too much protein? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

dswofford · 11-07-2009, 12:26 AM

So I finally got approval from my insurance company. I also have a date of the 17th of November. Yay!

I started my pre-op diet and I have got to tell you that I feel kind of sick to my stomach. I am also pretty tired yet find myself unable to sleep. I am sure part of it is nerves because something HUGE is about to happen to me. The other part I have to wonder if I am eating too much protein. I noticed I have not been eating as much as usual I just don't feel right. Could it be my vitamins? I take them on a full stomach so I am not sure how that would be it.

Has anyone else experienced this on their pre-op diet?

Corrine · 11-07-2009, 05:56 AM

Deborah,

Without knowing what you eat/drink, it's difficult to say whether your sickly tummy is a result of your diet.

Can you give us an breakdown of what you're eating and drinking per day?

dswofford · 11-07-2009, 06:33 AM

ok,
yesterday I had
EAS powder with lactose free milk

Turkey bacon and a salad

4oz turkey patty and one slice of cheese

And then I had some beef jerkey for a snack.

loki8481 · 11-07-2009, 07:13 AM

I think there's a limit of how much protein your body can absorb in one sitting (20-30 grams?), but it doesn't seem like you'd be reaching that.

poet_kelly · 11-07-2009, 07:58 AM

I don't think that's too much protein. That's a good amount of protein. I don't think it's likely that that is causing your stomach to be upset. But if it's significantly different than what you normally eat, I guess that could do it.

The thing about only being able to absorb so much protein at once is a myth, I think. I know lots of doctors and dieticians say that, but they all seem to say it's slightly different amounts. And I have looked and looked and cannot find a single piece of scientific data to back that up. And the ASMBS, in their nutritional guidelines, states that while this is a commonly-held belief, there is no scientific data to back it up. I think it's a myth.

Kelly

dswofford · 11-07-2009, 08:51 AM

Thanks for the info guys. I haven't been able to find anything on the internet about protein overdose

~ I did run across some information that said it's not necessarily the protien but the possibility of leaving other healthy foods out. I can see that but I am taking vitamins also.

This leads me to believe it's probably the change of diet and then my nerves on top of it. This not sleeping thing is getting old. I guess I do feel some added stress.

Like you were saying Kelly, my Dr specifically says this is not a healthy diet (30 carbs a day with 70+prot) that's why we only do it for two weeks. I have lost 5 lbs in 3 days so that's kind of weird. I'm not really hungry, I know that. The only thing that's keeping me from diving into some ice cream is that I know this will be over soon. Just trying to look at the big picture I guess.

I have totally had to give up all of my krutches. No smoking and no eating to comfort and I am feeling emotionally raw. But oddly happier than I have been in a long time. If this is just a preview of my emotional health, I can't wait to get further in the journey.

poet_kelly · 11-07-2009, 09:15 AM

I think you could eat too much protein, but it would have to be massive amounts. Too much protein is supposed to be hard on the kidneys, but I don't think most of us could eat that much protein in a day unless we make a huge effort to do so. Now, people with kidney disease do need to watch how much protein they eat, but that doesn't apply to most of us.

It could be carb withdrawal. A lot of people get headaches and feel lightheaded and stuff on their pre-op diet, and I suspect it's the huge cut back in carbs.

Honestly, I would say to use this time to get in touch with your emotions if you're feeling emotionally raw. Do some journaling or something. Look at what you've been covering up with food. I know that sounds a little hinky, but seriously... you can learn a lot about yourself.

Kelly

camo · 11-07-2009, 01:46 PM

I was having the same problem until I went to a 100% whey protein powder for breakfast. I was not a big breakfast eater but we need the protein especially in the morning to get our metabolism up and running. I get mine from max muscle. There is nothing in it but whey protein. I found if I drank other brands my body didn't do well on it. But when I found the right one for me it was like drinking a cup of coffee I hope this helps you.

Nate

dswofford · 11-07-2009, 05:37 PM

mmm coffee sounds good.

mommato6 · 11-08-2009, 12:07 PM

I'm just under a month post op, and I can't for the life of me come close to getting enough protein. I have to admit to feeling a bit jealous you so easily get yours in. I am vegetarian, but not vegan. Now my surgeon is telling me he thinks milk/whey/cheese is aggrevating my stomach! What the heck am I supposed to eat? At 1/4 cup meal 3 times a day, I surely can't eat enough beans to do it!
Oye..

Sorry to whine all over your thread!
If it helps any, I think you will do great post op! You have a great range of proteins working for you!! Good Luck!