Have you heard of anyone having kidney trouble after VSG (due to high protein intake)?

Hi there-

Is the post-op vsg diet really high in protein or is it just the "normal" amount for any individual (whether you've had wls or not)? I ask because there is kidney disease in my family and I am wondering if I'm at risk. I've read that a high-protein diet is only controversial for people with kidney disease.

This may be tmi--but I wonder if I'm at risk for kidney disease because I have always had blood in my urine for years (not visible to the naked eye). I go to a urologist regularly to get my bladder scoped to check for cancer. The urologist can never find anything. I've learned that blood in the urine could be a result of kidney disease.  Sometimes the only way to diagnose it is to take an actual biopsy of the kidney--which is not something doctors will usually do if kidney function appears to be normal (based on lab results). My father has an autoimmune disease that attacks his kidneys (Wegeners). His nephrologist told him that he's never seen two people in the same familywho  have the disease--but he said, "I suppose on some level-everything's hereditary."

So I'm just wondering if the diet that I will be following is really high in protein and if it will be hard on my kidneys.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Pam :)

Sounds like a good conversation for you and your urologist.

I have only one functioning kidney due to an issue I had with the other one as a child.  So I have been very careful to get my water in every day and avoid things with excessive calcium carbonate (Tums, for example) that could build up in my kidneys.  So far, so good.

The amount of protein we eat with VSG isn't that unusual to what a lot of normies eat.  It's the ratio of protein to carbs that we really adjust with VSG... and that can affect regularity and such.  I guess there could be potential kidney issues but only a doctor could adequately help you since you don't have a "cause" for the blood in your urine... research it carefully due to you medical history.  

Good luck!

No, haven't heard of any problems.  Some folks express concerns over being in ketosis (fat burning) for extended periods of time, but it's really not a problem.  Keep drinking lots of fluids to stay flushed out and all should be well.

My Father had Polycystic Kidney Disease. Because it is hereditary, I was concerned about the low carb/high protein as well. I contacted his Nephrologist, and explained what I had done. She said it could affect the kidneys, and to keep close tabs on my creatinine and Bun levels. My plan is to have bloodwork done every 3 months for the first year.

 Yes was told of people getting kidney stones. I have a friend who suffered from 3 of them and her PCP said it was from high protein and my husbands kidney doc said the same thing. Was told to drink a lot of water to help with this problem some people get not all people get this.

I have stage 3 kidney disease and my nephorlogist is aware of this surgery and the diet. I drink lots of water and try to get alot of my protein through the promina whey nectar, it is easier on the kidneys. Being overweight is harder on the kidneys too. I have only 1 kidney and that has been since birth and wasn't found out until I was age 50. Go figure. Anyway, That is how I deal with it. Hope this helps.

Thank you all for the very helpful responses! I think I will try to schedule a time to talk to my dad's nephrologist and see what he thinks. My urologist always says that I just have "unexplained hematuria." (I think that's the word he used).