Question:
Is it possible to have too much protein?

Is it ok to go over the amount of protein that is recommended daily by my surgeon and dietician? I am one month post op lap RNY and the majority of protein that goes into my body is from CIB and fruit drinks that are sold by my doctor's office. Should I try not to go over my protein goal?    — Jackie S. (posted on September 3, 2003)

September 3, 2003
Nope, you can't go over with protein, you'll pee it out. But sweetie, do yourself a favor and dump the CIB and fruit drinks for some quality whey protein. (Most) Surgeons are great cutters but they don't know squat about nutrition. Talk to the experts...the patients here. We know protein. If you are in doubt, go to an off-site groups such as: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-Protein these are the protein pervs who are living life daily with shakes as suppliments. Many of them were advised to drink the CIB...now they drink all manner of whey protein.<p> If you want good advice from a proprietor of protein, check with vitalady (Michelle Curran) who is a post-op herself. She won't sell crap protein on her site, so most of us feel safe. Another site is wlssuccess.com or absolutesuppliments.com I've bought my Nectars from both of these places when Michelle was out. What's nectar? Oh, to me it is protein made in heaven...it tastes like juice, has no carbs and is wonderful even when lumpy. I'd be glad to offer protein-specific advice, but email me if you need it, OK? <p> Hang in there, you'll get the routine going soon!-- Jen, RNY 11/12/02 -107
   — Mrs. Rich

September 3, 2003
Actually, you can overdue protein. Too much protein can overwork your kidneys. Also, you don't simply eliminate excess protein. As with all foods, excess calories will be stored as fat. The same is true for protein food. You also should not eat exclusively protein. Your body needs a certain amount of carbohydrates. You need the fiber and nutrients supplied by healthy carbs like fruits, veggies and whole grains. Carbs are the preferred fuel for your heart, lungs and brain. While they will use converted fat stores, it does tax these organs to use an alternate energy source for a long period of time (this explains why people on an almost all-protein diet often feel mentally foggy and physically lethargic). You are not doing your health a service to overdo protein long-term. It is never a good idea to eliminate any of the major food groups in favor of another. Balance is important. While it is critical to get enough protein, I would pay some attention to what the dietitian tells you (even if you think the doctor is not a nutrition expert, the registered dietitian is). I assume you're in this for your long-term health, and reason says balance is a good long-term strategy.
   — Vespa R.

September 3, 2003
I agree that the CIB is just not the best to put it gently. The key with eating a ton of protein is to also drink a ton of water! I personally cannot tolerate carbs and even at 167 I am still very insuline resistant and react very poorly to carbs. I limit it to 30 per day not counting what is naturally occuring in veges and the occasional bit of fruit. Many of us have trashed our pancreas' due to overdoing the carbs for so many years. How many grams of protein does your doctor recommend? I eat 80-100+ per day 30-60 of which comes from shakes. I have had kidney stones in the past so I am just sure to drink at least the 64 oz of fluids that most doctors recommend. There will be new studies coming out soon that should help us all get on the same page or at least into the same chapter as far as he protein requirements go. I can't wait to see what they will say.
   — Carol S.

September 3, 2003
Talk about differing opinions!! My opinion is that the patients on this site are not experts, but we are experienced. Too much protein WILL overwork your kidneys. Your dietician is the #1 person to listen to. If you are not comfortable with what she says, or want a second opinion - get one. Find another dietician, maybe at a local hospital, and have them tell you what they think. Your long term health is worth the cost. As for 150 grams of protein a day - I will admit I have not researched a thing on this, but if I will say that it does not line up with the mainstream, and therefore needs to be examined carefully. How can every doctor and nutritionist be wrong and one researcher be right?? I would wait for a proven investigation from a reputable study - or two - before I was willing to discount what all the current experts are saying.
   — bethybb