I am 4 months out from surgery and have gone from 245 to 209. I am having trouble getting my 80 grams of protein in a day. I'm losing alot of hair (thank god I have thick hair) and my doctor said it is because I'm not getting enough protein. I need suggestions! Thanks, Ashley

80 grams of protein seems high to me. I am a guy weihing 325 lbs and my nutritionist said I should be getting about 70 grams of protein. Could the hair loss be from something other than protein intake?

Ashley - Visit a health food store and ask for help with protein sources. Isopure is a protein water containing 40 grams of protein.

If you are able to find an informed clerk, you will receive lots of suggestions.

Joyce in KC

hair loss can be from liver problems such as gallstones in the liver.... Liver is key to the majority of health issues.

I think the stress on Protein is too much... Most other countries in the world don't push it.

I also think that it could be from a lack of some over vitammin or mineral. When the focus is on eating so much protein a lot of other equally important foods are often missed. A variety of different coloured vegies and/or fruits should also be included in a healthy diet.

Actually, I agree with the doc - I think it's not enough protein. Hair loss is a big indicator of protein deficiency.

I have been told 60 grams of protien and I haven't had any hair loss. If your getting 80 I would guess the hair loss is from something else.

Are you on prescription medications? I was taking one once that caused hair loss. Good luck!

Post what you usually eat each day. Maybe we can help more if we see what might be lacking.

Are you taking any prescription meds? I suggest taking Centrum silver which has zinc and selenium in it which helps with hair loss a lot.

My nutritionist said that they usually recommend 70, but since I'm tall (5'10"), I have to shoot for 80 as well. I agree... it's hard! I try to choose cooking ingredients with the highest quantity of protein: chicken stock instead of broth, Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, milk instead of Water in Protein shakes, etc.

I also eat a lot of protein-ey Snacks - cottage cheese, cheese sticks, Greek yogurt, Kozy Shack has a 100-cal pudding snack that has 5g of protein (and is very yummy)! I make it my goal to get to 80 every day without having to resort to shakes or supplements. Most days I succeed, but just barely!

Good luck!

Check out the Bariatric Eating website...lots of great Protein sources available!

I am 5'6", currently at 273...the nutritionist in my surgeon's office has set my protein goal to 70-89gms/day. Now, all I need to do is get past this Clear liquids only post-op phase so I can start to work on that, lol!

I've certainly heard that a lack of enough GOOD QUALITY protein is a major source of hair loss post-surgery. I've been told to stick to whey or soy based products, as other types are not as easily absorbed.

Best, Christine

I'm 5'9'' and my nutritionist told me 90 grams of protein!! I have found small cans of tuna and chicken work well in my diet. 3 oz cans have 20g of protein with only 90 calories and zero carbs. My hair has also been falling out but I just got serious about getting my protein in each day so I'm hopeful to see some improvement. Good Luck!

Hello Ashley,

Just read your post regarding Protein intake and I have a product that's been working great for me and it tastes great

I get it at my local costco... its called "Protein" made by Premier Nutrition its 11 fl oz and has 30g of protein per serving in a chocolate flavor.

160 calories

30 calories from fat

0 g saturated fat

it also has Vitamin A, D, K, B6, B12, Iodine, Calcium, Riboflavin, Zinc, Copper, Chromium.

It comes 18 in a box for $23.95. Give it a try, I drink about 3 servings a day. Also, try Low fat cottage cheese that has about 12g of protein per serving in a 6oz packaging and at the grocery store pick up a package of 6.

Good luck

Cheers

Are you taking Biotin? I take it daily and haven't had any issues. (my hair is not falling out any more than it was a year ago (about a hundred strands a day which my hair dresser says is normal)...

hope this helps.

I have read many threads about hair loss and Lap Band surgery, and I can tell you that docs do not agree on the cause of this. My doc this week told me how much protein I need and I was surprised because I read these posts all the time, and protein is a huge topic of conversation. He says I need two servings a day of 2 to 4 oz of lean protein. I have a feeling, that you may be just now going through hair loss because of the surgery. It will stop in a few weeks!! Be sure that you are not overly sensitive to this loss. A normal person who's hair is not thick, loses an average of 100 hairs a day. This will be more if your hair is thick. If your hair is long, 100 hairs can look like a lot of hair. If you actually are losing more hair, it will stop!! In the mean time, get some Nioxin Shampoo and Scalp Therapy. It will stop hair loss in 30 days. It does not have any drugs, it just really cleans the skin and allows it to grow in a healthy way. (I am a hair dresser I have used it from 6 weeks before surgery and I have not had excess hair loss) The protein thing seems to vary widely from one doc to another so maybe the best thing for you is to relax and try not to worry too much!! It will be fine I promise!!! Hugs!!!

A toxic Liver is the root of many health issues including hairloss. There are over 400 illnesses related to the Liver. Too much Protein is harmful for the liver.

for more reading ... there is an amazing book called

"The Liver and Gallbladder Miracle Cleanse"

by Andreas Moritz.

It is making a lot of sense to me.

Oh and I take Biotin too