What do your labs say? Have you been getting regular blood tests to stay on top of your nutritional needs? Protein is needed for sure any day and more with activity. I add glutamine to my protein shake every morning and get regular bodywork and chiropractic.

7 signs you aren't getting enough protein

http://tracking.revimedia.com/aff_c?offer_id=234&aff_id=2279&aff_sub=39504&source=network&aff_sub2=4946760482

Sorry don't know where that link came from

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-24225/7-surprising-signs-youre-not-getting-enough-protein.html

Hi! I haven't posted in some time, but have been reading. You post caught my attention, as I'm 5 years out from RNY. I also share your issue!

Muscle cramps much worse than labor have sent me to ER. My blood work is beyond perfect. About a year ago, I sought council from a nutritionist about it. One of the supplements that we need for muscle contraction and relaxation is magnesium. After researching RNY protocol, it IS a supplement we need after gastric bypass. I take 800 mg. 400 am, 400 before bed. I use magnesium chelates with glycinate. Other magnesium types cause "lower tummy distress!! I also take 1000 mg. potassium and 1 1/2 teaspoons of good quality salt daily.

At the ER, they did blood work. My sodium was a little low. I had been behind for the day on salt.

This has been my experience. You may have other issues that preclude you from using salt, so be aware!

Also, with the amount of protein we eat, liquids don't stay in the body very long. So, even though I drink my quota of non caffeinated beverages, I was getting dehydrated!

I've also been experiencing extreme muscle cramping in my legs and feet. I researched foods that are high in magnesium and potassium. I was happy to find the top 10 foods are foods are part of a healthy Bariatric Nutrition plan. You can Google foods high in magnesium and get a good idea of what foods you might want to incorporate. I'm going to incorporate more of these natural foods in my diet and hope it helps. I also brought this cramping issue up with my primary care doc. She told me to drink a shot glass of pickle juice before bed. That's right! Pickle juice! She said (in addition to vinegar) there's something in pickle juice that can ease muscle cramping.

And I thought I was the only person on the planet who has a dill pickle juice nightcap! The sodium in dill pickle juice helps! I also eat foods high in magnesium, but for me, that's not enough. Almonds top the list!

Lcat just went to the site you gave wonderful information. Thank you. You are wonderful.

Thanks Akgirl, it seemed right on for this post

Are you on any cholesterol medications such as a statin (Crestor, Lipitor, etc)? If so, make sure your doctor knows, because this is a dangerous side effect. I have muscle pain and cramping but it is because of an autoimmune condition. Before diagnosis, we went through a lot of medication changes for me because they didn't know whether my problem was related to Crestor. otherwise, the info other folks have mentioned are things I came across, as well.

Good luck.

I started having problems with muscle cramps and not just in the legs. Blood tests showed that I was low on Magnesium and Potassium was on the low end of normal. After struggling around for a while, I came across this great recipe for Green Soup. It's wonderful, easy, and can be varied per personal taste.

GREEN SOUP
2 Yellow onions caramelized in a bit of Olive Oil with a small amount of salt
1 lb Chopped greens (Kale, mustard greens, swiss chard, etc) I purchase the big bags of prewashed and prechopped bags in the produce dept.
1 lb spinach (also prewashed and bagged ready for use)
3 or 4 carrots
4 to 6 cups vegetable broth
1 Tbs lemon juice (more or less to taste)
fresh ground pepper to taste and more salt if needed
Cayenne pepper to taste ( I use 1/2 teaspoon)

Caramelize onion in bottom of large pot. Add broth, seasonings, and cut up carrots and cook until carrots are done. Add lemon juice and all the greens in handfuls as the pot allows, the greens wilt and make more space. Simmer low for about 5 to 10 minutes or until all the greens are tender. Puree soup with immersion blender until smooth and creamy. You can also puree in blender in batches
10 oz equals approx 100 Calories. I usually drink approx 6 oz about 4 times a week, and now I'm not trouble with the cramps hardly at all.
It's very versatile. I have added leftover chicken breast, cooked turkey bacon, even leftover turkey taco meat to make it a full meal.

Hope this helps....Pegmarie

I would have to recommend stretching and a topical pain reliever. It might be smart to try to look into a sauna and a hot towel put on your back. It all depends about how long you were in recovery too. Its going to take a while for your body to recover. I would recommend you continually hiking and walking, that you continue to do so, expect think of ways to recover afterwards. A hot shower with a hot towel on the back will smooth the muscles that you probably weren't using, then I would finish it off with Absorbine Jr, which is my favorite thing to use for back pains. They have back patches for pain and a liquid gel for muscle and joint pain relief that works like a charm. Check it out at http://www.absorbinejr.com/ and soak your muscle with a hot towel and steam. Good luck.

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