Too much protein!

[bluegirly 343]

My NUT wants me to aim for 60g Protein a day. She said together NO MORE than 70g a day. This is a constant struggle for me! I eat protein so that I can stay satisfied, and I'm afraid if I eat a lower amount during a meal that I will be hit with hunger too quickly! Anyone else deal with this??

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

That sounds like a fairly low Protein goal, for the very reason you mention - dealing with physical hunger. Have you discussed your concerns with her? Does she have any suggestions for other ways to manage physical hunger?

My own and most other bariatric surgeons I've encountered recommend at least 70 grams of Protein a day for women. My current surgeon recently told me that I should consume at least 90 grams of protein a day for several reasons: my physical hunger is ferocious (thanks to my sleeve), I work out a lot, and I've been experiencing unintentional weight loss (I'm 18 lbs below my goal weight).

Appropriate macro-nutrient (protein, carb, fat) intake also depends on the patient's height, weight, age, gender, activity level, and health problems. I'm

5'2" tall, 114 lbs, 60 years old, female, very active, anemic (thanks to my sleeve) and diabetic. If you're still in the early stages of your weight loss journey, probably heavier than I am, and surely younger than I am, I would expect that your basal metabolic rate (the number of calories you need to consume just to stay alive) would be quite a bit higher than mine, which is another reason I think that 60 grams of protein a day is too little. But... I'm not a dietitian or any other kind of medical professional, so I hope you'll be able to discuss this further with your dietitian and/or surgeon and come up with a workable compromise.

Jean

P.S. - When I was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, several years before my band surgery, the dietitian I saw at that time told me that most Americans eat far more protein than they need, and that I should consume no more than 60 grams a day. Since then I've heard bariatric dietitians and surgeons say that the maximum 60 grams of protein recommendation is outdated and that all bariatric patients need more than that to help with healing and to maintain good health.

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

I just had another thought...one way you could deal with physical hunger while eating only 60 grams of Protein a day is to eat smaller amounts more frequently during the day. When I was banded, I ate 6 small meals/snacks a day. I tried to always combine protein and carbs in each meal or snack. That worked well for me. Now I have to eat 8-10 times a day (thanks to you know what), and when I manage to combine protein and carbs each of those times, I have less hunger and more energy throughout the day.

[lisacaron 5,075]

I agree with you Jean, sounds like a low amount of Protein. My Nut always says 70-80 minimum.

We need that Protein to keep those energy levels up, hunger at bay and for help in healing after surgery. I have a hard time making sure I get it all in through out the day sometimes, even before the band I was never a big eater. With Protein shakes, bars and shots, it's been much easier and I can finally say I am feeling better.

I was feeling drawn and weak for a while after surgery and losing lots of hair as well. Once I upped my protein levels all that changed and I am feeling better and hair is growing in nicely

[Mandi1441 23]

I was also told at least 60 grams of Protein. She told me I could not take in enough protein the more protein the better the results. I do not have a problem with too much protein and I consume an average of 90 grams daily. It really helps with the hunger and cravings. I was told no more than 1200 cals, no more than 60 carbs, and at least 60 grams of protein daily. Good luck. I hope you find your balance. :-)

[Bandista 7,466]

Nutritionists vary, that's for sure.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I was always told there isn't a set amount to take in because it's based on your current weight. So, the amount of Protein you need will vary as your weight changes.

At 223 pounds (according your ticker), it would be 67g of Protein a day. (weight x .3 = protein)

If you use that formula, the 60-70g of protein range your nutritionist gave you would be right on track.

Again, that's just what I was taught. It's unfortunate but every nutritionist (and patient) has their own idea what works. This is exactly why I always say you need to figure out what works best for YOU. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to eat so long as it's healthy.

[SandyM 1,956]

You didn't mention it but I assume you have healthy kidneys. Too much Protein can cause kidney stones. The body doesn't store leftover Protein so you have to drink plenty of Water to wash the uric acid (by products of protein) out of your system. If you have kidney problems or history of kidney stones this could cause you some problems. The body won't use protein for energy unless you run out of carbs and fats. It uses protein to build muscle and repair muscle.

Otherwise I don't know why she would set a maximum on protein because if you do that then you will obviously have to take in quite a bit more carbs and fat to meet your caloric requirement. A gram of protein only equals 4 calories, a gram of carbs 4 calories and a gram of fat 9 calories.

[bluegirly 343]

Yes my kidneys are healthy, but that is good to know. I'm just going to keep doing what I am doing...eating Protein first at each meal so that I don't get hungry too quickly. Typically I am coming in at about 80g a day....I don't think it's overkill. The next time I meet with my NUT I'll talk to her about it,

Thanks so much for the input!

[Kathytej 134]

I agree with you Jean' date=' sounds like a low amount of Protein. My Nut always says 70-80 minimum. We need that Protein to keep those energy levels up, hunger at bay and for help in healing after surgery. [/quote']

Mine also suggest 60 - 80 so, I am almost satisfy all day is working for me. No fill yet, let's see what happens after the first fill!