Protein Question - HELP

We all have had our surgeons and/or nuts tell us that we need XX grams of protein per day. I have been doing some research on the subject and found this information posted below. I would like to know if any of you have done any type of research and if you have found this to be true in your findings or if you discovered contrary information. THANKS! Adults need a minimum of 1 gram of protein for every kilogram of body weight per day to keep from slowly breaking down their own tissues. That's about 8 grams of protein for every 20 lbs Considering malabsorption of at least 50%**, the RNY patient will need 100-140 grams per day minimum, which cannot be eaten as food because of the small size of the pouch. According to Sally Myers, RD and regular contributor on nutritional issues to the WLS-related newsletter "Beyond Change": "How to determine grams of protein you need daily when not yet at ideal weight: Subtract 120 from your current weight. Multiply that answer by .25 and add it to 120. Base your protein needs on that number. Extra protein is not needed for fat mass." THIS IS MY NEED ACCORDING TO THE FORMULA CURRENT WEIGHT 255 SUBTRACT 120 --------------------------- 135 x .25 --------------------------- 33.75 + 120 ------------------------------ TOTAL PROTEIN NEEDED 154 HOLY BUCKETS

I haven't seen that formula until now. (You may have to copy and paste if the link breaks)... Here is what Michelle of Vitalady has to say: http://www.vitalady.com/faqs.htm#how_much_prot_supp (Note: her figures quoted are for grams of protein from supplementation ALONE, not including bars and food!) Also of interest: http://www.vitalady.com/faqs.htm#why_use_protein_supps Chele

Just tossing it out there. I'm not endorsing her site in any way, shape or form. In fact, orders through her site (IMHO) take a LOOONG time to be received, at least in my experience and the experience of my friends. There does exist the possibility that the information on Vitalady's site is biased, and I'm not sure from where she has derived her information. I'd like to read more concrete studies, myself and if I happen to come across any, I'll be sure to forward them to the board (I hope others will too!). We each have to do what we're comfortable with, in the end. As for hair, it took me forever to grow it and I don't want to lose it! My body does rebel in that way (BTDT in the past after going on Low Carb and at the 4 month period) and I'll do anything to avoid that again! Chele

Just so you know, I didn't go to the link, but the first surgeon I ever met with, considered the BEST on the east coast, talked about how bad your skin gets with a lack of protein; so most likely what she was saying is true. However, it must be a true malnutritional lack of protein, not just an I'm a little low type situation. He described skin that made me think of very elderly people where you can tear their skin just by pulling on it. That kind of loose and weak. So, maybe she sells the stuff because she truly believes in it. But I agree with the grain of salt thingy too. Just my cheap 2 cents. Oh, and for what its worth, I am lucky when I get 60 grams in myself. I drink a full bottle of isopure and then hardly eat anything else. Yikes. Emily

Thanks Chele, According to her formulas, I need between 93 and 139. It's funny that you sent me her link, she is a member of the forum that I got the other information from. I go to my surgeon Thrusday, I am going to talk to him about it and try to pick his brain. God Bless, Jen

I've heard a similar equation. My surgeon requires that I get in a minimum of 60 grams of protein per day, but most days I actually get closer to 80 or 90. The days I get more protein in, I actually lose more weight. However, I'm not sure if it's because of the protein, or because the days I take in 80-90 grams I'm eating about 100-200 calories more per day, so maybe it's the calories jump starting my metabolism.

OMG!! HOW on earth do they expect you to do that???? I felt like I was doing good to get 50g in a day. Often times I only get 40+ in a day. I supplement, and try to eat, but unfortunately was never a big meat-eater pre-surgery. I get so disgusted with the same old food I seem to be eating day in and day out. Haven't started losing hair yet...***knock on wood*** I don't have enough to lose as it is! I have healed well. I have noticed a little loose skin, though friends have told me my skin is springing back well. I don't see how you can lose 70 lbs in 3 months and NOT have loose skin! How are the rest of you getting in 60+ a day??? Sandy L

Depending on the day and where I am with my food intake, I supplement between 20 - 50 grams of protein with powders and premixed supplements.

I also don't know how that can happen. I average around 75g a day and that's with 20g from Isopure How much can a gal eat these days