How much protein do we need?

Barbara C.
on 10/8/11 7:02 am - Raleigh, NC
There are often a lot of questions and concerns about how much protein we need after bariatric surgery. This is a link to a paper that appeared in Bariatric Times. This paper titled Protein and the Bariatric Patient by Laura Frank, PhD, MPH, RD, CD, October 2008 appeared in the Bariatric Times (http://bariatrictimes.com/2008/10/07/protein-and-the-bariatr ic-patient-2/)

The conclusion of this discussion appears below: 

Protein Prescription for the Bariatric Patient 
Usual protein recommendations for the post-bariatric surgery patient are anywhere from 1 to 2g protein per kg of adjusted body weight—calculated as current body weight (CBW) minus ideal body weight (IBW) multiplied by 25 percent plus IBW [CBW-IBW x 25% + IBW]).25 A minimum of 60 to 70g of protein per day should be ingested.13 Many programs recommend a range of 60 to 80 grams total protein intake per day or 1.0 to 1.5g/kg IBW, although exact needs have yet to be defined. The use of 1.5g/kg IBW/day beyond the early post-surgical phase is probably above metabolic requirements for non-complicated patients and may prevent the consumption of other macronutrients in the context of volume restrictions. An analysis of the RYGB patient’s typical nutrient intake at one year postoperative found no significant changes in albumin with daily protein consumption at 1.1g/kg IBW.12 Following BPD/DS procedures, the amount of protein should be increased by approximately 30 percent to accommodate for malabsorption, making the average protein requirement for these patients approximately 90g/day.30

Here is a link to a Pound to KG conversion calculator you can use to determine your weight in KGs if you want to use the formulas above to determine the amount of protein necessary to support a healthy body post op.
 Please make sure to check with your Dr. or Nutritionist before making any changes to the protein levels in your diet. 

Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145

KathyA999
on 10/8/11 7:37 am
So if you're at "ideal body weight" already, the formula is 125% of ideal body weight, expressed in kg.  Then do 1-2 gms of protein per kg. 

So for me, 139 lbs. x 125% = 174, whi*****ilograms is 79.  So 79 to 158 grams of protein. I shoot for 100 grams daily.  Not bad!

Interesting, though, that the formula ends up requiring more than a lot of surgeons' programs, which are usually around 60 grams.

Height 5' 7"   High Wt 268 / Consult Wt 246 / Surgery Wt 241 / Goal Wt 150 / Happy place 135-137 / Current Wt 143
Tracker starts at consult weight       
                               
In maintenance since December 2011.
 

Barbara C.
on 10/8/11 8:13 am - Raleigh, NC

Hi Kathy,

We are about the same size and when I do the computations, it comes out that I would need between 60 to 95 grams which is about what I get. My weight computes to just about 63 kilograms. From there if you multiply that by 1.0 to 1.5, you get 63 to  94.5 grams of protein.

Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145

KathyA999
on 10/8/11 10:57 am
Ah, so not 1-2, but 1-1.5.  I guess I skimmed the conclusions too fast, LOL!  At that calculation, I'd be 79-118.  So I'm right in there. 

Interesting info, thanks for posting!

Height 5' 7"   High Wt 268 / Consult Wt 246 / Surgery Wt 241 / Goal Wt 150 / Happy place 135-137 / Current Wt 143
Tracker starts at consult weight       
                               
In maintenance since December 2011.
 

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