Question:
Who came up with the 60g per day protein intake standard? I dont believe it.
Im postop and am in constant struggle to consume the 60 grams of protein daily that was recommended to me. This often means drinking foul tasting protein shakes or eating nasty protein bars to supplement my diet. But the more I research the subject, the more Im finding that this 60g thing may be a little extreme. Aside from the buff, super-sized weightlifter at my gym, I have yet to come across anyone who comes near to getting in 60 grams of protein per day. I think of my eating habits before surgery and Im sure I didnt even get in that much then. In addition, Ive had family and friends take their protein consumption into consideration and am positive they are nowhere near the suggested intake number. Yet all are quite healthy. Has anyone ever questioned this protein standard? Maybe its suppose to be higher during the weight loss phase so as to minimize muscle loss but Im near my goal weight and dont see the need to supplement my protein unless Im planning to become the next Miss Bodybuilder of America. — [Anonymous] (posted on November 16, 2000)
November 16, 2000
We cannot compare ourselves to others or even ourselves before surgery.
Remember- our systems are different- we do not absorb all that
we eat. The protein amounts (as well as vitamins etc) are adjusted
to allow for the malabsorbtion factor we now have.
— M B.
November 16, 2000
I haven't found it difficult to take in 60 gr. protein.
For example, in one little can of tuna, there's about 37 or 38 grams.
— Cindy H.
November 16, 2000
I am still pre-op and have yet to hear from my surgeon concerning the
recommended protein amt. However, I have often read the 60 gm amt and
people say they are quoting their surgeon. I did discuss protein
supplements with my surgeon and he does not feel that they are necessary. I
have read that people recommend a high protein amt. to prevent hair loss. I
discussed this with my surgeon as I don't believe that this is accurate. He
agreed with me and we both feel that the hair loss is due to a shock to
your system. About 6 years ago, I went on a high protein liquid fast
-essentially Optifast. I lost 100 pounds. About 4 months into the fast, I
began losing hair. I was concerned and went to see my dermatologist. She
believed that in time it would stop. She believed that the beginning of the
fast is such a shock to your system that it shocks the hair follicle.
However, the hair doesn't actually fall out until some time later. In
discussing this with the surgeon, he too believes that the surgery is a
trauma to your body and the result is hair loss at a later time. In
researching this, it does seem this makes sense. Most people don't start to
lose their hair until later-not immediately post-op. This is only my
thoughts on this. It appears that others have had success with the hair
loss issue by increasing protein. Why not ask your surgeon what protein
amt. he would recommend? 60 gm does seem like a lot but I have yet to
investigate what that means in actual food intake. My 2 cents...
Shelley
— Shelley.
November 16, 2000
I feel the need to add my 2 cents also. I am 1 year 2 months postop and
this is what I have observed about my body. I did not begin protein
supplements until a few weeks postop because I could not stomach them. (I
was nausious most of the time). When I finally was able to, I immediately
got myself to the 60 grams/ day as often as I could. Whatever I got above
the 60 in supplements was bonus. Like clockwork, I began hair loss at just
over 3 months and it stopped around 6 months. Over the next several months
I did notice some things. Whenever I let up on my protein supplements, my
hair started falling out and looked dull. Now, I have always been blessed
with a lot of hair so no one else really noticed my loss. But it is
upsetting to see so much on my floors and clothes. I also noticed my nails
breaking and ripping much more. Without that much protein, I also noticed
my cravings being much harder to handle. I think if we are going to go to
the extreme of having surgery, it only makes sense to do everything
possible to be successful afterwards. I do believe we can go overboard,
but the recommendations I have seen here are not overboard in my opinion.
I think the best advice is from people who actually lived it. My surgeon
was not educated in this aspect at all. I do not feel it is his area of
expertise. It probably should be since he does this surgery, but I learned
to look in other places for the best advice. I would speak to your
nutritionist if you really need to. Good luck.
— Dot W.
November 16, 2000
I think you are mistaken about what your normal family and friends are
eating.<br>
Here is what I found at dietitian.com <br>
"the average American only eats 15% protein and about 2095 calories
per day which equates to about 79 grams of protein according to the most
recent survey (NHanes III 1994) of US citizens by the government (Center
for Disease Control). The RDA for protein is 63 gm for males and 50 gm for
females."<br>
And, remember that these statistics are for "normal" people.
Since our digestive system has been altered, we do not absorb all the
protein we eat, so we need to eat more to compensate. The average normal
female is supposed to get 50g a day, but my nutritionist says I should try
to get 72 grams a day.
— Lynn K.
November 16, 2000
Adding my 10 cents worth. I will tell you when I don't do my protein
supplements or make sure I dont have my 60+ gms my weight loss slows,
plateaus happen! With our new tummies like it is you NEED the protein to
live healthily. Frankly I lose better on MORE than 60 gms a day and I
figured one day what I ate preop in protein and I was way above 100 gms a
day. Think about our 'pre op diets' 3 eggs, bacon or sausage, lunch
meats, cheeses, meats, yogurts, etc. It adds up fast!
— Denise S.
November 16, 2000
if you check out www.vitalady.com she explains why we need protein. If you
don't get enough in your body will eventually have to get it from someplace
else. and that is normally your muscles...not a good thing.
— Alison B.
November 16, 2000
Well, my little five dollars worth of sense, I have noticed, when I don't
get my protein in, I am weaker and don't feel as great. I know that the
protein supplements are horrible. They truly are. Just do what your doctor
suggest for you. I mean being hard head is what got us to this point in the
first place. We were hard head in what we ate before surgery and we gained
weight. Lets not be hard head after surgery and end up in the same
situation we were in. I found following your doctors advice may help you in
the end. If you are looking for a protein supplement that is not so
horrible...Check this out It is called ProCel (Instantly Dissolving
Protein
Supplement). You can put it in your juice,soup or, other foods. Here is
the telephone number where you can get
more
information or order it 1800-638-2870. Try it, I think you will like
it,
because it has no taste or smell.
— Angela A.
November 16, 2000
The lady who works where I get my protien bars (12 for $28) takes in 300
gms. a day. She is not muscular, but she is very well toned and defined.
I went through several protein bars as well, and I have settled on Perfect
Solid Protein brand Blueberry Cheesecake flavored. You may be able to find
them at GNC. The tartness of the blueberries really cuts down on that yucky
psuedochocolate protien taste. It has 34 gms of protien, 3 gms of sugar,
and 280 calories. I eat half on my way to work in the morning and the
other half in the afternoon, everyday. I'm not always disciplined with
protien; however since I returned to work and established a routine, I have
lost another 5 pounds...and 10 pounds in the last 3 weeks. My hairloss has
started and is minimal, but my nails have never been stronger. Whatever
you do, find a way to get that protien in!
— Allie B.
November 17, 2000
One more thing to consider is that 60 grams of protein a day still is not
enough for many of us. I had the distal procedure & my Doctor's
instructions are to get in a minimum of 80 grams per day. I am quite good
about getting my protein in, one way or another. And I have still lost hair
by the handfulls. It's your choice to use supplements or not, but without
using supplements you have to be VERY careful what & how you eat. I,
personally, would rather deal with the supplement(s) than to never be able
to eat the non-protein foods I enjoy like salads, vegetables & the
occasional serving of potato. Without supplements, you literally don't have
the room for any of these. My advice is to begin trying EVERY supplement
you can find, drinks and bars, til you find SOMETHING you can tolerate.
It's true, many are nasty, but I have found a few products I can tolerate
& have even found a shake I "like." Our tastes are all
different & what someone else likes, you may abhor. But, if you keep
trying, the odds are you will find "something" that will work for
you. I have gone a little non-traditional & mix my protein drink with
1/2 cup OJ. It's more sugar than some can tolerate, but it's what works for
me. That's what each of us needs to take the time to find--is whatever it
is that will work for us, individually. Sure, it's a little hard to get my
full protein in every day, but I do it....everyday. I keep a running total
on a board on my fridge. I have invested a lot in this procedure,
financially, physically, & emotionally. I'm not about to blow it all by
failing to follow my Doctor's instructions. I am seven months post op, have
lost 130# and am LOVING every day of my new life & wouldn't go back
& do anything differently for anything. A few nasty protein supplements
are a really small price to pay for all that I have gained thru this.
— Kathy W.
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