Hi,
I've recently bought some protein powder to help put on muscle. I'm very skinny and don't seem to absorb what I need easily with my pouch after removal of entire large bowel.
My question is which how would I get the most out of the protein shakes? I feel like it may be wasted money as it will just go through me. I only mix with water. Should I mix with Metamucil or a banana to maybe slow things down? Or is it better to mix with just water? Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks,
Nick
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Unless following an extensive weight training program the additional protein consumed will just pass through you.
Your body will only absorbed the protein It requires and any excess protien will be expelled as waste or converted into body fat.
Consuming additional protein, even when weight training or participating in any other form of intense and strenuous activity is a fine balance.
You should be absorbing sufficient protein from your normal diet, after all, your small intestine, to an extent, remains intact, it's only your large intestine which has been removed.
During one of my UC flare ups and prior to my J pouch surgery, I lost weight and like yourself, I was conscious about my size and appearance; so, I hit the protein shakes, which resulted in a fat belly, bottom (butt) and thighs, yeah I gained weight all right but it was flab.
Since recovery from my J pouch surgery I've maintained what I consider to be my normal weight, from a normal diet, no protein or weight gain shakes whatsoever.
Just after my J pouch creation my weight dropped and I continued to lose weight for the next six months, I only started to gain weight roughly 10 months after takedown.
I'm certainly not toned or defined but I've amassed my weight from a normal diet.
I had gastric bypass in the fall. There are some really awesome proteins out there. One of the best is Isopure. It comes in a powder or a clear liquid drink. I'm not big on the protein powders, it's a texture thing with me. But I do like some of the drinks. I purchase I in GNC. There are also some good websites that you might find useful, Baritastic. I like the Journey vitamins PM message me if you need more help. I'm not sure if protein will help you put on weight, but it will help you from losing your hair! After my son's colonectomy he lost a lot of hair and he was only 23.
Dianne
I mix in a Magic Bullet with a banana. I also add matcha.
After my surgery I haven't been able to gain a pound. I lost 35 lbs. I am very thin I went from 130 lbs to 96-98 lbs I fluctuate. I am 5ft 4in. It has been 7 years. I have tried everything you could imagine. I do take a lot of vitamins and drinks or put protein powder in my oatmeal I try eating fattening foods but fat does not agree with me. I don't eat to many sugary things because it gives me pouchitis. If anyone has any other suggestions please give them to me. I never stop trying.
Thanks for your responses.
I'm 6'3 and 155 pounds and I am going to the gym so believe extra protein is important. But does anyone think we won't absorb the protein from the shakes mixed with water because water isn't absorbed as much in the small bowel and may just go through us?
On the other hand, will mixing it with Metamucil restrict its ability to be absorbed as well?
I'm tall and I've lifted weights since being 16 yrs old, only taking extended breaks due to illness.
At 16, in my eyes; I looked skinny.
I foolishly believed that by lifting weights I would eventually look big but I soon realised there's more to it, such as diet, calorie intake and specific workouts.
I've never desired to look like a body builder, with muscles like Arnold Schwarzenegger; I just wanted to bulk up, look solid rather than ripped.
However, no matter how much additional protein consumed your body will only use the protein it requires and the vast majority of extra protein will be expelled as waste in your urine.
Consuming additional protein by any other means other than from diet may only be of any real benefit if already a well developed bodybuilder with a low BMI or a professional athlete training up to 7 hours a day.
OK thanks mate. Will take that into consideration.
From a weight training/bodybuilder perspective when lifting weights till muscle exhaustion, you are technically damaging the muscles and your body uses protein from your diet to repair them.
Most, if not all bodybuilding nutrition supplements are claimed to provide the desired results of weight training quicker, one of the very reasons some bodybuilders and even some teenager that dont lift weights take anabolic steroids.
Manufacturers of such supplements and those who sell and endorse them, all have a vested interest, so it's not always wise to believe the hype.
The science of calorie intake, percentage converted into protein and calorie burn is just that; a science, and a complicated one.
Those who wish to gain weight are normally not consuming enough food and dont realise.
Also, don't believe the fast or slow metabolism theory either.
You need to also consider that to maintain a desired weight your food intake must be sufficient to match your level of activity, otherwise you will lose weight.
For the next two weeks, eat what, when and how you would normally and make a trueful written record of everything you eat and drink; purely to identify how often you eat and how much.
Plant Fusion is a vegan hypoallergenic protein powder that I use daily and it supplies 43% of daily required protein. I mix it into a smoothie with various fruits and veggies so get my daily allowance of them in my super shake. I use almond milk but you can use whatever you want to mix it with.
I also eat Greek yogurt which supplies arounder 20% of protein needed.
If you need to gain weight maybe you would be better off mixing your protein powder with something that has calories, like milk or almond milk.
First, understand that protein is digested and absorbed in your small intestine, not your colon, so the loss of your colon should not interfere with nutrient absorption, with one exception. That exception is water, which is primarily absorbed in the colon. So, unless you have pouchitis, Crohn's, gastritis, etc., theoretically, you should be able to absorb what you need.
However, during the adaption period while your body adusts to the lossof the colon and the terminal ileum adapts to absorbing more water, your output may be high enough to interfere with your nutritional balance. Eating a high protein diet may be counterproductive, as it is taxing to the kidneys and requires more water. Unless you are eating an elemental source (like amino acids, which taste awful), you need to be careful. A good balance of all food groups is best, along with maintaining as much activity (think cardio) as you can tolerate. This will help improve digestion and tissue building.
Don't ignore a high output and restrict fluids, thinking it will worsen diarrhea. Use bowel slowers like Imodium and fiber supplements like Metamucil. Metamucil can interfere with medication absorption, but not nutrients. But, understand IT DOES NOT SLOW THE GUT! It only thickens stool to make emptying the pouch more comfortable. It also does not improve water absorption, as it holds water in the bowel. If you battle dehydration, you need more fluids and bowel slowing, not fiber.
The main ingredient is patience. In the end, you may find your innate body size is skinny (for now). If you feel well and you have energy, then you are not malnourished. Plus, be careful what you wish for. A decade or two from now you may wonder where that spare tire came from!
Jan 
Interesting article in regard to Protein Shakes which I've copied from the Daily Mail Newspaper website and posted below.
The article more or less supports my understanding, which I posted in response to this thread during April 17, although now it's backed up by a Sport Nutrition Consultant at Sheffield Hallam University and a Nutritionist for the British Dietetic Association.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/hea...T.html#ixzz4i6fAkWng
By Lucy Holden For The Daily Mail
Published: 22:30, 22 May 2017 | Updated: 22:31, 22 May 2017
Once the preserve of bulky bodybuilders, protein shakes are becoming more popular among low-key exercisers.
Increasing numbers of people, particularly women, are scooping protein powder into their smoothies or water bottles, even adding it to meals in a bid to stay fit and healthy.
Sales are booming — the sports nutrition market was worth £650 million last year, a rise of 23 per cent on the previous year — and you can now find these products filling up shelves in supermarkets and chemists.
There are many types of protein available, from whey and casein (both found in milk), to plant proteins such as soy, pea or hemp.
Just another sales trip? Experts are sceptical about how useful protein powders are for anyone except hardcore athletes - especially the average gym-goer
‘The appeal of these products is expanding beyond the small pool of the most elite sportspeople and gym fans,’ says Emma Clifford, a senior food and drink analyst at market research firm Mintel.
‘They are increasingly attracting “lifestyle” users who see these products fitting in with a healthy, active way of life.’
But experts are sceptical about how useful protein powders are for anyone except hardcore athletes. The theory that most people need extra protein is ‘nonsense’, says Dr Mayur Ranchordas, a sport nutrition consultant at Sheffield Hallam University.
‘Protein shakes are the equivalent of Apple watches — we want them but we don’t need them.’
The idea behind the supplements is that the protein helps repair muscle fibres that have been torn by exercise, which in turn makes our muscles bigger and improves our strength.
Crucially, though, protein can only build and strengthen muscles if we’re doing enough exercise, explains Dr Ranchordas. ‘For anyone doing less than five hours’ exercise a week, there is no point having extra protein.’
In fact, these powders may do more harm than good by making you gain weight. Once they’ve been mixed into milk or yoghurt with honey, fruit or oats, each shake can be 500 calories. And people in the UK generally eat too much protein anyway, Dr Ranchordas adds.
‘If you’re not exercising enough to need protein supplements, they are just additional calories. Most people would be much better off, after an hour’s run, going home and whizzing up some milk with bananas, berries and yoghurt to make a homemade smoothie — it would have the same effect, but isn’t as processed.’
Weigh to go! Once protein shakes have been mixed into milk or yoghurt with honey, fruit or oats, each shake can be 500 calories
But for professional athletes or anyone training for a triathlon and, say, running ten miles in the morning, swimming at lunch and cycling home, it’s a different story, he explains.
‘In that case you would need to be able to conveniently get enough protein to help your muscles repair quickly between workouts. If you’re doing a huge amount of exercise, it would be virtually impossible to get enough from food.’
Ironically, experts say there is another, less obvious group, who might also benefit from embracing the protein powders trend.
Dr Ranchordas says protein shakes ‘would be great for older people’ because appetite generally reduces as we age, and people often struggle to get enough calories. ‘The sort of protein shakes you see people with at the gym are not dissimilar from products such as Complan meal replacements, which are available in pharmacies and designed to help older people get enough sustenance,’ he says.
Protein shakes are the equivalent of Apple watches — we want them, but we don’t need them
Dr Mayur Ranchordas, Sheffield Hallam University
‘We also lose muscle mass as we age so it’s even more important for this age group to go to the gym.
‘For someone in their 70s or 80s, the combination of lifting weights and drinking protein shakes — or even skimmed milk powder added to water, which is virtually the same thing — would be a great idea because it would improve their bone mineral density [the amount of calcium in the bones] and also help maintain muscle.’
Anna Daniels, a nutritionist and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, agrees. ‘Stirring whey powder into milk would be a good way of increasing an older person’s protein intake if they were struggling to get enough protein from food,’ she says.
‘But something unprocessed, like a piece of fish, would always be better for you because it wouldn’t contain additives, whereas some protein powders do. And the recommended daily amount of protein — 0.8g per kg of your body weight — is not difficult to get in a balanced diet.’
A woman weighing 55kg (8st 9lb) would need to eat about 44g of protein a day — which roughly equates to one small chicken breast and 200g of yoghurt or a pint of milk — while a man of 70kg (11st) would need about 56g.
Even so, says Anna Daniels, protein powders are unlikely to do any harm because an excess of protein is excreted. ‘The only people who really need to be careful are those with impaired kidney function because lots of protein could put them under stress,’ she adds.
Jeffsmom posted:I had gastric bypass in the fall. There are some really awesome proteins out there. One of the best is Isopure. It comes in a powder or a clear liquid drink. I'm not big on the protein powders, it's a texture thing with me. But I do like some of the drinks. I purchase I in GNC. There are also some good websites that you might find useful, Baritastic. I like the Journey vitamins PM message me if you need more help. I'm not sure if protein will help you put on weight, but it will help you from losing your hair! After my son's colonectomy he lost a lot of hair and he was only 23.
Dianne
Is the plug still working?
Plant Fusion contains NO whey, hense the name Plant Fusion. Plus it contains Amino acids and is free of Gluten/dairy/ soy..hypoallergenic. u can look it up on line to see whole description at their site or look at Amazon.com.
My nutritionist put me on it after my first colon removal/j-pouch surgery.
I don't know if it works but lately I've been drinking Bolthouse Vanilla Chai Tea which is packed with protein. I have my doubts about my body absorbing though much like anything else. At least it tastes pretty good.
I'm super skinny and i regularly eat eggs/fish/chicken. For an extra protein hit i eat organic hulled tahini, i add extra virgin olive oil and celtic sea salt and place it all in half an avocado.
Another interesting article in regard to Protien Suppliments v Gaining Protein from diet
This time one to watch rather than read, complete with brief scientific study and results; programme produced by the BBC and entitled "Addicted to Protien"
Very interesting Strange 
The video is about body builders using large quanties of protein powders and not about people without their colons using one protein powder serving daily. I make a smoothie made with fruits, veggies and protein powder.
TE Marie posted:Very interesting Strange
The video is about body builders using large quanties of protein powders and not about people without their colons using one protein powder serving daily. I make a smoothie made with fruits, veggies and protein powder.
The OP questioned how best to consume protein, referring to supplements in conjunction with building muscle and attending the gym.
Whether bodybuilding or not, if not a professional athlete, working out to the extreme, like I mentioned very early within this thread, protein supplements of any kind is a waste of money, that's with or without a colon.
J pouchers, unless suffereing from a medically identified condition; just like everyone else, should be consumming a sufficient amount of protein from their normal diet.
My nutritionist was the one suggesting I use the powder. I am not contradicting you just giving advice I received from a medical professional. I watched the entire video. People can waste a lot of $$ when going overboard. I agree to disagree.
TE Marie posted:My nutritionist was the one suggesting I use the powder. I am not contradicting you just giving advice I received from a medical professional. I watched the entire video. People can waste a lot of $$ when going overboard. I agree to disagree.
There's no reason to agree to disagree,
If you're not absorbing enough protein from your normal diet for whatever reason, then it's best you get your recommended daily amount from somewhere and that includes from supplements, especially if your Nutritionist has suggested so.
My initial reply to this thread and subsequent articles is in relation to those who believe that nutrition supplements are a necessity to acquiring muscle mass.
My take on this subject is I don't think I will go back to my normal wt. I was never really heavy. Before surgeries I was about 140, now 4 yrs later I am 109 and can't gain a lb. My BMI on the low end for me. I look underweight because I don't have muscle. I only started to lose more wt in the last yr. I find the more I eat the more output I have. Is the absorption from small intestine to pouch too much to hold? I don't eat big meals and eat periodically. I am on low fat diet and gluten free, I eat only chicken and fish, sometimes meat. I feel I don't get enough protein. I tried whey and it made me have more bowel movements. I am now trying enteragam, this is for ibs-d and is to gain muscle. This is a medial food drug. I get what Jan was saying and it makes sense. I believe this is my new wt, even though my Dr says I'm not maintaining, she even suggested a reversal. Not now, that would have to be my last option, even then I don't k if I would do it.
http://www.bbc.com/news/av/hea...tein-supplements-use
This was discussed on BBC news last Sunday.
I wouldn't get a reversal unless there is a pouch failure. I now have an ileostomy due to pouch failure. There is output to deal with it too. I lost a 80 some pounds after my j-pouch surgeries over around 18 months. I had the weight to loose. (Unfortunately I have gained back 30 lbs and I have other health conditions that haven't helped me hold steady.)
My doctor was concerned that I was loosing the weight too fast and wasn't looking at the actual amount I weighed itself. You're holding steady at a normal BMI which is a good way of looking at it. Unfortunately It takes some people longer than a year to completely recover.
I feel better with the ileostomy and that has contributed to gaining back some of the weight but I gained some with my j-pouch starting after around 18 months. (I had the j-pouch surgeries the end of 2010 and went to an ileostomy in fall of 2015.)
I have malabsorption issues, including fat malabsorption so I have to take Creon with every meal. Taking them has improved my absorption of food.
