Obese patients have inadequate protein intake related to protein intolerance up to 1 year following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
BACKGROUND
Inadequate protein intake is a concern following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). The small gastric pouch and bypass restrict energy intake and may lead to insufficient protein intake and absorption, and excess loss of lean tissue.


METHODS
We evaluated protein intake in 93 (77 F, 16 M) morbidly obese individuals (BMI = 52.0 +/- 12.9 [SD]) who underwent RYGBP at our medical center. Participants completed 24-hr food recalls and received nutritional counseling at 3, 6, and 12 months following surgery.


RESULTS
Daily energy intake (kcal/day) increased from 849 +/- 329 (SD) at 3 months to 1,101 +/- 400 at 12 months (P = .009). Protein intake also increased (g/day) from 45.6 +/- 14.2 at 3 months to 58.5 +/- 17.1 at 12 months (P = .04), and as a percentage of goal protein intake from 55.1% +/- 23.0 at 3 months to 73.5% +/- 38.0 at 12 months (P = .02). Although energy and protein intake increased significantly over the 12-month period, protein intake at 12 months remained significantly lower (P = .01) than the daily recommended guidelines (1.5 g/kg IBW) for a low-energy restrictive diet. Energy intake did not differ in those who reported food intolerances at 3 months (P = .77) or 6 months (P = .65), but was lower in them at 12 months (trend, P = .06). Also at 12 months, protein intake (P = .02) and percentage of protein intake goal (P = .04) were significantly lower in those with protein intolerance.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that postoperative patients consume insufficient amounts of protein, possibly mediated by protein intolerance. Protein supplementation following RYGBP deserves further consideration.
Moize
Violeta
V
New York Obesity Research Center, Departments of Medicine, St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA. violetamoize@yahoo.es
Geliebter
Allan
A
Gluck
Marci E
ME
Yahav
Eric
E
Lorence
Margarita
M
Colarusso
Toni
T
Drake
Victoria
V
Flancbaum
Louis
L
D000328:Adult; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002149:Energy Intake; D015390:Gastric Bypass; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000378:metabolism*; D011184:Postoperative Period
D004044:Dietary Proteins