The average person needs about 45 - 55 grams of protein per day, and probably gets that fairly easily in their daily diet. Some people need extra protein, though. Last year I had a gastric bypass, and I learned that gastric bypass patients need a minimum of 60 grams of protein per day (some doctors and dietitians recommend more than that). Other weight loss surgery patients need more protein than that, as well; for instance, patients who have a vertical sleeve gastrectomy need closer to 100 grams of protein per day.