Question:
Yet another question about Protein

I am an RNY proximal almost two years post op. I have heard we do not absord food type protein well and that we should rely on pre-digested whey protein as our best source of a protein supplement. First of all, is this true and second of all can we rely on any food protein? My problem is this, I use Extreme Pure Pro grape protein and I can tolerate it quite well but it's a little pricey to use for all my protein needs (about $80 per month) Is it possible to use Pure Pro for half my daily protein requirement (30 grams) and food for the rest? (30 grams) I am not quite two years post op and find my biggest problem is that I am so tired. It seems I just didnt get the energy I had hoped for. My labs are fine and I take iron and vitamins as well as calcium citrate faithfully but I sure would like to get some get up and go. Right now it's 9 AM and I could take a nap even after 9 hours of sleep. It doesnt feel like depression ( I also take an anti- depressant) just fatigue. Can anyone help me?    — Mary G. (posted on February 12, 2002)

February 12, 2002
In order for protein from food to be absorbed, it must be broken down into amino acids (building blocks of protein). This is done when the protein hits your stomach and mixes with the Hydrocholoric acid (HCL). the HCL breaks the protein down into amino acids for absorption. The problem is, with an RNY, you aren't using that part of your stomach where the HCL is. You aren't getting any HCL until the food hits the common channel. Then it will begin to break down but you don't know how much and how much really depends by how long the protein is in there with the acid (read how much intestine you have bypassed). The reason many go for the predigested shakes/drinks is that they are ALREADY broken down into amino acids and don't need to find the HCL in order to be absorbed. My suggestion to you is to get your bloodwork done (specifically ask that they test your protein and albumin levels) then try the 30 gram/30 gram mixture for 3 months, then get your bloodwork done again to see how your body is absorbing. Get it in writing for your own benefit. Good luck and God bless!
   — Kimberly L.

February 12, 2002
Where are your levels within the range? How do they compare to pre-op levels? Where is your B12 level? Any of these can contribute to feeling low. Just because a number doesn't pop out of range doesn't mean you won't FEEL bad. If your iron level was customarily, say, 100, and it is now at 40, it is still within normal ranges ("fine" in medical terms), but it might not be "fine" for YOU. See? Get copies of all labs from pre-op forward & compare them, one to another.
   — vitalady