Calories

[thesuse2000 698]

Hi all,

I really want to succeed with this sleeve (I know - we all do!) and I don't feel totally clear about how many calories I should be eating. I see a lot of posts where people say something along the lines of "I can barely get in 500 calories a day". I have no problem at all eating 800+ calories a day. I haven't eaten more than 900, but I know that I easily could. Not sure if that's because I'm band-to-sleeve and my pouch is a little bigger (my surgeon told me she would use a slightly larger bougie to account for scar tissue from the band) or because I'm still on mushies and these are slider foods, but it is what it is.

My Nut has given me Protein goals (60-80) but refuses to give me calorie goals. She says if I eat high protein and meet those goals I should be good. But I really would like some parameters for calories... I don't want to eat too little and send my body into starvation mode and screw with my metabolism, but I don't want to eat too much and fail to make the most of the honeymoon phase.

I'd love to hear what works for others - especially from veterans - what you did in your first year that led to your longterm success. From what I've found online I've come up with 800-900 as a good goal range, but wondering if it would hurt if I ate a little more when I'm hungrier and/or if I should really try for less... thanks!

[BabySheldon 158]

The first problem is that your thinking into terms of traditional dieting ......this is not traditional dieting and with traditional dieting it's calories in calories out ,versus how many calories are expended ......this is entirely different .....you're not going to be able to eat the amount of calories that you would do under a traditional setting (not in the beginning usually) so follow your Protein goals your fluids are number one priority ....sugar-free fluids to keep you hydrated...... 60 to 80 g of protein to keep you healthy and healing property ......please put the issue of calories on the table for right now ....that won't come into play until likely you're either in a stall or heading into goal or maintenance....as always, follow the instructions of your medical team...

Good luck,

Shelby

[maxcimax 220]

My surgeon had me on up to 800/day until I was on solid food. Then my calorie intake was increased to 1,000. I have to be careful of my carb count. Try to stay under 50 carbs/day. I keep a food diary & this has helped. And my Proteins are 60+/day. I found to many carbs slows down my weight loss. Good luck with your journey.

[getnhealthyintx 281]

Its only been 2 months today for me but the previous poster is correct. Count your Protein and drink the rest will work itself out. I do use My Fitness Pal and record my protein and it says I have been averaging about 800 calories a day.

[thesuse2000 698]

Thanks all! I do track on MFP. Since I posted this I'm thinking that some of my meals may not be high enough Protein, causing me to feel hungry sooner perhaps. I will try cutting back a bit and see how that goes - I think that will be much easier when I'm on solids... Great to see a couple of you mention 800 cals! I've just needed to know that I'm in the right neighborhood!

[Kindle 8,667]

I was never given a calorie count to meet at any stage. In fact, I was only given minimum Water and Protein goals and the simple rule of protein first, then veggies, fruit and whole grains, avoid the simple carbs. I've never measured or tracked anything (other than tally in my head the protein and water) and that's worked fine for me. Granted, I'm only six months out, but I don't think post surgery has to be that complicated and I certainly didn't have surgery so I would have to count calories.

[Forsythia 882]

I'm on a general diet now (2 months out) and my nutritionist said I should be eating between 800 and 1200 calories a day. On days I work out I try to eat more, on the days I don't work out I try to eat a little less, but I always try to stay in the 800 to 1200 calorie range.