How Many Calories?

[SlimShadyinLV 7]

Can you guys tell me what your calorie or quantity daily limits are? What should mine be? Are we supposed to be counting carbs? I am 5 Weeks post-op. Sleeved June 23. Any info would be terrific!

[Supersweetums 1,164]

In the beginning, calories are very low, around the 500 a day mark. Most of the time it is very difficult to get calories in. As you get a little further out, it is usually between 600-800 calories in weight loss phase. As for carbs, in my honest opinion, I think it is a personal choice. For some people, eating low carbs (30 or less) works well for them. I did not count carbs. I did make changes that cut out simple carbs, so I rarely eat bread, rice, cereals, Pasta, and stuff like that. I will eat fruit, veggies, and complex carbs like oats. Find a balance that works for you. The sleeve is only a tool, so you do have to make changes to be successful, but you also have to do what works the best for you and your body. Did your surgeon give you any kind of post op guide or information??

[MinaT 669]

I'm around 500 calories a day and I will be 8 weeks out. I stay 20-40 carbs a day and I count them on my fitness pal. I started charting my food in November when I started the pre-approval visits and I still chart my Protein, carbs, calories, sodium and potassium and fat daily.

I also chart my Water and my exercise. It makes you accountable to see what you are putting in every day. If you gain a few ounces or a pound, you can see what foods are higher in sodium. If you get a leg cramp you can see where your potassium is. If you have a hard time losing weight and you can see that perhaps your carbs are way higher than you should be eating.

This is what I do, and it's been working for me. I believe majority of people keep track. It's the best way to stay in touch with what you are putting in your body and it's a way to stay accountable. It's easier to go off-track if you don't chart and don't weigh yourself.

[karenb4729 309]

I am 8 weeks out and getting 700 calories a day. I'm not counting carbs but am tracking everything I eat. I did low carb before surgery but based on my nutritionist recommendations am not doing it now. You need carbs as you exercise so you aren't losing muscle. But, my carbs come from veggies, and complex carbs - nothing "white" or refined. My Protein levels are at 80g a day with a shake in the morning and one in the evening and then the rest coming from the foods I eat. My Doctor required 80g a day but the nutritionist says that everything should be pretty well healed by month 2 and its ok to get as low as 60g which is the recommended amt for women. If you get too much protein the body will turn it to fat so it's a balancing act. All in all, the surgery is successful when you make the changes that work for you.

[shrinkingturtle 21]

I am almost 6 weeks out and get around 700 calories. I normally have 90 grams Protein and 30 or less Carbs.

[SlimShadyinLV 7]

My guide says 4ozs 3 times a day, 60 grams of Protein, 64 ozs of liquid. I can only eat about 2-3 ozs at a time but within a couple of hours I am hungry. My doctor and nut say I need to eat only 3 times. Right now I am eating 4-5 times a day, getting my protein down and usually under 800. I don't have a problem with anything even though I am still sticking to soft solids. Am I doing something wrong? I have lost 29 lbs in 5 Weeks.

[mrsflyboybs 62]

I get about 800 calories a day. My dr told me to eat only three times a day but my NUT said to eat every two to three hours and don't bother counting calories ( I'm losing weight too fast and it's causing my gall bladder to be a ****** bag) . I don't count carbs but I also don't eat bread or rice often. My NUT had encouraged me to eat quinoa often since its a super food. Good luck to you.

[Supersweetums 1,164]

My guide says 4ozs 3 times a day, 60 grams of Protein, 64 ozs of liquid. I can only eat about 2-3 ozs at a time but within a couple of hours I am hungry. My doctor and nut say I need to eat only 3 times. Right now I am eating 4-5 times a day, getting my Protein down and usually under 800. I don't have a problem with anything even though I am still sticking to soft solids. Am I doing something wrong? I have lost 29 lbs in 5 Weeks.

You are doing amazing and it sounds like you are doing everything right! Think about the past, did you ever lose almost 30 lbs in 5 weeks before!

[SlimShadyinLV 7]

Thanks so much for your responses! I am trying hard not to compare myself to some of you out there that are having amazing results. I am still very happy to be in this position and to be on this journey.

[Supersweetums 1,164]

Thanks so much for your responses! I am trying hard not to compare myself to some of you out there that are having amazing results. I am still very happy to be in this position and to be on this journey.

I know it is hard not to compare, but everyone is different. The more weight you have to lose, the faster you usually lose it, men lose faster, there are so many variables. I lost around 20-22 lbs I think in the first 4-5 weeks, and I think that is pretty average, so think as yourself above average. I was a slow loser, taking me 18 months to reach goal, but I made it, so don't be discouraged!

[SlimShadyinLV 7]

Hey Sweetums, thanks so much for the words of wisdom and your encouragement. This morning the scale moved- FINALLY! It has gone up a couple of times since my surgery. Did that ever happen to you?