too few calories

[HYCIERRA 144]

Is it possible to get too few calories in at the beginning of your journey? Will this slow your weight loss? I'm 2 weeks postop today, I'm only getting in 400-500 calories per day. Struggling to get my 60 Proteins and most days get between 45-50g of Protein. Doing ok on Water, usually 50-60 ounces per day. The past 3 days, there's been no scale movement. Could be hormonal, could be stress, could just be one of those unexplained things... I'm not upset or worried, but curious about the low calorie count having an impact on my metabolism in the long run. Anyone have experience with this? Maybe some veterans or anyone else who just simply couldn't get the calories down in the beginning and not have it impact you ability to lose at a steady pace?

[Baconville 578]

For the first three months I rarely hit 300 calories. With exercise my calories were always in the negative. At one year post op and on maintenance, I am to keep my calories at about 1000 per day. I have lost 205 pounds in a bit over a year. I would say that the low calories had no negative impact. Focus on Protein and Water, they are far more important. Follow the plan, you are doing GREAT!

[pinkhiker 18]

Not sure if this would help with the Protein but my bariatric clinic at the hospital gives a lobg list of recommended Protein supplements both powder and liquid. On the list is a liquid protwin called body fortress suoer protein shot. Is liquid form, only 3oz, and packs in 26g of protein. No caffeine, sugars.

Someone on the board mentioned to be careful bc of the different types of protein (soy versus others). But I think its an awesome way to get a good amount of protein in with just a few oz total. I bought 24 little tubes since the bariatric nutritionist said it was a okay

[Zane's Mom 184]

In 5 weeks out. From June 24 until July 17 the scale did not move. Finally I'm losing 4 pounds this week.

I think the 3week stall is very common. Your body is adjusting and healing.

I just now bought a food scale and started using my fitness pal to track my intake. Now that I can eat as tolerated, I need to make sure I'm balancing things out.

I still don't get a lot of calories but I do get my Protein and Vitamins in every day. I drink all day long so don't sweat the scale ... It will move.

[revision in TX 38]

I agree with the other posts here....protein and Water intake are much more important than calories.

Having said that...yes, you CAN have too few calories, especially just after surgery. Your body needs calories to heal...again, Protein and Water in particular...so you need to NOT concentrate on losing right now AT ALL! I know that seems totally ridiculous when that is why you had the surgery in the first place, but it is ESSENTIAL that you heal well FIRST. The weight WILL come off. But, in the short run, you want to heal properly so that you will not have any of the complications that poor/incomplete healing might happen in the long run.

I KNOW it's easier said than done, but one day - not too far from now - you will probably turn around and advise someone the very thing that I'm proposing now!! Hang in there - it sounds like you are right on track, since you are making sure to get lots of Protein and water...the two essentials, along with your (chewable) vitamins!!

You WILL succeed!!!

[joy59 81]

I have not had my surg yet but NUT said in the beginning shoot for 300-400 cal/day working up to 600 .