Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How much protein can you absorb at one time?



Recommended Posts

I am 3 weeks post op and get nauseas with shakes, not sure why. I found a 3oz Protein shot at GNC. It's called New Whey protein shot that comes in different flavors with no carbs or fat, 42 grams of protein and 180 calories. When I paid the lady at the register said "you do know you can only absorb so much protein at a time right? The rest just goes right through your liver" I said thanks and left. The whole evening I've been thinking about this. I guess I can take half the shot and the other half later. Then complete my 60 grams of daily protein with food. But I can't stop wondering about what she said. I'm googling and I get different amounts 25 gr, 30 gr.. . .does anyone know more about this?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have heard 25 grams, and maybe a little more first thing in the morning when you've been without food all night.

That is what my nutritionist told me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My nutritionist said the max you could absorb at one time was 20 - 25 grams. I recommend taking half the shot, cutting it with something you like to drink and sipping it slowly. Save the other half for later.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well this one's all over the map. A quick Google brought up these results: https://encrypted.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=how+much+protein+can+I+adsorb+in+one+sitting%3F&oq=how+much+protein+can+I+adsorb+in+one+sitting%3F&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=678l16545l0l16760l45l44l0l30l30l0l230l1921l2.11.1l14l0

While I don't think that there is really a limit per-se I would have to hazard a guess that the body can only adsorb so much before the natural result of passing the food causes it to travel beyond the area that the intestines can adsorb it from. How fast your metabolism is and how fast your intestines move are some of the variables involved.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well darn it! My NUT assured me early on that I could double up on the Protein Powder no problem. I've been making my shakes between 40 and 50 grams of Protein. She said it would be fine and that my body would process it - that there was no limit. Now I am confused. I do this mostly because shakes are very difficult for me to get down, still. And I'm still not able to eat enough food to get all my protein in. Thanks everyone for this post. I will follow up with my NUT again and read Rootman's searches!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was told in my Option classes and my surgeon that you can only absorb 30 grams of Protein at a time. Any more than that, it is just peed out and it is hard on your kidneys.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yep 25-30 grams at one time IF you didn't just exercise or really tax your muscles. There is a window of time (about 45 mins - 1hour) after intense exercise/weight lifting that your body will basically use all the Protein you can pump into it.....to repair muscles, etc.

This is the main reason why things like Muscle Milk exist.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh that's really good to know. My kidney tests have been a little haywire but I really do follow the 25 gram per meal . sometimes in the morning I think I go a little over because my Protein Shake is 25 grams and I feel like I need more on the way to the gym.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The most common recommended Protein after this surgery is whey Protein Isolate because the Isolate is absorbed by the body the quickest because it is the most pure form of whey protein. I chose to have a mixed blend due to cost (cheaper Wal-Mart brand) and a thought that the Whey Protein Concentrate has the rest of the amino acids that will get absorbed in the first stage of the intestines.

But I agree with everyone else's statement that 20-25g at a time is just right. My particular shake is 26g per scoop (6-8oz water/milk) and I have one or two per day depending on my food choices. One first thing in the morning and the second I decide after work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I take one of those 3 oz 42 g New Whey shots every day when I get out of the gym.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have heard 25 grams, and maybe a little more first thing in the morning when you've been without food all night.

That is what my nutritionist told me.

This is exactly what I've ever heard. 25g and 30g first thing in the morning. However I've never really done a whole lot of research on it so I can't say for sure. I've always stuck to the 25g rule simply because if it is true I really don't need the extra calories anyway.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ive been told and have read on there that those Protein Shots are the wrong kind of protein- a collagen based and we need a whey based protein- talk to your doc or nutritionist.

I did and they advised against them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Alisa_S

      Just been waiting until time for my consult with my bariatric surgeon. It's scheduled for Jan 9th. Turns out I won't actually be seeing him. Apparently it'll be with his P.A.             Not sure what to expect. I thought this is where the surgeon would discuss the best surgery option for me. For years I had my heart set on the sleeve, but I've read so many people have issues with reflux - even if they've never had it before - that they've had to be revised to the bypass. I already deal with GERD & take 40 mg of Omeprazole daily, so I started studying about bypass and honestly, it seems like it might be the better choice for me. How can we discuss surgery options if the surgeon is not there?
      What happened at your first consult? Trying to get an idea of what to expect, or maybe I should say, what NOT to expect.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • rinabobina

      I would like to know what questions you wish you had asked prior to your duodenal switch surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×