Question:
Do you have to take protein drinks for the rest of your life to get the required

amount of protein a day or later on can you get all your protein requirements from your food.    — bim O. (posted on October 5, 1999)

October 4, 1999
With proximal RNY gastric bypass operations you do not have to take protein drinks, in fact I discourage their use. Duodenal switch or biliopancreatic bypasses may be different.
   — Bruce B.

October 5, 1999
My doctor at this point and time has me on protein drinks. (low in sugar and carbs) Recently I have been unable to keep meat proteins down including white fish or shrimp. I can handle liquids so long as they are not laced with sugar. I am to reintroduce the meat proteins until I can keep them down. Kind of a trial and error thing. So I do this weekly or every 10 days. If I didn't have the protein drink I would be unable to get in my daily protein requirements. I feel using the protein drinks should be based on an individual bases.
   — Becki M.

October 5, 1999
Depends on your surgery. IF you are distal, as I am, probably for life. All the bypasses procedures bypass the main protein absoroption point of intestine. So we'll all have a bit of trouble absorbing protein from food. It's easier to get it from your drink, as all the good ones are predigested so you know you get what it offers. Lots of proximals are very successful on just their min. 60g a day of protein supplement and enjoying whatever else they manage to get in from food. It takes the fats, sugars, carbs & effort out of being fully nourished.
   — vitalady

October 5, 1999
Hi. I had gastric bypass surgery on Oct. 8, 1998. So, I am one year post op. For about the first 6 months I was drinking protein drinks to get the required amount of protein in my diet. I got tired of the protein drinks and decided to try and get enough protein just in the foods I eat. I have had blood work done since quitting the protein drinks and my protein level is good. When I eat a meal I make sure I eat the protein first and if I'm still hungry I will eat the veggies or salad or whatever. I make sure I have protein with every meal. Also, when I have a snack it is usually cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, milk, anything that has high levels of protein in it. Good luck.
   — Kathy K.

October 10, 1999
As far as I know I will have to take the protein drinks for the rest of my life.
   — bperrin