I am almost done all the requirements prior to gastric band surgery. Today I received a call that my nephrologist did not clear me because of the high Protein requirement. I guess I want to hear from others with kidney disease and how they worked around the high protein diet. My dietitian said she could work with 60 grams but the nurse is saying that even 50 (normal) is not okay. Is the very high protein requirements a new life long necessity or does it decrease after a year or two? Thanks for any help.

Mary in PA (Chrias)

Hi Mary,

Sorry to hear you have hit a bump in the road. It is tough having kidney disease period, and even more difficult with weight loss surgery. I think any of the surgical options are going to encourage you to eat a high Protein diet, which is counter to the diet needed for kidney disease.

Contact your surgeon and have the nephrologist and the surgeon talk. What is the root of your kidney issues? If it is related to obesity, then dealing with the weight should help with the kidney problems. In this case I wouldn't rely on information from the nurse or dietitian, I would have the doctors consult together about your particular situation.

Good luck, I hope you get this problem resolved.