Question:
I have taken protein shakes for over 2 days, I have a problem...

I am 7 months post op, have lost a 129 pounds. I have not lost any weight in over 4 weeks, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I HAD NOT BEEN DOING PROTEIN SUPPS. For the past two days I have only had three shakes each day and Cher-Amino. My protein intake has been like 140 each day. I have done nothing but alternate every few hours from shakes and water. I am taking three flinstones, one calcium pill, and a dose of Centrum liquid, plus biotin. I walked 4 miles, too. Good news: i dropped 7 pounds. Bad news: During the day, while I am guzzling 82 ounces of water, my urine is almost clear. Both mornings when I wake up it is dark almost red like I am dehydrated. After about 24 ounces of liquid it lightens a little and by noon it is clear again. I frown on people who intentionally dehydrate themselves, yet I dont know why it is only happening when i wake up. I even kept a sipper next to my bed and sipped while I dosed off to sleep! I'd like anyones opinion, particularly protein pushers like Michelle Curran, please share everyone! I am freaked out.    — [Anonymous] (posted on December 31, 2001)

December 30, 2001
I can't say for sure that this is happening to you because I don't know IF you have CHANGED anything in your vitamins lately, but I know...for me...when I start taking vitamins again after I have stopped awhile...my urine is weird looking...mostly in the morning. That Cher-Amino is cherry right? Maybe the reddish tint may be your body excreting the dye from that or any other of your vitamins.
   — Karen B.

December 30, 2001
I'm a protein pusher...but red urine would scare me. I don't know that you need to be doing 140 grams a day. You need .8 grams for every 2.2 pounds of weight you are. You may be over doing it. Drop down to 90 grams and see what that does. Are you having symptoms of dehydration (headaches etc.)? That much protein does need a lot of water and you really should be doing as much water as you are doing protein. Are you eating food at all? That is important too. HOpefully Michelle can give some insight but try calling a doctor or looking up "dark urine" on webmd. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

December 30, 2001
I am the original poster---yes I was not really taking my vitamins before, I have upped them alot. No, i am not eating solids. I just wanted to lay off for 5-10 days and see what happens. I posted this morning, it is 10 am and urine is crystal clear now.
   — [Anonymous]

December 31, 2001
My urine is rather concentrated in the mornings, too. I never thought much about it, really. Like you, it lightens as the day goes on, systems are moving, water going in. Bright yellow or orange might indicate B-vites, like a B-complex or hair-skin-nails product? Reddish? But it vanishes, right? Completely? I guess I'd have it checked to make sure you're not building UTI in there. I don't know much about them, but I think if you have one, it stays all day, not just in the morning. I do one Cheramino/day (yuck), and then the rest are chocolate or grape or rootbeer float, maybe lemon now & then.
   — vitalady