essential
to us for the rest of our lives.
— Cindy R.
August 7, 2002
He's not <i>selling</i> those shakes is he? Just asking. I had
a hard time eating enough protein from food in the beginning so it made
sense to supplement. But now I can comfortably average 100 g a day with
food. That is a little more than my lean body mass requires (about 80
grams) to maintain my muscle. I don't need any more and actually too much
protein is a BAD thing--hard on your kidneys and such. Especially with a
proximal you shouldn't have too much malabsorption. Maybe you could consult
with a nutritionist who has experience with bariatric patients and get a
second professional opinion. I found that while my surgeon was skilled at
the surgery itself, he did give me some bogus nutritional advice along with
some good advice. You're right to ask questions--that's smart!
— ctyst
August 7, 2002
I had surgery on July 18th, 2002. My doctor has been doing these surgeries
for almost 30 years and he does not prescribe protein supplements. It
takes some effort to get the protein you need in your food but you can do
it. You get used to it, it's not that hard. Good luck.
— Sherri_H
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