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

Protein



Recommended Posts

Hi All,

I'm reading about not getting enough Protein. Is it possible to have too much protein? I am not banded yet and am trying to "practice" eating the right way. I am using whey protein and don't want to overdo it.

Thanks,

Alfie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Personally I try to get anywhere from 80-100 grams per day. Doc wants me at 80, nutritionist at 100. Sometimes I can only get 60, sometimes I get 130, but I try to keep it in the range of 80-100 grams.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, you can get too much Protein. Your body can only absorb 25gms or so at a time and anything you don't absorb/use will either need to be burned or it will become fat.

Too much Protein is hard on your liver and kidneys. Most docs suggest around 60-80gms daily. More than that and you are merely adding needless calories and over working your kidneys and liver. Many people go by the assumption that if protein is good for you then more is better. This is WRONG and can be too hard on your body. At the very least it is needless calories you will eventually have to burn.

Protein is best consumed early AMs, after a hard work out, and PMs. That's when your body can use it best. Don't consume more than 25gms or so at a time and keep protein intake about 3-4 hours apart at a minimum.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Was...great advise. I was wondering the same thing about the Protein. Where do I get these protein powders I keep reading about? I've been drinking the carnation instant Breakfast no sugar added, but it only has 5g of protein. I'll need a lot more than that!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm on the other side - I know I don't get anywhere NEAR the amount of Protein I'm supposed to be getting :) I don't cook so that causes problems. There's a place about an hour away that make meals you can pick up fresh 1-2 times a week to heat up in the micro. I'm going to try that. I tried one that shipped stuff frozen but honestly it tasted nasty.

I'm also going tomorrow to buy a lot of lean meat and just grill a bunch so I can micro them over the week.

ARGH!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Can too much Protein cause a tummy ache? I started my 2 week pre op diet yesterday. I have 2-3 Protein Shakes per day and 2 meat/veggie/fruit meals (small portions) per day. I'm getting about 115-120 gm per day. Right now, I have a bad stomach ache (not nausea or bowels but my actual stomach is like cramping) and I'm wondering if it's from too much protein. Does anyone know?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Can too much Protein cause a tummy ache? I started my 2 week pre op diet yesterday. I have 2-3 Protein shakes per day and 2 meat/veggie/fruit meals (small portions) per day. I'm getting about 115-120 gm per day. Right now, I have a bad stomach ache (not nausea or bowels but my actual stomach is like cramping) and I'm wondering if it's from too much protein. Does anyone know?

Mandi, You can cut back to 2 Protein Shakes and one meal per day or the other way around and the stomach aches should go away. My dr said they are from too drastic of a change in our normal eating habits. My pre-op diet was a Protein shake for Breakfast and one for either lunch or dinner, plus a small meal. I am using the Protein powder from Walmart. Low in everything but protein. Hope this helps....Dave

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Can too much Protein cause a tummy ache? I started my 2 week pre op diet yesterday. I have 2-3 Protein shakes per day and 2 meat/veggie/fruit meals (small portions) per day. I'm getting about 115-120 gm per day. Right now, I have a bad stomach ache (not nausea or bowels but my actual stomach is like cramping) and I'm wondering if it's from too much protein. Does anyone know?

WOW! That's a LOT of protein. I'll bet you do have stomach pain. I'll bet you get diarrhea soon as well.

Careful, your body can only absorb so much protein and the rest you have to burn or it turns to fat. It is also very hard on your liver and kidneys. Most docs tell you to consume about half that much.

If your doc told you to consume that much protein, then he must have a reason. Just make sure that's what he wants.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It is to my understanding that a body can absorb 30 gm of Protein at a sitting and I may be mistaken but that is for those whom have had RNY. For us banders, I believe because of the fact that we don't have malabsorption, we can take even more and it will be absorbed through our body.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It is to my understanding that a body can absorb 30 gm of Protein at a sitting and I may be mistaken but that is for those whom have had RNY. For us banders, I believe because of the fact that we don't have malabsorption, we can take even more and it will be absorbed through our body.

Not really. RNY folks have trouble absorbing food as you say, due to malabsorption.

The amount of Protein that can be absorbed is the same for everyone regardless if they had surgery or not. Your body simply cannot absorb huge amounts in protein in a single sitting. Typically you want to stick to around 25gms, no more than 30gms at a time and wait about 3-4 hours until your next protein intake.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

WasaBubbleButt-Well, here are my pre-op diet instructions.

Ø Take 2 scoops of the Myocel 2-3 times each day mixed with 8 to 10oz. of skim milk, Water, fruit juice or fat free yogurt. You may add fresh or frozen fruit (stay away from bananas, they are too high in sugar), fat free/sugar free Jello or pudding to vary the flavor.

Ø You may also have 1-2 healthy meals each day. Stick with lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish & lean beefs the size of the palm of your hand – 4 to 6oz.), green vegetables (all you want, avoid potatoes & carrots), and fruit(1 cup, remember – no bananas).

They did not give me a set amount of Protein but since one chicken breast, serving of fish, etc usually has about 25-30 g Protein and I have 2 meals w/ meat per day and two shakes (made with skim milk) each having about 28 g protein, it comes out to about that much. But, I did eat less protein today and my stomach has been much better. Plus, the whole purpose is to shrink my liver for surgery and if I'm taking in too much protein, that might interfere so I'm going to cut back. I just had to idea how much was too much and I never met w/ a nutritionist (I will meet with one the day before surgery). Thanks for your advice.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That much Protein isn't going to hurt anything short term and if you are keeping Protein up you'll be able to stick to the diet more easily. Lots of protein, no white carbs... it's a dobable plan for those of us with food issues. ;)

Long term that much protein might be a problem so please check with your nutritionist for long term answers. Your doc may have a specific reason for that much protein.

Congrats to you for your upcoming surgery!!!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That much Protein isn't going to hurt anything short term and if you are keeping Protein up you'll be able to stick to the diet more easily. Lots of protein, no white carbs... it's a dobable plan for those of us with food issues. ;)

Yes, I'm very surprised at my lack of appetite since not eating white carbs/sugar/soda, etc. I've only had about 1000 calories today and I haven't felt hungry at all. When I first saw the diet, I thought I would really struggle but I haven't. The first 2 days I had a headache and then the stomach ache from the protein but it hasn't been nearly as painful as I thought it would be. :clap2:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Cutting out white carbs stops the blood sugar spikes/insulin issues so hunger is not a huge issue. This is something to remember during your post op diet as well. See how everyone is complaining that they are sooo hungry during the post op phase? Well, if you cut out white carbs and bump up Protein it really does kill hunger pains.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Mandi,

Good Luck with your surgery. I had my surgery Aug 10th. I have not had a fill yet and I am not loosing any more weight since 8 days past surgery. I was told not to get discouraged. It will start happening after my fills. This does not happen to everyone -----just some. I am kind of fighting the battle of the healing 4-6 weeks before my fills begin. GL janice

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

    • 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!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×