Question:
How many grams of protein per day should I be getting?

I am about 2 months post op Lap RNY. I am feeling a little down because I think I should have lost more weight then I have. I was 296 the morning of my surgery and I've lost 40 pounds. For the first 7 weeks I couldn't handle protein shakes. They made me gag and nauseous. I'm starting to be able to handle them better now but I still have some trouble. I'm worried I'm not getting enough protein and that is why I'm not losing enough, or maybe I am losing enough. I'm just now sure. How much protein should I be getting daily?    — amylbarron (posted on October 3, 2008)


October 3, 2008
Hi, I has RNY July16th, I lost 25 pre, and 50 pro, I think you are doing great. I can not handle the protein drinks either the smell alone. I find my protein other ways. I had to up my protein and seemed to help and more exercise. Pure protein bars between 18 and 25 grams protein per bar this you snack on through out the day only 2 g. sugar, (safeway has them, walmart) moz. chz. sticks, almonds with shredded wheat cereal. wasal peas, I found some beef jerky, a beef stick with low fat 3 sugars and 28 protein. I try to find something and stick to it. Sugar free carnation instant breakfast w/ a little instant coffee. I have tried protein drinks from coffee shops just need to ask how many sugars how much protein. I stillam only able to eat 2 or 3 bites so I eat when i am hungry and drink lots of fluids. Keep up the great work. contact me if you want :) my doc says 60 grams of protein during 1 day and no more then 30 at a time cause we can not take in more then that. take care
   — Tammi Sandoval

October 3, 2008
That's awesome that you've lost 40 lbs! Remember you don't want to loose it too fast. My NUT and dr. told me to get 60 grams of protein a day. I'm 1 month out today from lapband and have lost around 20 lbs. I started back in with exercising this week. I think you're on the right track with loosing. Just make sure you get your protein. I do at least 1 protein shake a day with 1/2 a scoop and then use milk as a drink/fluid throughout the day. Don't forget you can get it too from yogurt and cheese:) Good luck in your journey!
   — Teri K.

October 3, 2008
Your surgeon should of discussed this with you preop. People will give you different answers. It is best to call your doctors office and ask them. My doctor requires at least 120 mg's per day. I wish you luck and great job at the weight loss.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 3, 2008
You should be getting at least 60 grams of protien per day. Twin Labs has a liquid Cherry that is 15 grams per tablespoon. It's cheaper purchased at Vitacost.com. I often use it to supplement my protien intake as I don't always eat enough. I'm 6 months out and have lost 85 lbs. With the weight we started at, I was one pound high, we don't tend to loose as much as quickly as those that had more to loose then us. That's what I've been told. The surgeon's office said that I was at the high end of the expected weight loss for my starting BMI. Hang in there - it gets better! Blessigns, Anita
   — ap2008324

October 3, 2008
Teri's right - your doctor should have discussed this with you. My dr advises between 60-70 grams per day. I'm still pre-op but have started the protein shakes. I've found a fabulous one called Syntrax Nectar. They have various flavors but I like the Fuzzy Navel - and yes, it tastes pretty much like orange juice with a little peach thrown in. It's smooth and has no grainy texture or aftertaste. One 12 ounce drink has 23 grams of protein. I'm also going to be getting a chocolate flavored one (by the same company I think) that I'll add egg whites to and get a whopping 36 grams of protein per drink. I've also gotten some great recipes out of "Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery" and they're packed with protein. And remember, slow and steady wins the race. Good luck to you!
   — jdmartin

October 3, 2008
My surgeon told me that 60-70 grams per day. I use Atkins Advantage Shakes, I just couldn't use the powders and these are easy to drink.
   — dyates2948

October 3, 2008
Amy, 40# in 2 months, girl... you should be thrilled and shouting from the rafters!!! That is amazing!!! I agree with most of the other authors that different surgeons and/or nutritionists have different requirements regarding protein requirements and this really should have been clearly laid out before or immediately after surgery. Mine wants at least 70 gms/day. Good luck and congrats, Dawn
   — DawnVic

October 3, 2008
I too worried about the amount of weight I was losing. But then I broke it down to a "real" number. If you look at your stats, it breaks down this way: 40 lbs in 2 months = 20 lbs/month = 5 lbs per WEEK! Now that's great!! The docs say we should loose 2-3 lbs per week and you're DOUBLE that! I think, in the OVERALL picture, you are on target and should keep doing what you're doing!!
   — pattschiele

October 4, 2008
Sounds like you are doing great. Remember a steady weight loss should be the most important. If you loose too much weight too fast, that accounts for the baggy, droopy skin around your body. We didn't put the weight on overnight, so we really can't expect to lose it overnight. Each doctor has their own rules about protein and like others have said, you should check with him or your nutritionist. I am suppose to have between 60-80 per day and not all at one time. I use the Nectar's and get them from Vitacost.com. They have many yummy flavors, they are not gritty, and do not smell like whey. They mix up great and are not too sweet. You can actually go to www.enjoyhealth.com and order samples by calling the number. The samples are $1.89 each plus shipping. That is how I started out. I also use Unjury from www.unjury.com. They have chocolate, vanilla, unflavored, and chicken. They too taste great, not gritty or powdery, mix very well. You can also order samples from them as well. They also send you recipes on how to mix their proteins.
   — Teresa J.

October 4, 2008
Ok, my disclaimer...ask your surgeon :) I try to get a minimum of 85g per day, but my goal is 100. Congrats on the 40#!
   — simonsmom

October 5, 2008
I am one month out but have found ISOPURE protein drinks. They are not made like milkshakes and they are 40g of protein in one bottle. They are premixed. I know you can order online. They have a variety of flavors. After I drink one a day, it is easy for me to get 20 more grams of protein during the day. Good luck!
   — showcattlemom




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