Bariatric Medical Institute

Is there a such thing as too much protein intake in one day? What is the ideal amount that one should have per day for each of the surgeries?

Great question April. I would also like to add one more component. Jennifer will give specific ammounts, however, we know that the ASMBS general recommendation falls between 80 - 120 grams of protein daily as the ideal. How much of this intake should be from natural foods and how much from protein supplements or meal replacements?

Also, many people have trouble with white chicken meat and red meat, especially hamburger? Any suggestions to make those items easier to eat or when should someone even try them?

The general guidelines for protein intake is 80 to 120 grams daily. To figure your individual needs, take your weight in kg and multiply by 0.8. For example, if you weight 200 LBS/2.2 = 91 kg x 0.8 = 73 so you would need at least 73 grams of protein daily. If you exercise regularly you will need even more to continue to build and maintain your muscle mass. Also keep in mind that for every ounce of meat you eat, you are getting around 7 to 10 grams of protein. Therefore, it is impossible to meet your daily protein needs through food intake alone and you require extra protein supplementation. The easiest way to get in extra protein is through whey protein powders and drinks. This is also why you don't have to worry about getting too much protein as that would almost be impossible with how little you are eating following surgery. Normally the only people who have to watch their protein intake and make sure they don't get too much are individuals who are starting to have decreased kidney function.

As for the white meat chicken and red meats, I usually suggest of course cutting these up into very tiny pieces. Adding broth and creamy soups to the meats to make them as soupy and tender as possible also helps. Red meat, such as cuts of steak actually go down better if they are a little rare and not cooked until well done. Hamburger meat can be added to your diet in the 3rd or 4th week following surgery. White meat chicken, you probably want to wait until about 6 to 8 weeks after surgery to try. Stick with dark meat (chicken thighs) initially and progress to white meat if you tolerate this with no problems.

Please feel free to call me or make an appointment to see me if you would like me to figure your individual protein needs.