Question:
What happens when you don't get enough protein in each day?

What is the consequences if you get in 60 grams or less proteins a day? Just curious. Thanks for your responses.    — Barbara S. (posted on October 25, 2003)

October 25, 2003
Your muscles need protein. Even your brain needs protein. You can get lightheaded and get confused. Hair also needs protein, without it you could not only damage it but lose it. Protein is extremely important to everyone, not just wls people. Good luck!
   — TheresaC

October 25, 2003
If you don't get enough protein, you will lose hair, then you will start losing muscle mass and eventually you will become very ill. If you miss one day occasionally, it won't kill you, but it is best to make a habit of getting the protein.
   — Patty_Butler

October 25, 2003
Protien is always my #1 concern even 2 1/2 years out. Eat protien first. If you don't like meat (like me) focus on beans and cheese. Here are the hard facts: If you don't get enough protien, your body takes it away from your muscles. What is your most important muscle? Your heart. It is easy to die from not enough protien. My advice? Drink it. Choke it down if you have to. Don't eat anything else until you've choked down 60 grms. of protien a day. Contact Vitalady.com for help. You knew their would be changes to your life when you had this surgery. Now be a good person and step up to the plate to take care of yourself. -- Love, me.
   — sandieguy

October 25, 2003
To put it simply, your body uses food for energy like a car uses gasoline. If you aren't eating enough food, it takes stored fat away from your body to run on...YAY! However, this is only if your body has enough protein to run other vital functions. If you aren't taking in enough protein, you body will start using your lean muscle mass for these functions....BOOH! The very simple solution is to get plenty of protein. BTC states that after the first year (or when near your goal), you can decrease your protein intake down to about 50g/day. But of course, check with your surgeon. Good luck to you!
   — Lynette B.

October 25, 2003
Lynette thats the fIRST I EVER heard that one year post ops require less protein. Please explain futher.
   — bob-haller

October 26, 2003
Try have soup. Health Valley (health food section of the store) has some great soups. Try Lentil (no salt added version) and add your fat free cheese and chopped meat to it. Throw in some chopped vegetables and you have a nice liquid meal with protein. I also toss in some powered milk to thicken it up and it gives you more protein and calcium. Protein drinks for snacks is also a good idea. ISOPURE from GMC (flavors like grape, orange) can be taken as part of your liquid and it has 40 grams of protein if you drink the who bottle (180 calories). Or protein drinks that you add milk to.
   — Linda R.

October 27, 2003
Protein is the stuff we're made of. If you aren't taking in adequate protein to repair all the torn muscle and trauma to the body after surgery (not to mention everyday wear-n-tare-repair), your body will consume itself- (muscle). You might not feel well and you may look ill and then if the deficit is serious and continues you eventually die. We need protein anyway, but after any surgery its doubly important.
   — Soosan