Question:
What will happen health wise if I don't get enough protein? I don't think I do.

I'm 8months postop, lost 90 lbs. I had RNY distal. I've always lost 1 or 2 lbs a week without fail. I feel great. I've never had any problems but I don't think I get enough protein and am concerned about what could happen. I haven't found a protein drink I like so I try to get in in food but I don't think I'm getting enough.    — hannah R. (posted on June 1, 2000)

June 1, 2000
I see Barb's covered most of it. I am a ProScore 100 chocolate girl myself! Are you REALLY wanting to know what happens if you run short, or are you wanting to know how to find one you can tolerate? There are even brand new powdered proteins that taste like Crystal Light. Among the things that can happen as a result of protein deficiency? Baggy skin & loss of tone; no muscle tone; icky hair & nails; lousy wt loss - either stopping too soon or regain... those are the short trem consequqnces. Long term includes things like rickets and osteoporosis or other vitamin deficiencies. I know you asked about protein, but if the protein becomes low enough, you will not be absorbing vitamins or minerals, either. It is the life force, so it must be the basis for all you consider. Protein foods must be digested and if you are RNY, you cannot digest. I know you have more absorption than I do, but you still haven't digested it. The protein supplements are the only certain way to get enough pre-digested protein into your system that you can actually COUNT on.
   — vitalady

June 1, 2000
I see Barb's covered most of it. I am a ProScore 100 chocolate girl myself! Are you REALLY wanting to know what happens if you run short, or are you wanting to know how to find one you can tolerate? There are even brand new powdered proteins that taste like Crystal Light. Among the things that can happen as a result of protein deficiency? Baggy skin & loss of tone; no muscle tone; icky hair & nails; lousy wt loss - either stopping too soon or regain... those are the short trem consequqnces. Long term includes things like rickets and osteoporosis or other vitamin deficiencies. I know you asked about protein, but if the protein becomes low enough, you will not be absorbing vitamins or minerals, either. It is the life force, so it must be the basis for all you consider. Protein foods must be digested and if you are RNY, you cannot digest. I know you have more absorption than I do, but you still haven't digested it. The protein supplements are the only certain way to get enough pre-digested protein into your system that you can actually COUNT on.
   — vitalady

June 1, 2000
The worst thing that happens when someone doesn't get enough protein for a sustained period is heart failure. The heart is a muscle, and muscle is made of protein. If you're losing weight quickly, and don't supplement your protein, your body will burn your muscle for fuel, including your heart. Thats enough info for me to make sure I get in all my protein! Liz, 14 1/2 weeks postop Lap RNY, down 65 pounds.
   — Elizabeth M.