Struggle To Get In Enough Calories

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I know this will sound like a weird question, but does anyone struggle to get enough calories in?

I am very much in the Green Zone. I don't PB, no reflux or night cough, and I can eat pretty much whatever I want so long as I take small enough bites and chew it well. But, ever since my last fill, I really struggle to get in enough calories. I was eating 1100-1200 a day but now I have to really push it to get in even 1000. Usually I'm more around 900. Sometimes I feel like I'm over-eating because I'm trying so hard to hit at least 1000 calories. I'm just full from very little food and am rarely hungry.

Today I will have only had 914, and that's only if I get in the pistachios I have planned for a snack tonight. If I don't, I'll be under 800.

Does anyone else struggle to get in enough calories? If so, how do you get what you need without adding junk/filler calories?

[Holly Dolly 575]

I wouldn't worry about it if you are below 1000 calories a day. My dr told us to stay between 800-1000 a day.

[highland 168]

We are all different, however I have logged every bite of food I've eaten for a year now. I averaged around 850 calories in the beginning, but now my intake averages 600 a day. People on here are co stantly saying you need to eat atnleast 1200 to lose weight, but I do what works for me and my doctor agrees! I am 54 and have been on a perpetual diet since I was eight years old. What I am doing now, over time, works for me. I have tried to up my cLories from time to time and it just doesn't work for me. Talk to your surgeon and see what he/she says. They many times feel a little differently about calories than the nutritionists. I eat less than 30g of carb a day and that contributes to my low calorie intake.

[Shannon318 6]

I am three weeks post op and I am struggling to get my calories in. I live in Louisiana and its very hot here, so I drink a ton of Water. I know that I'm not supposed to eat and drink at the same time, and I'm usually more thirsty than hungry. The water makes me fill full and by the time that full feeling goes away, I find myself turn between having more water or a meal. I make myself choose the meal because I know I need to eat. Because I'm not reaching my calorie goal, I think my body has gone into starvation mode because the scale hasn't moved in a week. But I understand from reading the forums that its not uncommon to not lose at this stage.

[Littlefoot 13]

Everyone has been given different guidance on here. My doc advised me to stay in 750-900 cal day. If I don't lose weight at that, then I think he'll readjust. I had a GF who got in 500-600 a day but her weight loss was really slow. I think the key thing they consider is if you're not hungry and are losing weight. If one of those two isn't working your doc will have you adjust something.

My challenge was being told only 3 meals a day. I think that's to put a boundary on eating & limit calories for those who struggle with grazing & calorie creep. I do better with 5-6 small meals spread out over the day. I think the idea is for when you can get food in, is to find the highest nutrition bang for the buck.

Good luck!

[Holly Dolly 575]

Everyone has been given different guidance on here. My doc advised me to stay in 750-900 cal day. If I don't lose weight at that, then I think he'll readjust. I had a GF who got in 500-600 a day but her weight loss was really slow. I think the key thing they consider is if you're not hungry and are losing weight. If one of those two isn't working your doc will have you adjust something.

My challenge was being told only 3 meals a day. I think that's to put a boundary on eating & limit calories for those who struggle with grazing & calorie creep. I do better with 5-6 small meals spread out over the day. I think the idea is for when you can get food in, is to find the highest nutrition bang for the buck.

Good luck!

When I was first banded in Feb 2011, my dr's office said 3 meals a day and no snacking. Now they are saying that 4 meals is fine. I guess it is what works for you. Usually it is 4 meals that work for me!

[Fabulous Sasha 5]

I think you are in an AWESOME position. It's all about restrictions. Just continue to eat right and get in your Protein and vegetables - I wouldn't be concerned about the calorie in take as long as it is not too many. You shouldn't start any bad habits just to get in calories. As you loose weight your band will loosen up some which will allow you to eat a little more.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Thanks for the advice and opinions, all

I've pretty much done what others suggested- eating when hungry and not worrying about the calories being too low. I'm still losing and I'm not hungry at all, so my body must be fine with it. I seem to hover around 900 calories a day and I'm ok with that.

Btw, I know many doctors only say 3 meals a day and no snacking, but I also believe just like every other aspect of nutrition you have to find what works best for your body. I'm a night owl so I am almost always hungry by 9-10pm. So, I just have 1/4 cup of low fat cottage cheese or some pistachios for a snack. For me, it works.

[watswill2 0]

what has a day menu look like for you? like what do you have for Breakfast, lunch and dinner and Snacks if any?

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I don't usually snack, if I do I have a 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese, some pistachios, or even a sugar free pudding.

Breakfast- Protein shake. I have one every day.

Lunch- open faced tuna sandwich, with non fat mayo and low fat cheese. banana

Dinner- 1/2 a chicken breast or pork chop, 1/4 cup green Beans, 1/4 cup mashed potatoes