By not eating the 60g protein am I hindering my weight loss?

2bawallaby
2bawallaby Posts: 17
in Food and Nutrition
Hi guys. I recently had gastric sleeve surgery (17 April 2013) - since 1 April I have lost 16kg. Whilst I know that is a good amount of weight, I must say I am a little disappointed that it is not more. I did not measure myself prior to the surgery, but know that I have lost centimetres as my clothes fit differently, my face has slimmed down, I have more energy etc. I know successful weight loss takes time.

I am writing down what I eat and have certainly noticed that my protein intake is nowhere near the 60g that I am supposed to have. The dietician did say to buy a protein drink (with no carbohydrate) and have that. I did buy it ($70) but have not tried it yet. My question really is - By not eating the 60g protein am I hindering my weight loss?

Please do not reply to me if you are going to be nasty (I have seem some posts where people seem willing to attack people when they only really wanted some guidance or advice).

Thanks guys.

Replies

  • elfin168
    elfin168 Posts: 202 Member
    your body needs protein. if the nutritionist recommended you eat the 60g i would take their advice. simple as that. if you lose a lot of weight fast you will also loose a lot of muscle fast. in saying that you have paid a lot of money to have a specialist operation done? i would ask the specialists rather than a bunch of randoms..
  • kimmianne89
    kimmianne89 Posts: 428 Member
    60g of protein is still quite low, I would definitely try to at least hit that goal.
    I tend to have between 90 and 130g of protein per day.
  • CristinaL1983
    CristinaL1983 Posts: 1,119 Member
    Because of the surgery, you are probably on a VLCD. It is important for maintaining muscle mass that you consume adequate protein. If you lose excess muscle (much more likely on a VLCD without adequate protein), you will continue losing weight but when you get to the weight you think you should end at, your body composition will likely not be what you want right now. You will end up with a high body fat percentage even at healthy weights.

    Definitely strive for at least the amount of protein recommended by your doctor.
  • jennielou75
    jennielou75 Posts: 197 Member
    You do need the protein and the drinks will work for now. When you are able to eat more then try to get your protein through food. I used to add an unflavoured protein powder into yogurts and porridge and that helped. I am nearly a year out from the same surgery and it does get easier. Don't obsess it though as my protein varies day by day. It is always 40-80g which is low compared to what others get in but my bloods are fine and I am able to have a very active life.

    In other words aim for it but don't stress, just try different things to see what works for you.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    It won't hinder your weight loss, but it will hinder the body you end up with. If you don't eat enough protein - and 60g is a pretty low minimum, to be honest - you will lose much more lean mass and retain much more fat than you would otherwise.

    It is very important that you eat enough protein. Drink the protein shakes.

    BTW it sounds like you may have overpaid for the protein. A 5-pound tub of good protein powder should be about $45 or less.
  • Annyka
    Annyka Posts: 1
    YES - drink the protein.

    At about 6 weeks post-op it may be struggle to get it all in, but you can get 60g of protein in two 8-oz protein shakes if made with low-fat milk (I used to use Syntrax line of protein after my RNY).

    We can't make protein ourselves, we have to eat it.

    Honestly, at this stage, protein is about all you should be able to eat - anything else consumed should only be after/if you are meeting your protein goals.

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