Question:
How much protein will not be absorbed after R N Y?

If I eat the recommended 60 grams of protein a day after RNY, how much of that do I REALLY absorb??    — Christine L. (posted on February 24, 2002)

February 24, 2002
Absorption is still an unknown, but no RNY completes normal DIGESTION--the food never hits the lower stomach & duodenum for that process to be accomplished. Absorption normally occurs in the first 1/3 of the intestine. Almost all RNY are missing the use of that as well. So, whatever protein we EAT, must now go directly into the part of intestine NOT designed for protein absorption, then travel to the point at which the gastric cocktail MEETS it, and then they mingle together for a brief or long period (depending on length of bypass) and digestion & absorption must occur simultaneously. For a distal such as myself, I figure I get 0% protein from food sources. I ONLY count protein supps as these are predigested, so the digestion process has occurred by the time the protein hits the part of intestine NOT designed for protein absorption. Since I've been working with patients for about 7 yrs now, I never count more than 30% of food proteins toward their daily totals. That's not a published figure, but that is the consensus figure from a few docs.
   — vitalady

February 24, 2002
"For a distal such as myself, I figure I get 0% protein from food sources." I really have no research or medical knowledge, but I believe if I were getting 0% absorption with my distal, I would be dead. Or at the very least, extremely weak and ill.
   — faybay