Too Much Protein?

**projax5000** · 02-05-2015 05:57 PM

So I have a question about protein intake. I have always read that too much protein can destroy your kidneys...and that an adult female typically needs about 46 g of protein...and I hear everyone talking about 80 grams...can someone explain?? Thanks

**amt5298** · 02-05-2015 06:02 PM

my NUT told me to eat at least 60-80 grams a day cause that is what your body needs

**mrf0418** · 02-05-2015 06:10 PM

How I understand it is the normal protein consumption should be 0.8g/kg, for an average size woman, yes it would be 46 grams. Because of surgery (the need to heal) and the need to keep muscle the protein requirements are elevated. This is also why they stress 64 oz of water. Most people do not drink that much water, It is dehydration that causes the kidney issues. Your body produces too much nitrogen and can't flush it if it is dehydrated. That is what causes kidney issues - your BUN becomes elevated, then your creatine(sp). If not corrected in a timely manner, Acute Kidney failure can lead to Chronic Kidney failure and then dialysis or transplant becomes the only option... Acute kidney failure can be resolved with hydration, typically. Unfortunately it is a silent killer, similar to heart disease.

**Ann2** · 02-05-2015 06:21 PM

Call me a mindless sheep (lol!), but I'm pretty sure that hundreds of M.D.s are not advising WLS patients to eat so much protein that we will destroy our kidneys.

For one thing, we are not "normal people" when we're recovering from WLS and while we're losing weight rapidly. We can't eat a lot of food after 85% of our stomachs are cut off, so we're limited in how much high-fiber foods we can eat (not much). We are repairing our cut stomach tissue during our recovery period. The very same site you probably found that "women need 46 grams of protein a day" reference also said:

People with Special Protein Needs

Dieters. When shedding pounds sensibly, the goal is to lose body fat but maintain lean muscle mass. Protein helps you do that. Protein foods tend to be more filling, so they delay hunger, making it easier to stick with your weight-loss program. Just keep an eye on the calories and portion sizes of your protein choices when including them in meals and snacks.

How Much Protein Do You Need?

Our protein doesn't have to come from meat, fish, fowl, and dairy. We are welcome to throw in plant proteins like beans, other legumes, nuts, whole grains, etc.

One more thought ... drinking 64 ounces of water daily is not recommended just because water is some magical weight-loss-inducing substance. Drinking 64 ounces of water daily is necessary to flush the waste products (from our digestion and our rapidly shrinking bodies) through our kidneys and bladders into our potties.

My two cents' worth. Others' mileage can (and often does) vary.

**Sleeveroo** · 02-05-2015 07:41 PM

60-80 grams seems to be the magic number for most surgeons although several advise higher amounts.

**jane_vsg_ayla** · 02-07-2015 08:28 AM

I regularly get over 150g protein (I am 5'5" and range between 130 and 135 pounds), which my doctor is fine with. Her only cautions were

(1) keep it usually under 200g (danger zone isnt really til you *regularly* consume closer to 300g / day)
(2) keep hydrated so kidneys work properly. This is why most issues with kidneys occur, not the excess protein but the lack of water
(3) do not do it in conjunction with ultra low carb. Her basic guideline was a minimum of 100g carbs, preferably 150g or more (basically keep protein and carbs even). Part of the reasoning for this is that if you restrict carbs you usually increase fat to make up for it, and because I am exercising/lifting so much to need the protein that means I also need the carbs for energy.

My average day is about 150-175g protein, 150-200g carbs and under 100g fat. I am eating about 2000-2200 calories though

due to weightlifting and to maintain my weight and stop losing! Fun situation compared to the first 40+ years of my life

Not saying anyone else needs this much, just that it is not going to hurt you (assuming no predisposition to kidney issues, and you follow the hydration guidelines), it will help you retain muscle mass (which you REALLY want), and if you are exercising (especially any kind of weight bearing) more than the "average" person (which WLS patients usually do!) you need more than the "average" person. I will never go under 100g protein from now on. Have seen firsthand the loss in muscle and the lack of shape plus lower calorie needs (means easier weight gain). Keeping it at 100g+ means I support my muscles, and it takes away from some of the carbs and fats (slider foods) which is keeping my diet on track more.

**Ann2** · 02-07-2015 08:37 AM

Jane, reading your posts here is fascinating for me. Your life post-WLS is so smart IMHO, but definitely not the way most people do it.

In one of my earlier lives (when I was much younger), I was a bodybuilding gym rat. Although I will never lead that life again, I continue to increase my strength-building exercises.

More muscles = higher metabolism = I get to eat more during maintenance.