Question:
Is WLS possible if there are kidney issues where protein ingestion is harmful?
Just visited my PCP who found possible kidney problems...was reading that sometimes a decrease in protein ingestion is recommended to help with kidney function. I understand that protein ingestion is vital after WLS; has anyone encountered this before? Is gastric bypass surgery still possible if there is a kidney issue? — brapke (posted on August 17, 2004)
August 17, 2004
I can't give medical advice, of course, but just report what I've seen.
I've personally known 2 people with kidney issues (1 with 1 kidney) who had
WLS to put less strain on the kidneys. They both went primarly vegetarian
in food and used the whey proteins as proteins. I think if you follow the
progress of how protein is broken down in the body, the partially digested
whey subjects the body to less strain than having to break down other forms
of protein without the benefit of a fully working anatomy. One is now 5 yrs
out and her kidney is fine. The other is less, but also doing quite well.
— vitalady
August 18, 2004
I had wls 7/04/03 and have kidney problems. I specifically have problems
with kidney stones and was on reduced amounts of protein before the surgery
to help controll the formation of the stones. After surgery I have had A
LOT of problems with my kidneys and constantly have at least a dozen or
more stones in each kidney. My urologist however feels that this is NOT due
to the amount of protein I am getting (because the amount you can eat is so
decreaced that I am actually not getting any more than before)rather it is
due to my kidneys having a problem dealing with the wastes that are formed
when fat breaks down (losing weight rapidly). When fat breaks down it turns
into an acid and it is this substance that is causing so many problems for
me. My weight has stabalized over the last couple of months and my kidneys
have been feeling much better as well. I would do this surgery all over
again even knowing the troubles I would have to deal with with my kidneys
but, in all honesty for ME it did cause some problems. Just one bit of
advice, it is VERY important to make sure your getting enough pottassium
afterwards. I myself take a suplement and go out of my way to eat
pottassium rich foods. It somehow helps the kidneys function. If you want
more info you can read my profile and e-mail me :)
Mindy
251/144/138
— Mindy R.
August 18, 2004
The reason protein is so important post wls is that it is just as important
preop. your body needs protein to maintain muscle and all of your organs.
That said, despite what you may hear unless you have a DS you probably do
not need any more protein than a non WLS person. OK I'm gonna get killed
here. your protein needs can be calculated by a dietician. I need aprox 60
grams a day per the dietician I work with at Bariatric treatment center
(now Barix Clinics) thay have done > 25,000 procedures over many years,
and I trusr their expertise. You will read a lot on the internet that is
simply not true and not based on any research or medical basis. You need to
sort it out and talk to a DR about this who is experienced and
knowledgeable about gastric bypass. . I do not supplement protein and
usually get quite a bit more than that. the reason the emphasis is on
protein is that you need to eat it first to insure that you get enough in,
not that your needs are so much greater. Does that make sense? With your
limited post op capacity you won't want to fill up on carb or junk.
— **willow**
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