Increasing My Calorie Intake - Thoughts?

[FindingElise 62]

I was hoping to get some input from those of you further out than I. As of yesterday, I've been sleeved for 3 weeks. I've had some problems with pretty severe nausea, but it's under control with medication. As long as I take my prilosec and zofran (an anti nausea med) every 8 hours, I feel great!

I had a follow up with my surgeon this afternoon, and he wants to see me increase my calories from 400ish to 800 - 1000 as soon as possible. My primary care doc (who happens to be a weight management specialist) thinks the calorie increase will also help me not be dependent on the zofran. Does this seem a little high for just 3 weeks out? It seems like a lot of people aren't even on soft foods at this point, and are struggling to eat. I don't have a problem with eating more, since I could use the extra calories to fuel my walks and the yoga class I've signed up for, but I want to make the most of my "honeymoon period".

Do 800 calories seem reasonable at this point?

[Guest]

Yes I am 3 weeks out & can do 800 if I wanted. 3 shakes & a Protein Bar is 660 calories. Add a glass of milk & I'd be at 800.

[SerendipityHappens 1,594]

I went right up to 800 calories almost immediately after surgery and I'm currently eating 800-1050 calories a day (usually closer to 800) The difference between 800 calories and 600 calories a day, represents less than two pounds of additional weight loss in a month. Yeah, I'd like to have those two pounds, but I just feel better at around 800 calories so that's where I'm going to stick!

[rosita13 10]

My doctor has me on a 1200 calories a day.. I wonder if this has anything to do with my weight loss being soooo slow...

[Alyjourneys 117]

I'm 5 wks out and doing 800 or less a day.

[NtvTxn 1,262]

I was hoping to get some input from those of you further out than I. As of yesterday, I've been sleeved for 3 weeks. I've had some problems with pretty severe nausea, but it's under control with medication. As long as I take my prilosec and zofran (an anti nausea med) every 8 hours, I feel great!

I had a follow up with my surgeon this afternoon, and he wants to see me increase my calories from 400ish to 800 - 1000 as soon as possible. My primary care doc (who happens to be a weight management specialist) thinks the calorie increase will also help me not be dependent on the zofran. Does this seem a little high for just 3 weeks out? It seems like a lot of people aren't even on soft foods at this point, and are struggling to eat. I don't have a problem with eating more, since I could use the extra calories to fuel my walks and the yoga class I've signed up for, but I want to make the most of my "honeymoon period".

Do 800 calories seem reasonable at this point?

I was doing about 350 calories when I was three weeks out. At six months out, I reached goal and was getting in between 650 and 800 calories. I'm three years out and now I get in between 1150 and 1300. Make the MOST of your honeymoon period. I know all doctors and dietitians are different, but when I called my nurse to tell her about the low calories, she wanted to make sure I FELT good, which I did, and my labs were good. They all said I was fine. At three weeks out, I was still on full liquids. I'd have to be drinking heavy whipping cream in Decaf to get in 800 - 1000 calories!!

[FindingElise 62]

Whew, thank you! I feel much better! I'm usually about 10 grams short of my current goal of 60 grams of Protein each day, so I think the calorie increase is going to help me get closer to 80 - 90 grams.

akmys11 - The way you break it down makes it sound very easy and reasonable. Oh, and BTW...I love your Grumpy Cat. I keep picturing him saying NO!

SerendipityHappens - Congrats on your weight loss! You are kicking butt without those 2 extra pounds per month.

Rosita - On the bright side, at least you're probably getting more of the Vitamins and nutrients your body needs, and slower weight loss is statistically more likely to be maintained.

[FindingElise 62]

I was doing about 350 calories when I was three weeks out. At six months out, I reached goal and was getting in between 650 and 800 calories. I'm three years out and now I get in between 1150 and 1300. Make the MOST of your honeymoon period. I know all doctors and dietitians are different, but when I called my nurse to tell her about the low calories, she wanted to make sure I FELT good, which I did, and my labs were good. They all said I was fine. At three weeks out, I was still on full liquids. I'd have to be drinking heavy whipping cream in Decaf to get in 800 - 1000 calories!!

Did you have any trouble with exercise at 350?

[NtvTxn 1,262]

Did you have any trouble with exercise at 350?

You mean other than being a lazy bum??!!! No, but I was still healing at three weeks and 350 calories, so at your stage, I was only walking, but I did and still do walk a lot. I immediately took up "window shopping" at the local mall!!!

[Reigo 111]

I was under the impression you lse slower if your calories are too low- that your metabolism slows down to compensate for such low calorie intakes (self preservation). I am 4 weeks out and at 800-1000 a day and am ok if my progress s slower (and hopefully I will have less loose skin or flab but I have nothing to ack this up)

[FindingElise 62]

You mean other than being a lazy bum??!!! No, but I was still healing at three weeks and 350 calories, so at your stage, I was only walking, but I did and still do walk a lot. I immediately took up "window shopping" at the local mall!!!

I could definitely make window shopping a workout. I've hated shopping for the last decade or so, but now that I know my body is changing I absolutely love to look at things and know I can wear them one day.