No Protein Shakes

Hi...My surgery is scheduled soon and wondering if anyone else has dealt with this. My doctor says I can't take protein supplements after RNY surgery because I have a history of gout. I have taken Allopurinol for several years and gout has not flared up. I understand that rapid weight loss can cause Gout but my question is how will I get my 100 grams of protein starting the first month or so?
Thanks, Layne

I never used shakes, but I also was not required to get 100g of protein daily--just 60-70% of whatever daily calories I was alloted at the time, which was only 300/day the first 3 months. My surgeon explained that as long as I got sufficient fluids and took my vitamins, my body would be burning the stored fat as a substitute for other food.  It worked for me.

Gout is a very real (and as you must know) very painful condition. Your meds may be working fror you now, but after WLS, it may be a very different situation if you are consuming 100g of protein everyday.  Your whole body chemistry seems to change and you won't know how the meds will work.

I ate (and still do) a lot of fish to get my protein, as well as beans and legumes.  I don't have any answers for you, but do be cautious. It's often a matter of balancing what your body can tolerate with your individual medical needs or concerns. I suspect it's your PCP who's giving you this advice -- so have you discussed it with the surgeon and/or nutritionist too?

Good luck with your surgery.

Ann

Wow,,,that was quick and helpful. I do like fish and beans so I guess that will have to do. My RNY surgeon is actually the one telling me about the protein and I appreciate his concern because Gout is VERY painful. I have my final appt with him the day before my surgery so will surely get more info, I also want to hear from the troops that have been through the battle. Thanks again I appreciate your counsel. Layne,

I'm glad you like fish, but I always believed that bean are a no-no for people with a tendency to gout. Please double-check that with your doctor.

I don't have gout but I have consistently high uric acid levels which causes gout. I also take Allopurinol. I've had not problems with protein shakes. The Allopurinol helps keep me from getting uric acid kidney stones. My surgeon knows all this and has never said that protein supplements are contraindicated. I would double check that if I were you.

Karen

It was noted at a recent support group meeting that gout patients will face additional challenges from higher protein intakes. High protein intake is needed as a post op. I'd have a real consult with your PCP doctor that has controlled your gout episodes and have a good discussion with him. Specific types of protein rich foods may be a better choice than shakes for you, but protein supplements for the first few months are almost impossible to avoid. DAVE

Hey Dave,
Thanks for the info. I believe I met you at a support group meeting in Corona several months ago. Didn't you have the dried peas for sale? I want to order some of those pretty soon. Anyway, Dr. Suh is also my surgeon and I am pretty confident he is considering all factors.
Do you regret having the WLS.
Thanks, Layne 

I may have met you too. I meet a lot of people at the 3 support meetings I attend. I'll probably have the dried peas there at the meeting too. I do not regret having my surgery. You might look at my profile story. It's lengthy and has a lot of info there for the new post ops, on things they may face as they get further out from their surgery. DAVE

I was told to stop protein drinks at 4 weeks post-op. I've never been told how much protein to get in, just protein first every time I eat.

I lost 175 lbs in the first year.

Best wishes to you!

HI.....good luck with your upcomming surgery . I was also worried about the same thing. I actually tried a few differant protein drinks . I found one that I really like , the website is  www.Focus28.com , the protein drinks are really good ...good luck...Suzan