Protein intake

[Michigangirl29]

I have been having a hard time finding the answer to my question. I am looking for how much protein I should be eating a day. I am 2 years post op and have an issue with kidney stones. My kidney Dr states I should be only eating 40g of protein a day. This just seems like such a low number in my opinion. My goal is to lose another 80lbs and I have loss quite a bit of muscle mass over the last year. I had rotator cuff surgery a year ago. Just wondering if anyone else has dealt with this issue and can lead me in a good direction. Thanks!

 

[StephT]

Most bariatric programs recommend considerably more than 40 grams of protein, so I understand why you're questioning it. My protein goal was set by surgeon's nutritionist and it is 120 grams/day.

Since you've had kidney stones and are losing muscle mass, it could be helpful to speak with a bariatric dietitian. Are you still in touch with your surgeon's office because they may either have someone on staff or could give you a recommendation. Hopefully there are other strategies that help prevent kidney stones that would still allow you to meet your nutritional needs.

 

[Michigangirl29]

Most bariatric programs recommend considerably more than 40 grams of protein, so I understand why you're questioning it. My protein goal was set by surgeon's nutritionist and it is 120 grams/day.

Since you've had kidney stones and are losing muscle mass, it could be helpful to speak with a bariatric dietitian. Are you still in touch with your surgeon's office because they may either have someone on staff or could give you a recommendation. Hopefully there are other strategies that help prevent kidney stones that would still allow you to meet your nutritional needs.

With where I work I had to go out of state to have the surgery and then I an suppose to speak with my primary with any questions. Which my primary has no answers because that isn't her speciality. I tried speaking with a nutritionist and they are not sure either. The answers I have been receiving are around 40g per day. Just frustrating that there isn't anyone that can really give me a straight answer. I just try to get around 90-100 per day which is hard to do some days. I just hope I don't get kidney stones because of it.

 

[StephT]

That is frustrating when you are unable to get the support you need and are asking for.

You are already working on your own to double the recommended 40g per day of protein, which would put you in a good protein range for a typical bariatric patient. Have you thought about also trying to increase your hydration and reduce your sodium to counteract the effects of the higher than recommended daily protein?

I have no experience or personal knowledge of kidney stones so I googled kidney stones in bariatric patients and it is not a rare condition! It said that depending on the type of kidney stones you have, it might be suggested to shift some protein intake toward plant-based sources rather than simply cutting protein dramatically. It could be helpful to follow up with your kidney Dr. on why he is recommending only 40 grams/day because there could be other options available you.

 

[Michigangirl29]

Thanks so much for your help! I will speak with him and see what he says.