Question:
How will I know whether or not I am getting enough protein?

I am 5 weeks post-op and I eat maybe one egg and a 1/2 slice of toast for breakfast, maybe a smartmeal or healthy choice for lunch. I cannot eat a full meal so I try to eat the protein first. For dinner I try to get in at least 2 oz of whatever meat I have for dinner. I keep hearing about protein shakes and I am not drinking any. Should I? Or am I getting enough from my meals?    — Gloria G. (posted on February 7, 2002)

February 7, 2002
It sounds like you are ingesting about 40 - 45 grams of protein per day, which is not enough. The majority of surgeons recommend you take in a minimum of 60 grams per day. Many people opt to take in more to try and counteract the malabsorption effects, and to insure continued health. For me, I aim for 85 - 100 grams per day (I have a distal surgery). Protein shakes ensure I get enough protein and I don't worry as much about what I eat. -Kate-
   — kateseidel

February 7, 2002
How much protein did your surgeon say you needed to get in?? My surgeon told me I had to get at least 70gms of protein a day. I'm about 6months post op and I still can't eat very much so I still use the premixed bottled protein drinks to get the amount of protein that my surgeon required. I still read the rules of the pouch and go over all the literature at least weekly to keep me focused. I want to do this the way my surgeon directed, I figure he's the expert. By doing things my way was what got me huge to start with so I'm doing what I can to follow the program that has been worked out by professionals that have seen what works best. I'm down 90 lbs so far and if I never lose another pound I'd be happy because now I'm able to get around better and fitting into size 14 clothes again. I look like a normal person again. I never want to get big again. Read again what your surgeon gave you preop and post op, go over the directions. If they didn't give you much the library here has a lot of information such as the rules of the pouch. Good luck.
   — Helen B.

February 7, 2002
During the first 3 months or so after surgery, chances are good that you're NOT ingesting enough protein. The good news is that your body probably has enough stores to last you a whole year before you start getting symptoms of protein deficiency. Do the best you can, and don't obsess about it. I'm almost a year post-op and now can get in my 70+ grams, but I couldn't do that until just a few months ago.
   — Terissa R.

February 7, 2002
As we all know.... all doctors are different. Mine does not want us drinking shakes/protien bars. He insists on 1-2oz of pure protien (meat, fish ,chicken) 3X4 a day. I'm very sure I'm not getting 60-80 grams of protien a day, but my tests have come back ok.
   — Cindee A.

February 8, 2002
I am a big fan of protein supplement, as I am utterly convinced that they are what helps me control my weight & appetite over the long haul. You asked how you can TELL? That would be your blood work. You can utterly deplete your blood and it will draw from organs & tissues for months before your blood work actually reflects the damage. By the time your blood work shows the difference, it can take months again to build it back up. Be sure to get your pre-op labs, and then keep copies of your quarterly labs forever. Compare them, one to another & that will show if your levels are increasing or decreasing. Even if they are within normal ranges, you will want to know if you started high normal pre-op and then are low-normal "now". Then you can SEE, in black & white, if whatever method you are using is working or not. The object is to meet or beat your pre-op protein & albumin levels.
   — vitalady

August 28, 2005
So many of us want to do the right thing but just can't tolerate the taste and texture of those protein shake supplements. they literally make me nauseated at the first sip. I cannot eat enough regular food to get the 65 grams of protein recommended. I am looking for some other alternative. I also cannot drink the Isopure liquids. Same problem - they make me throw up. Any ideas?
   — Mary M.