Hi All,

I'm reading about not getting enough protein. Is it possible to have too much protein? I am not banded yet and am trying to "practice" eating the right way. I am using whey protein and don't want to overdo it.

Thanks,

Alfie

Personally I try to get anywhere from 80-100 grams per day. Doc wants me at 80, nutritionist at 100. Sometimes I can only get 60, sometimes I get 130, but I try to keep it in the range of 80-100 grams.

Yes, you can get too much Protein. Your body can only absorb 25gms or so at a time and anything you don't absorb/use will either need to be burned or it will become fat.

Too much protein is hard on your liver and kidneys. Most docs suggest around 60-80gms daily. More than that and you are merely adding needless calories and over working your kidneys and liver. Many people go by the assumption that if protein is good for you then more is better. This is WRONG and can be too hard on your body. At the very least it is needless calories you will eventually have to burn.

Protein is best consumed early AMs, after a hard work out, and PMs. That's when your body can use it best. Don't consume more than 25gms or so at a time and keep protein intake about 3-4 hours apart at a minimum.

Was...great advise. I was wondering the same thing about the protein. Where do I get these protein powders I keep reading about? I've been drinking the carnation instant breakfast no sugar added, but it only has 5g of protein. I'll need a lot more than that!

I'm on the other side - I know I don't get anywhere NEAR the amount of Protein I'm supposed to be getting I don't cook so that causes problems. There's a place about an hour away that make meals you can pick up fresh 1-2 times a week to heat up in the micro. I'm going to try that. I tried one that shipped stuff frozen but honestly it tasted nasty.

I'm also going tomorrow to buy a lot of lean meat and just grill a bunch so I can micro them over the week.

ARGH!

Can too much protein cause a tummy ache? I started my 2 week pre op diet yesterday. I have 2-3 protein shakes per day and 2 meat/veggie/fruit meals (small portions) per day. I'm getting about 115-120 gm per day. Right now, I have a bad stomach ache (not nausea or bowels but my actual stomach is like cramping) and I'm wondering if it's from too much protein. Does anyone know?

Can too much Protein cause a tummy ache? I started my 2 week pre op diet yesterday. I have 2-3 protein shakes per day and 2 meat/veggie/fruit meals (small portions) per day. I'm getting about 115-120 gm per day. Right now, I have a bad stomach ache (not nausea or bowels but my actual stomach is like cramping) and I'm wondering if it's from too much protein. Does anyone know?

Mandi, You can cut back to 2 protein shakes and one meal per day or the other way around and the stomach aches should go away. My dr said they are from too drastic of a change in our normal eating habits. My pre-op diet was a Protein shake for breakfast and one for either lunch or dinner, plus a small meal. I am using the Protein powder from Walmart. Low in everything but protein. Hope this helps....Dave

Can too much Protein cause a tummy ache? I started my 2 week pre op diet yesterday. I have 2-3 protein shakes per day and 2 meat/veggie/fruit meals (small portions) per day. I'm getting about 115-120 gm per day. Right now, I have a bad stomach ache (not nausea or bowels but my actual stomach is like cramping) and I'm wondering if it's from too much protein. Does anyone know?

WOW! That's a LOT of protein. I'll bet you do have stomach pain. I'll bet you get diarrhea soon as well.

Careful, your body can only absorb so much protein and the rest you have to burn or it turns to fat. It is also very hard on your liver and kidneys. Most docs tell you to consume about half that much.

If your doc told you to consume that much protein, then he must have a reason. Just make sure that's what he wants.

It is to my understanding that a body can absorb 30 gm of protein at a sitting and I may be mistaken but that is for those whom have had RNY. For us banders, I believe because of the fact that we don't have malabsorption, we can take even more and it will be absorbed through our body.

It is to my understanding that a body can absorb 30 gm of Protein at a sitting and I may be mistaken but that is for those whom have had RNY. For us banders, I believe because of the fact that we don't have malabsorption, we can take even more and it will be absorbed through our body.

Not really. RNY folks have trouble absorbing food as you say, due to malabsorption.

The amount of protein that can be absorbed is the same for everyone regardless if they had surgery or not. Your body simply cannot absorb huge amounts in protein in a single sitting. Typically you want to stick to around 25gms, no more than 30gms at a time and wait about 3-4 hours until your next protein intake.

WasaBubbleButt-Well, here are my pre-op diet instructions.

Ø Take 2 scoops of the Myocel 2-3 times each day mixed with 8 to 10oz. of skim milk, Water, fruit juice or fat free yogurt. You may add fresh or frozen fruit (stay away from bananas, they are too high in sugar), fat free/sugar free Jello or pudding to vary the flavor.

Ø You may also have 1-2 healthy meals each day. Stick with lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish & lean beefs the size of the palm of your hand – 4 to 6oz.), green vegetables (all you want, avoid potatoes & carrots), and fruit(1 cup, remember – no bananas).

They did not give me a set amount of Protein but since one chicken breast, serving of fish, etc usually has about 25-30 g protein and I have 2 meals w/ meat per day and two shakes (made with skim milk) each having about 28 g protein, it comes out to about that much. But, I did eat less protein today and my stomach has been much better. Plus, the whole purpose is to shrink my liver for surgery and if I'm taking in too much protein, that might interfere so I'm going to cut back. I just had to idea how much was too much and I never met w/ a nutritionist (I will meet with one the day before surgery). Thanks for your advice.

That much Protein isn't going to hurt anything short term and if you are keeping protein up you'll be able to stick to the diet more easily. Lots of protein, no white carbs... it's a dobable plan for those of us with food issues.

Long term that much protein might be a problem so please check with your nutritionist for long term answers. Your doc may have a specific reason for that much protein.

Congrats to you for your upcoming surgery!!!!!!

That much Protein isn't going to hurt anything short term and if you are keeping protein up you'll be able to stick to the diet more easily. Lots of protein, no white carbs... it's a dobable plan for those of us with food issues.

Yes, I'm very surprised at my lack of appetite since not eating white carbs/sugar/soda, etc. I've only had about 1000 calories today and I haven't felt hungry at all. When I first saw the diet, I thought I would really struggle but I haven't. The first 2 days I had a headache and then the stomach ache from the protein but it hasn't been nearly as painful as I thought it would be. :clap2:

Cutting out white carbs stops the blood sugar spikes/insulin issues so hunger is not a huge issue. This is something to remember during your post op diet as well. See how everyone is complaining that they are sooo hungry during the post op phase? Well, if you cut out white carbs and bump up protein it really does kill hunger pains.

Mandi,

Good Luck with your surgery. I had my surgery Aug 10th. I have not had a fill yet and I am not loosing any more weight since 8 days past surgery. I was told not to get discouraged. It will start happening after my fills. This does not happen to everyone -----just some. I am kind of fighting the battle of the healing 4-6 weeks before my fills begin. GL janice

Mandi, Good luck with your upcoming surgery. Hope you love your band as much as i love mine. Donna