Question:
Doc says I don't need to worry about the protien supplements.
I am 8 1/2 wks post op from RNY, and have lost 52 lbs so far. I feel good, and have not had any problems. I saw my doc for a check up and I told him I have not been drinking the protien stuff since my surgery, but had now started on more regular foods. I expressed concern over not taking in enough protien and he told me not to worry about it now that I was eating regular foods. However, I am concerned, as I see on the website that everyone needs additional protien. Has anyone not taken the additional protien? How did it affect you by not having it. I am not eating much for meats, but I do drink 8 ozs of Boost HP per day. Is this really enough? — rosemary I. (posted on June 29, 2000)
June 29, 2000
I'm curious about this myself as my doctor and nutritionist
said, "Don't get caught up in the protein hype." I'm 7 weeks
post-op and have lost 44 1/2 pounds. My doctor told me that
about the only thing that would happen is I would lose some
hair. I have been concerned though, since so many doctors
really stress protein supplements. But, I'm following my
doctor's orders and keeping my diet pretty well balanced. He
is a very capable physician, otherwise I wouldn't have chosen
him.
— Tina H.
June 29, 2000
My doctor also told me he did not want me to take protein supplements and
he'd rather I get my protein from my regular diet. Haven't had any
problems yet but I tried drinking some of the soy protein drinks...hated
them. I think I still might try whey protein.
— Alicia B.
June 29, 2000
My Dr hasn't told me to begin with protein supplements, either. I'm just
short of three months post-op & have lost 70#. I've only had one blood
test series so far & those came back good. I will have another set of
blood tests in about two weeks & am curious to see how they come out. I
don't know, but suspect, that if these tests come back low on protein,
that's when the Dr might suggest adding a supplement. I have been trying to
find one I like as I figure it couldn't hurt to add some more protein. I
know there are days when I don't get enough. I tried a few protein bars,
but not only have all the ones I've tried been HORRIBLE tasting, they are
also very high calorie. I REALLY don't want to lose any hair! That's fairly
important to me! Haven't lost any so far, but if I DO start losing hair
I'll be adding protein by the handsful!!
— Kathy W.
June 29, 2000
I'm 5 1/2 weeks post-op & I see a dietician in my doctor's office. I'm
5'3" & currently weigh 193lbs. She instructed me to gt 70-80gm of
protein each day to avoid complications in the future. She said I can get
this using food or the protein drink, but GET ENOUGH! Our bodies do not
store protein & will eventually use our muscles for food. Please check
with a dietician or nutritionist...
— Anna R.
June 29, 2000
You only need to supplement protein if your blood work shows a deficiency.
Mine did at 3 months, but I know far more whose protein is normal, and most
of my pals had the DS like me, a distal bypass. So if you get enough
protein from food, why supplement needlessly?
— Duffy H.
June 29, 2000
How many g of protein are in a can of Boost? How many g of sugar? This is
an EXCELLENT product to put weight ON geriatric patients and those who have
been severely ill. Without a stomach, we cannot DIGEST protein from food.
Differing amounts of protein can be asborbed later in the intestinal tract,
but it's hard to get enough FOOD protein on board (without stretching your
pouch) to "net" 60g of protein per day. The powdered or
juice-type supplements are all pre-dgiested, so they arrive through the
pouch and into the intestine ready to be absorbed. Meats and bars are
nice, but they just don't provide enough for good health, long term, and
good weight loss. I am aware that many clinics recommend using milk or
other high calorie liquids for protein, or overstuffing the pouch to try to
reach that elusive figure. You can listen to all the advice posted and
reach your own conclusions. I've NEVER taken less than 60g of supplement
per day. I got 100% wt loss and have maintained it for nearly 6 yrs. I
must be caught up in the hype, because there's no way I'd risk my health or
wt loss on any other method!
— vitalady
June 29, 2000
Just adding my two cents which sometimes gets me in trouble but here it is
anyway. I can't believe that doctors can say that you can get all your
protein from foods. Most of us can't eat enough foods to get all that
protein in and very honestly, my doctor told me to always take the
supplements but after about 5 months I really thought I was eating enough
to get it in. Needless to say, I wasn't and my protein count came back
low. Your body malabsorbs so much and protein is not immune. I suppose if
you eat ALOT then possibly you can get it in, but I would definately say,
don't forget to get your bloodwork right on time if you choose to try this.
Michelle Curan, like usual, has been a Godsend in this respect and I
honestly value her opinion on the subject of vitamins and such more than my
doctor who I have found has made a few errors in that department. If you
go to my website, you will find what not taking your protein and
supplements can do to you. I see that there are people who don't take the
supplements, and are doing fine. That's wonderful, but please just be very
careful about them and make sure you have them checked. Certainly, I think
each doctor has his own way of doing things. Good luck to you.
— BARBARA R.
June 29, 2000
This concerns me because the doctors who are saying no protein supplements
are necessary appear to be ones who do not have nutritionists on their
staff. (And I know many bariatric surgeons do not.) If you are going to do
protein only through food, I think you need to find out the gram guidelines
and keep careful track of your intake. I noted one response said the only
thing that will happen with not getting enough protein is that you'll lose
a little hair. According to what I have read, this isn't true. Not
getting enough protein can be serious. Be careful.
— Paula G.
June 30, 2000
Hey Rosemary: PLEASE PLEASE listen to the posts below from Michelle, both
Barbs and anyone else who says you DO need to supplement. You are the one
who will lose--not the doctor. Besides all of their good info., I just
read that women today with normal stomachs do not get enough protein which
causes more wrinkles!!! So, we really need it. Good luck.
— Dot W.
June 30, 2000
Thanks to everyone who responded. I am going to call my nutritionist today
and discuss the protien. After reading all the responses, I doubt that she
will agree with the doctor.
— rosemary I.
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