Question:
Will drinking too much water stretch my pouch?

Hi! I am 6 days post-op and I am having a little trouble getting in all my water. Sometimes I sip other times I seem to gulp (with no problems). When I gulp the water does this stretch my pouch out? Also - how many oz of water do I need a day and how much protein do I need a day? Thanks    — tracyr (posted on January 16, 2002)

January 16, 2002
no it won't stretch your pouch. you should ask your doctor about how much but my nutritionest says 64 ounces of water...2 quarts and 45-60grams of protein
   — Sharon F.

January 16, 2002
My nutritionist said I need 73 gr. of protein a day and 64 oz. fluid which includes soup, popsicles, water, juice etc. I asked her how she determines protein need and she said she goes by height, and gender. Taller and men need more than shorter and women. I am 5'8" and need 73gr. She never told me the "formula." Remember to take your protein no more than 30gr at a time. The extra is wasted.
   — Karen B.

January 17, 2002
I found this formula on a website. Weight X .36 gr. = daily protein requirement.
   — Cheri M.

January 18, 2002
I find that last post to be a little bit off. if I take my weight(360) X .36 grams=. I get to try to choke down 129.6 grams of protein per day. This is utterly WRONG! good luck to anyone who tries to get that much protein in a day.
   — sbinkerd1

January 18, 2002
Actually Scott, she's not that far off. Ask your doc. S/he will tell you that you need 0.8 grams of protein for every 2.2 pounds of your body weight. At 360 that means you personally need 130 grams of protein daily. Don't worry, as you lose, the requirement goes down. Have your pre-albumin checked the next time you do bloodwork. Most WLS docs don't check protein levels until you're at goal. But ask them to check it anyway just to see where you are. Good luck and God bless! PS -- the protein shakes are good if you play around with them and keep searching til you find a good combo.
   — Kimberly L.