How much protein do we need?

Barbara C.
on 10/8/11 7:01 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

Mandy R.
on 10/8/11 7:05 am - Callahan, FL
thanks :)


HW-298  SW-251 Loss/Month post RNY(1)-23.5,(2)-23.3,(3)-9.9,(4)-10.6,(5)-8.9,(6)-7.7,(7)-4.2,(8)-7.5,(9)-1.7,(10)-10.8*first goal reached*,(11)-6,(12)-1.3,(13)-0.3,(14)+2.9-*changed scales that weigh 2lbs heavier*,(15)-0.3(16)-4.7(17),+5.8(18)-1.5,(19)+4.4,(20)-+4,(21)-1.2,(22)+3.5,(23)


 

Barbara C.
on 10/8/11 7:07 am - Raleigh, NC

My pleasure!

BTW... congratulations on your success and wishing you all the best with your upcoming surgery. 

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

Mandy R.
on 10/8/11 7:20 am - Callahan, FL
thank you


HW-298  SW-251 Loss/Month post RNY(1)-23.5,(2)-23.3,(3)-9.9,(4)-10.6,(5)-8.9,(6)-7.7,(7)-4.2,(8)-7.5,(9)-1.7,(10)-10.8*first goal reached*,(11)-6,(12)-1.3,(13)-0.3,(14)+2.9-*changed scales that weigh 2lbs heavier*,(15)-0.3(16)-4.7(17),+5.8(18)-1.5,(19)+4.4,(20)-+4,(21)-1.2,(22)+3.5,(23)


 

SweetLilyAnn
on 10/8/11 7:44 am - TX
Barbara: thank you for your thoughtful posts. I always read your posts as they have helped me so much. My Dr. said 60 grams of protein. Thanks for your insight.

HW: 328   GW: 164  CW: 159  Height - 5' 8"  
GOAL REACHED 12/15/2012!!!!!!!!!

RNY Surgery Date:  6/21/11  
LBL/BL  - 11/6/2012 Arm Lift with Abdominal Lipo - 12/11/2012 - Dr. Paul PIn
Love me without restriction, trust me without fear, want me without demand and accept me for who I am.         - unknown - 

 

 

Barbara C.
on 10/8/11 7:47 am - Raleigh, NC

You are most welcome. My program also recommends about 60 grams. I actually get more than that and after doing the math associated with the article, I'm about on target with the recommendations. Basically, it says that we tend to absorb less as we are recovering from surgery during the first year post op and then level out somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd year post op. 

Wishing you continued success,  

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

rbb825
on 10/8/11 3:53 pm - Suffern, NY
If I followed those recommendations of 1.1g/kg I would be totally malnurished and protein deficient.  The 1.5g/kg is even on the low side which is a minimum for me and I am usually much higher than that which keeps my protein levels where they need to be.  For me at 142 pounds, they are telling me 70 grams of protein is all that is necessary.  So then if this is the case - a 100 pound female would only need 50grams of protein and that is no way acceptable.

I don't think it should go by our weight at all.  I still need the same amount of protein now if not more now than I did when I was 100 pounds heavier.

 

Barbara C.
on 10/9/11 3:29 am - Raleigh, NC

I am not suggesting the amount you should take. I am just sharing the findings of studies regarding protein requirements for bariatric patients. As I suggested before, everyone is an individual and needs to consult with their own medical team.

Wishing you continued good health,

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

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