I am 14months out and am not sure how much protein I am should be getting a day. Also I think I know this answer but if you don't hit your protein goal a day, can it stop your weight loss? All answers will be appreciated.

Here are a few Q&A's from the ASMBS:

Q: How much Protein do I need daily?
A: Most patients get 60-80 grams daily, but some may require more depending on their response to surgery or their type of operation. Your dietitian can provide more detailed information.

Q: Can I take all of the protein in one dose?
A: Protein should be taken in multiple doses, across multiple meals or healthy Snacks. The body cannot absorb more than approximately 30 grams at once. Also, protein is a nutrient that helps us feel fuller, longer. If we try to include Proteins in each of our meals or healthy snacks, we’re less likely to feel hungry when it’s not time to eat.

Q: How should I get my protein? With shakes? Bars? What if I’m a vegetarian?
A: There are many options even for those with special dietary needs or preferences. Your dietitian can provide additional information on protein sources. meats, eggs, dairy products, and Beans are common protein sources in everyday foods. Protein extracts made from soy, brown rice and whey are commonly sold in stores. Protein Shakes or bars may offer additional ways to meet your protein needs. You may find it helpful to calculate your daily protein intake to be sure you’re not falling short. As you are able to tolerate more regular foods, you get a higher portion of the requirement during regular meals and supplements become less necessary.

Q: What happens if I don’t take in enough protein?
A: The body needs additional protein during the period of rapid weight loss to maintain your muscle mass. Protein is also required for your metabolism to occur. If you don’t provide enough protein in your diet, the body will take its protein from your muscles and you can become frail.

You should talk to your NUT about your personal protein goal. I am supposed to get 100 grams a day and not meeting your goal can certainly contribute to stalls or slow loss.

I am 14months out and am not sure how much Protein I am should be getting a day. Also I think I know this answer but if you don't hit your protein goal a day, can it stop your weight loss? All answers will be appreciated.

Definitely talk to your NUT. I am surprised that you don't know your target, especially since you are 14 months out. What have you been doing up to now?

My protein goal is also 100 grams a day, every day, for life.

According to my surgeon, the goal for all men and everyone who starts at a BMI of 50 or greater, the goal is at least 100 grams. For women who start out at a BMI of less than 50 it is at least 80 grams.

Yes, not getting enough protein and Fluid (at least 64 oz. a day) can slow down or stall your weight loss.

Embrace the Stall!

http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Thanks everyone for the input. I believe I am supposed to be getting 80-90 grams per day and I have stalled and I am pretty sure its because I am not getting enough protein in.

Thanks everyone for the input. I believe I am supposed to be getting 80-90 grams per day and I have stalled and I am pretty sure its because I am not getting enough Protein in.

Well, the best way to find out for sure is to work on getting your protein up there and see if that gets the scale moving again. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

The other thing that can definitely contribute to stalled or slowed weight loss is too many calories and too many carbs, so be sure to keep an eye on those numbers as well. Good luck!

My surgeon's formula is 0.3 X current body weight = minimum grams of protein needed.

Then there is a range based on activity level and REE, etc. So if you really, really want to know your range based on REE, you want to call your surgeon.

Ok thank yall, I definitely will increase my protein and see if that scale gets to moving. I am currently eating about 850 calories a day unless I work out then I increase them some.

Ok thank yall, I definitely will increase my protein and see if that scale gets to moving. I am currently eating about 850 calories a day unless I work out then I increase them some.

850 calories a day and over a year post-op? You aren't eating enough in my opinion.

@@Inner Surfer Girl I was just going to say the same thing. 850 calories is way too low.

FYI, I was eating 1200 calories a day by Month 8. By 14 months I had been below goal for 6 months and was eating 1700 cals/day.

I'm now nearly 18 months out, still maintaining, and just knocked it up to 1800 cals/day.

I'm 5'5", now weigh 135 pounds, and have lost 100 pounds.

I shoot for 75-80 grams daily and I am almost 4 years post opp. I also work out 4-5 days a week so I actually need more.

One formula for protein intake has a gram of protein needed for every inch of height. ie. I am 5'7" ... That would equal 67 grams of protein daily.

I do try for more, but that is my low goal...

It is the water intake that vexes me!

Ok thank yall, I definitely will increase my protein and see if that scale gets to moving. I am currently eating about 850 calories a day unless I work out then I increase them some.

Are you hungry on 850 calories? Plateau will happen if you're not getting enough calories. But/and, this is a delicate balance. You may only need 50 calories to get things moving. This still has a lot to do with how much you still are going to lose before goal.

My surgeon is awesome in that we can due the REE annually and then I know exactly how many calories my body requires to either lose weight or maintain. But, it's still okay to adjust 50-100 at a time for 4-6 weeks and see what happens.

The real question is, though, my original question. Because if you are hungry, then eat. We aren't dieting anymore (said that for myself as much as for you.)

I get hungry sometimes but not often. I think I will try about 900 and see if between that and making sure I get my protein and water in if the scale starts moving again. I still have about 34 pounds that I would like to lose.