Question:
My surgeon told me to discontinue protein supplements after 2 months....

I was under the impression that this was something that I would have to do for the rest of my life. He said that new studies have shown that the supplimental protein is only good for the first two months of healing and that most of us get what we need through food... now please don't blast ME I am only the messenger..and I am not advocating to anyone to stop doing what you are doing... I just thought I would pass on what I was told. Since I am only 6 weeks post-op I am still going drink my protein .. but I am not sure what I am going to do after I have been post-op two months.. has anyone else been told this? P.S. my surgeon is board certified .. so I do trust his judgement.    — audra H. (posted on March 30, 2001)

March 29, 2001
Could you please find out if the studies are available on the Internet? I'm very interested in learning more. I've never used protein suppliments myself. I'm 2 years post RNY, I've lost 100% of my excess weight, and all my labs are great. Please let us know more if you can. Thanks!
   — Roseann M.

March 30, 2001
My surgeon is also Board Certified and practices at one of the best hostpitals in the country. He too told me to discontinue the protein supplements. He stated that long term use could lead to liver and kidney damage. I'm not interested in trading off poor eating habits, shortness of breath and ill fitting clothes for bad kidneys and a failing liver. So I eat well. He just told me (along with my nutrionist) that I make sure that my meals should contain protein first (fish, chicken, eggs, etc.) and that would be enough to sustain my nutional needs. I'm not quite 6 weeks yet (will be on the 6th). I
   — corpdiva2006

March 30, 2001
This is a topic that opens up a great deal of controversy on this site and others. Even board-certified surgeons and nutritionists disagree about the "correct" or "necessary" amount of protein per day for post-op WLS patients. My surgeon, board-certified and specializing in lap WLS since 1994, with over 600 surgeries on record, states that proximal WLS patients need only 35 Grams of protein per day...aproximately the amount in one chicken breast. He offers articles from leading dietetic and nutritional journals to support his stand. His patients utilize protein supplements only for the first 6 weeks post-op, then are instructed to maintain their protein solely through diet. My daughter and I are 14 and 12 months post-op, have followed this regimen throughout our post-op periods and have maintained serum protein levels within the mid-normal range. We had a minimal (and expected) hair loss between the 4th and 8th months post-op with complete regrowth. We have the highest energy levels and best overall health now than we have had in several years. Would we have had a better post-op course with higher levels of protein? I can't imagine that our experiences could have been better in any way and are satisfied that the regimen presented by our surgeon has worked for us. Good luck to you!
   — Diana T.

March 30, 2001
I was also told that I'd not need supplements after a year or so. Of course, that would mean that my surgery was no longer intact, so I'm glad he was in error back in those days. As long as I have a working surgery, small pouch, good bypass, I will need to supplement the basic 8. I get frequent labs and compare them to one another myself. Should I ever go too far UP in something, I can always cut back. However, having done protein deficiency after my TT, it took me 7 months to build it back up. Not going there again. Almost 7 years now and so far, no chance of my OD-ing in protein. As long as my surgery is working, I will be supplementing.
   — vitalady

March 30, 2001
Audra - I am still pre-op with surgery date scheduled...when asked, my surgeon said that he is not a proponent to protein supplements for his RNY patients....even directly post-op. He wants us to obtain it through a healthy diet therefore starting something that will be maintained for life...I hope that makes sense! Good LUck, Karan
   — chance2lv

March 31, 2001
Like Karan, I am pre-op, date scheduled, but my doctor does not advocate protein supplements. He wants us to get the protein naturally--fish, eggs, chicken, lean red meat (if we can tolerate it). My husband was a little worried about the lack of protein--my surgeon has you on a liquid diet for 4 weeks, and then steps you up gradually (this strict aftercare program has really worked for him--he has a very low occurence of complications)--but I told my DH that going without protein for a month or so would be no worse than some of those diets we have put ourselves through in the past. Once we get past the liquid/soft stage, my doc pushes protein, protein, protein--but from natural sources. This promotes lifelong eating habits that will help us maximize the surgery. Good luck to you!!
   — Sharon N.