I'm still not clear on how much Protein, carbs, and calories should we be having each day. I am 4 weeks post op.

I average 40 g protein, 500 cals, and 30 g carbs daily. I've looked through my literature from the surgeon and nutritionist several times and can't seem to find any guidelines.

Anybody know?

Thanks!

Height is relevant due to the length of muscles in a tall person vs a shorter person. The taller person in the same physical condition as the shorter person will have a larger amount of muscle mass that will need to be "fed" in order to maintain itself or increase in mass.

Protein requirements increase with weight as well due to the need to 1.) carry that weight 2.) increase muscle mass that will burn off fat storage in the case of obesity 3.) maintain muscle mass in the case of body building.

It is all relevant to muscle mass in any case. By considering height, weight and BMI of the individual, a more accurate protein requirement can be assessed. This is why answers will vary so much.

I saw that no matter who answered my question, I was definitely not getting enough protein, So, I increased my goal to 80g protein for now. Haven't made it there yet, but I will get there shortly!

I was advised 60-80 a day minimum

@ Debcat, that makes more sense versus just "height" only (taller versus shorter person). Also, another point needs to be taken into consideration....genetics. You can have two people with the same height and same weight, but genetically dispositioned differently. My fiancé who is a cage fighter (excellent condition) is 5'8" weighs 162.8 lbs (when he fights, he cuts weight to 135 lbs..LOL) and I'm 5'6 166 lbs (I know we're not the same height, but I'm going to give another view). I genetically have more muscle mass than he does in arms and legs. He has less body fat that I do based on his two-three adays (meaning at the gym twice a day and CAMP working out at Uriah Faber's Ultimate Fitness (these guys have muscle mass down to a science!). Also, not all protein is created equally nor are calories created equally. I believe the question originally was how much protein does one need. I gave a "down and dirty" way to figure out the minimum specific to each person based on weight only. However, just getting protein & water won't be the magic bullet. A person will also need to exercise a minimum 4 days a week out of 7 (not necessarily in a row) with cardio, weight lifting (light weights 15 reps x 3 sets for toning), stretching, eating healthy, & getting quality sleep (8 hours restful sleep), etc. It's the totality of a healthy life style what will give a person the improved health results he/she is looking for. Hope that helps regarding figuring out protein grams for starters. (if didn't see my earlier post: Divide your current weight in 1/2 and that is the amount of total grams/day).

My doc wants me to aim for 60-80 gms the first few months, then maybe lessen it down to 50-70 afterwards for lifetime

I barely get in 30 now (i'm only 6 days post op)

My doc wants me to aim for 60-80 gms the first few months' date=' then maybe lessen it down to 50-70 afterwards for lifetime

I barely get in 30 now (i'm only 6 days post op)[/quote']

So is it 60, 65, 70, 72.5, 75, or 80? Giving a range isn't specific....just guessing. How will you know if you're getting enough? I weigh 166 and need 83.5 grams,..so that range would be too low for me or someone my weight. If u weigh more a person would need more. When you start losing or at ur ideal weight, your doc is correct will need less cause you`ll weigh less.Good luck to you.

My doc wants me to aim for 60-80 gms the first few months, then maybe lessen it down to 50-70 afterwards for lifetime

I barely get in 30 now (i'm only 6 days post op)

Marci, The first few weeks were tough to get Protein in, but I managed to get more in at that time than I am now. I'm adding a Protein shake daily and at least 1/2 bottle of Isopure. That's giving me another 50g protein on top of being able to eat soft Proteins now as well. I didn't want to see another protein shake after I got through the 3rd week. I'm sucking it up and going back to them though. Ugh!

Good luck to you as you get through the liquid portion of your post-op. I know it can really do a number on your psyche. I honestly didn't think I could do it. I amazed my own self! And you will amaze yourself too!!

Deb

Marci, The first few weeks were tough to get Protein in, but I managed to get more in at that time than I am now. I'm adding a protein shake daily and at least 1/2 bottle of Isopure. That's giving me another 50g protein on top of being able to eat soft Proteins now as well. I didn't want to see another protein shake after I got through the 3rd week. I'm sucking it up and going back to them though. Ugh!

Good luck to you as you get through the liquid portion of your post-op. I know it can really do a number on your psyche. I honestly didn't think I could do it. I amazed my own self! And you will amaze yourself too!!

Deb

Thanks. Yeah, this is the first time in my life I've gone 8 days without eating! And food looks kinda icky right now anyway.

I guess my dr gives a range because the bottom number is the least I need to get while the top number is how high I CAN get. I think any more protein than your body needs needs is peed out. Not sure why there's a range either. Doesn't make sense