Ketones found in urine-is our diet bad for our kidneys?

Hi there-

I went to see my PCP for a urinary tract infection today and she said there was a lot of stuff in my urine-ketones, blood (which is always there-which is why I also see a nephrologist), and some protein.  She thinks the ketones are because of my high protein diet and she told me to try to eat a more balanced diet (more carbs, fruits, veggies).  How is this possible with such a tiny pouch? Has this happened to anyone else and if so-what did you do?  Is it dangerous to have ketones in your urine? I do worry about my kidney function. My nephrologist likes to do labwork (blood/urine) every 6 months to keep an eye on things.  He doesn't think my labs have warranted doing a kidney biopsy at this point. The last time I saw the nephrologist was before my RNY. I just don't want my diet to be damaging to my kidneys.

Has this happened to anyone--kidney damage as a result of the post-op diet?  I know that it will be easier to eat a more balanced diet as a I get further out, right?

Thank you all for your advice and help!

Sincerely,

Pam

I know that when the atkins diet was really popular, more people started talking about ketones in the urine.  The big deal about it is that protein molecules are actually really big and more difficult for the kidneys to filter.  Therefore the kidneys can be damaged overtime.  Now, I'm not sure about how long it takes or how much protein it would take to do that.  All I know is that, last year before I even considered WLS, my NUT put me on a protein sparing modified fast.  It was a diet that was primarily protein only.  It was very high amounts of protein.  Greater than 140mg a day.  I was told that I would do the diet for 3 months and then I had to go off of it for 3 months and then back  on for three months simply because of the risk of damage to my kidneys.   I don't consume that much protein since surgery.  I try to make sure I get in 60mg a day.  I would be curious to find out if kidney damage is a possibilty for us.  In all my research I have not heard of that being a side effect. 

Before I had my surgery, I did talk to my nephrologist about the high protein diet and he thought it would be fine. He said that 60 g. of protein is really not that much. What is considered the "normal" intake of protein (for people who haven't had wls)?  I think it's around 50 g. of protein. I'm not sure, though.  And the reality is-I struggle to get 60 g. in per day. Most days I don't even get there-it's more like 50 or 55 g.

That is interesting about the protein molecules being big.

Thank you so much for your reply!

Pam :)

Having ketones in your urine is perfectly normal after RNY. Google search "ketosis after gastric bypass" and you will hit millions of sites (well, thousands anyway, LOL). Basically it means that your body is using fat for energy which is what you want to happen. It happens after RNY because we do burn the fat at a high rate of speed. The ketosis decreases over time and I have never heard of having kidney damage because of it. Make sure that you drink lots of water, you will be fine. Stick with the diet you were given by your bariatric Dr. If you are concerned about it I would suggest that you call your surgeons office so that they can explain it to you.

Martha 

The way they explained it to me TODAY was that the protein is for building muscle and is very important  BUT the carbs and junk calories you need for daily living. It's what your body uses for activity. 

I have same problem and hope you don't get as bad as me!! You do have to have a balanced diet. Definitely overwhelming.  Spilling ketones is not normal and can lead to serious problems. 

Thank you for your responses! What kinds of problems are you having?

Pam

ketones in urine is a good thing if you are loosing weight.  It shows that the body is burning fat for energy instead of storing it and burning carbs.  Google ketoacidosis. 

Ketoacidosis is NOT a good thing

You are right ketoacidosis is NOT good.  This is a dangerous situation for a diabetic. 

However, early out of RNY the body is burning fat stores so there will be ketones (which is normal on a low carb, high protein diet)...it happens to the majority.  In order to optimize the initial benefits of losing weight there will be ketones in the urine; if you have kidney problems then it's important to discuss this with your medical team.

A high protein diet only for a short period of time for the general population will not cause damage to the kidneys.