Question:
Malabsorption Question: How much do we actually take in?

I have a question about malabsorption. I don't understand it and so I don't normally consider it when figuring out my protein, carb, fat intake. However, I have a feeling I'm just not eating enough (I'm awake right now - middle of the night - because I'm physically hungry) I've increased my exercise A LOT over the past few weeks and I'm concerned that I'm not getting enough food in. I'm trying to eat all my meals and my protein but I have a feeling something is not right. Does anyone take malabsorption into account when they are figuring their food and if so, how? For example, if a food has, for example, say 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fat, how much do we take in of that? Does the malaborpstion get less over time? I'm almost 6 mos. out.    — susanje (posted on June 25, 2003)

June 24, 2003
Who knows. Everyone's rate of malabsorption is different. the way to keep on top of things is to get your bloodwork checked on a regular basis. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

June 24, 2003
Malabsorption is different for each of us. However, the more distal you are , the more you are going to malabsorb. I know that I am a very distal RNY and will absorb less than 5% of what I eat.. so I must supplement my protein with pre digested whey shakes, and take additonal minerals, vites and etc.. to remain healthy. The best thing for you to do is keep up with your labs and watch for decreases .. such as vit A, D, E, Zinc, B 12, etc.. You may need to increase or tweak what supplements you are now doing. If you are waking hungry in the middle of the night.. make a protein shake.. that is what I do.. Take care.. and good luck. Hugs
   — Gina Landers

June 25, 2003
Susan, its different for all of us depending on how much was bypassed. Obviously the distals and those that have the DS malabsorb more than the proximals. I have also heard that over time, the intestines adjust and the malabsorbtion is less effective. What percent less, who knows? There is so much about this surgery that needs to be studied before we find definitive answers. I do not consider it when figuring out protein, calories etc, but I don't pay as much attention to fat grams as I did pre-op, knowing that I am not absorbing all the fat grams.
   — Cindy R.

June 25, 2003
That answer will be different for each person. The reason is that it depends on which kind of surgery you had rny, lapband, DS, etc. For RNY it also depends on how much small intestine you had bypassed and how long your small intestine was to start with. The average length can vary slightly. For malabsorbtion of the food I have been told that if you had 150 cm bypassed that you would malabsorb about 40% of the food. But that can also depend on what kind of food you ate at that time. As far as protein goes. Protein is absorbed in your small intestine. When you ingest the protein whether it be from food, a protein bar, or most shakes it is not in a usable form. Look at it as a chain link fence. The protein itself is half of the link, the other half is made up of peptides. Your body needs to create peptides and "marry" it to the protein in order for your body to absorb it. Well depending on how much you had bypassed your body doesn't have enough time to create enough peptides to marry to all of the links to absorb it. There are a few shakes made that are 100% whey protein with peptides. By drinking a shake that already has the peptides in it you will absorb it 100% immediately. I take Real Meals because it is the best I have found. It has the 60 grams of protein, the peptides, plus over 40 other vitamins and minerals. Including calcium, vitamin b12, biotin (for your hair) and lean muscle stimulators (for maintaining your lean muscle mass to help prevent sagging) There are links in my profile to do more reasearch on protein and gastric bypass. There is also information on the FAQ's page of the Real Meals website at www.protein-solution.com.
   — Linda A.

June 25, 2003
This was very helpful. Thanks. I am proximal so not much bypassed, so the only thing I can think of is that I need to increase my protein/nutrition. I've been exercising like a fiend for weeks now and have also not lost a single pound so maybe my body is feeling starved (again).
   — susanje