Lab results

Bariatric center called me this afternoon and told me my potassium was low and so was my protein. I have had this problem before with my potassium; I'm sure some of this stems from the fact that I'm taking a diuretic because my legs keep swelling up (and they have ever since I had this knee surgery, and no doctor has figured out why).

The low protein level, however, floors me; I don't journal, so I don't know exactly how much protein I eat, but I know I eat at least 20 grams a protein per meal, if not more, and I eat three meals and a snack a day, with protein at each meal. So where is all this protein going?

Anyway, I don't have all the figures yet ... the person I talked to wouldn't give those to me, but I'll be getting them in the mail since I requested them. The person I talked to told me to up my protein to 70g a day (which I know I've been eating anyway ... like I said, at least 20g per meal, if not more). And I have to take two potassium pills a day (I had some left over from December, pre-op from knee surgery, when my potassium was low, so at least I don't have to buy those (which is good, because after getting some necessary supplies from Walgreens and putting $7 of gas in my car ... all I had left ... I'm broke).

And overnight, I gained 5 pounds ... which must be water weight gain, because my right leg is so swollen and hurts so much again. I have my yearly physical with my PCP on Monday, and the bariatric center is the following Tuesday. Lots of questions ... plus the little hard spot in my tummy near the navel is still there, although not as hard or sore as yesterday.

Any thoughts, concerns, questions I should ask? Thanks in advance.

Eileen, anytime a person takes a diruretic, you should also be
taking supplemental potassium.....the water pill is really bad
on depleting potassium.

As far as the low protein, make sure you are getting good
solid protein, not  shakes.  Use cottage cheese, if you
can't afford meat.   That would be my thoughts.  Ask to
speak to the dietician when you go to GHP and get her
suggestions on upping your protein.

This weather is bad for swelling ... my hands are puffy today
too. 

Good luck on your appointments.

Pat

I get solid protein ... I only use the one shake a day (for breakfast) ... the rest of the time it's solid (cheese, meat, etc.). I seldom use shakes (don't like 'em).

Ugh ... I hate the potassium horse pills. Wish I didn't have to take the diuretics, but my legs are so swollen. Ever since I've had this knee surgery, this happens, and they can't figure out why.

I know we've had this discussion before. I use a combo for my protein. Lots of beans, milk, cottage cheese, peanut butter, eggs,  meat and one protein shake a day. The shakes are "predigested whey" doesn't that mean that we absorb them more readily? I know different doctors believe different things. I try to get as much as I can in. My husband takes an over the counter potassium supplement daily. It seems to ward off the leg cramps that he can get.

Here's the BV list. Whey powder is NOT equal to some rice 'n beans!
****
OK, this applies to people who HAVE a stomach, so don't run off and think it applies to us as it is. Only protein products that SAY they are predigested, are predigested, Other ones require a stomach for digestion. The numbers are the BV. (Biologic value). This is only how easily the body can absorb them, not the protein g in each one. And as stated before, the last few need to be blended to make a complete protein.

whey blended products 100-159
whey 104
egg 100
cow's milk 91
egg white 88
beef 80
fish 79 (83 on another chart)
chicken 77
casein 77
soy 74
potato 71
rice 59
wheat 54
beans 49
peanuts 43

Michelle, Please continue to "preach to the choir" here. It sometimes takes a long time to absorb and understand (not talking about protein here!) So does the higher number (BV) listed next to each food product mean that it absorbs or is utilized by our bodies better?

exactly.

the higher the number, the more of it you can potentially get and the better the quality (more perfect amino chain)

Aloha Eileen........Well, I'm glad you got some results and even more glad that you have appointments coming up soon where you can get the scoop on exactly what is going on.

Potassium always makes me think BANANA!! Many mornings, my breakfast is banana Walker Diet protein shake (with vitamins), blended with water, ice and a whole banana. Of course, here in Hawaii, bananas are everywhere so are very inexpensive. (one of the things that is inexpensive). At Costco I believe a huge bunch (12 or more) is only $1.99. When I can't eat them fast enough, I peel and wrap in saran and freeze for my protein shake.

Also, since you work at a desk a lot, maybe you could take a couple of protein bars (I eat Zone double dark chocolate bars) to munch on during your shift.

Good luck in getting everything back into the healthy range. I'm glad you are taking care of yourself.

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

I've looked this up before, but after your post, thought I'd look it up again (because I really hate bananas ... hate the smell of them, the taste, etc.). But anyway, here are some potassium rich foods along with bananas.

• raisins
• prunes
• apricots
• dates
• strawberries
• bananas
• watermelon
• cantaloupe
• citrus fruits
• beets
• greens
• spinach
• tomatoes
• mushrooms
• soy products
• veggie burgers
• peas
• beans
• turkey
• fish
• beef
• salmon
• cod

And some of them are also high in protein, so that kills two birds with one stone, so to speak. I already eat a lot of them (spinach, raisins ... eat them daily, almost) turkey (had it for lunch tonight ... had spinach in my salad ... it also has iron).

I know the protein shake is a controversy. My bariatric docs don't believe in them after the first month post-op; they believe you should get your protein from foods, so I do ... I only have a shake for breakfast because I'm basically lazy and don't want to cook (I like my AchievOne shakes because they have coffee so I get caffeine and protein in one shot).

and we have to sign a contract that we WILL do protein and vites for life! No sign, no surgery.

So, the thing to remember, if you COULD get your from food, you WOULD be getting it from food. So, if your potassium, mag, protein levels are low, that means you are NOT able to get it from the food. It does NOT mean you are too stupid to eat the right foods at all.

Hence, supplements. Means "in addition to" food, for when food just isn't enough. There are many conditions that cause malabsorption, but WLS is just one of the most obvious.