How much protein do we need?

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.   

I am a DS post-op and I NEED at least 150gms of protein per day according to my labs.  At 100 gms of protein per day all my protein markers headed downhill after I was about 18 months post-op.

Please do not hear me trying to tell you or anyone else how many grams of protein to get each day. I was simply providing information from studies done to ascertain protein requirements for bariatric patients. As I said in my post each person should work with their own Dr and Nutritionist to determine what is best for them. It looks like you are doing just that. 

Wishing you continued success and good health,

 

But by posting such nonsense, you're encouraging people to ignore good advice.

This information is not my 'opinion' or 'nonsense;' rather, it is based on documented studies. I am not 'encouraging' people to do anything, but possibly become informed. Armed with information, we can go to our providers and advocate for ourselves.

Barabra,

I'm guessing that you're doing all this "research" and "cut and paste" activity with the very best of intentions.  But your results are lacking because your technique is lacking.

I was trying to figure out what the hell that ").25" at the end of your first math formula was...and it was nothing to do with math or the formula.  What you did was cut and paste this: 

"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

Scratching my head, I eventually noticed the ones I have colored red in the above paragraph.  They are reference to footnotes.  Footnotes you didn't include and which you didn't differentiate from the rest of the text in any way.  Footnote NUMBERS that might cause someone to try to apply that formula including the ").25" at the end, based on the fairly rational assumption that the other parentheses...the one on the left...was for some reason not showing.

In the interest of accuracy, please do not post formulae with random numbers attached at the end without an explanation of what those numbers are all about.

Someone could get hurt.

As you may have noticed, I referenced the complete document so that people can read the entire document. While you are the first person to have mentioned having a problem understanding how to use the forumla, I will try to ensure that I mention specifically that additional numerical references are identifying footnotes.

Really?

You think I'm "having a problem understanding how to use the forumla."

No, sweetie, it's way easier than that...YOU are having trouble copying and pasting. 

Hey Barbara!

Long time no see! Thanks for the information, helpful as always. OH is good that way. Everyone can add their findings AKA "2 cents" LOL!. We can all do our own research based on our own needs, but it never hurts to share what you have learned.

Good to see you.

Peace,
T

Good to see you again too. You are looking well and I hope you feel at least as good as you look!

As you say, I think that OH is a great place to learn from one another and share information we find. That said, you are so right when you mention that we all need to take that shared information and base how we use in with our research and needs.

Wishing you continued success and good health,