Not Getting Enough Calories

[ChronicJam 40]

I'm about 3 1/2 weeks post op and just started my soft foods/puréed stage last week. Should I be concerned that I'm only getting about 750-800 calories a day? That doesn't seem like enough. But if I eat any more, I'm miserable. I haven't had a problem getting my Protein or Water, though.

I've also been walking about a mile 4 times a week.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Nope, I'm 3½ months and I get about that daily. As long as you are meeting your Protein goals you should be okay. Review your concerns with your nutritionist when you see them.

[Aranks 94]

Im five weeks post op I'm probably getting about 400-500 calories a day. Ive heard 600-800 is optimal for losing weight and 1000-1200 once youre maintaining. Sounds like you're doing pretty well. Check with your nutritionist though if you're concerned. :-)

[Elode 8,093]

@@ChronicJam I just made a post about this. Sounds like your doing well. I'm 2 1/2 months out and I Get 800 max.

[Mavic 37]

Can you guys share what you are eating to get the 600-800 calories. I'm finding it so hard this first week.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

@@Mavic - You won't hit that number your first week post op. You shouldn't even count calories at that point.Those first 2 - 4 weeks just focus on hitting 60 + gms of Protein and 64+ ounces of fluids. As you move onto purees and soft foods then you can worry about calories per your nutritionist instructions. Those first weeks it's just protein and fluids.

[lisaabrumfield 119]

I am 6 weeks 2 days out with a total lost of 45 pounds thus far. I eat maybe 500-700 calories on a good day. Things i enjoy eating consists of lots of fish and shrimp, broccoli, spinach, egg plant and herbs. My advice is what everyone else stated, for these first few weeks be concerned with Protein and liquid intake because at that point it is more important. When you move into the soft food and maintenance stage then you become concerned with your caloric intake. Remember protein first and foremost. No breads, Pasta, corn, or other things that are high in carbs. Finally some type of physical activity 4 days per week at least 30 minutes.

[Mavic 37]

I was already worried but now I feel relieved. I'm on my third week and still have two more weeks of liquids according to my plan. The nutritionist finally told me I can add yogurt and Creamy Soups because I was feeling like the other wasn't enough.

Thanks for your help.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

I was lucky to get 500c/day through month three.

[Justoperated 141]

After starting work where I walk about 3-4 miles and exercise in evening for 15-30 minutes my calorie intake has reduced. Bcoz I feel more thirsty and need to take fluids, which ofcourse limits the time you can get your solids in. I am now taking fortimeal to get around this problem, it has 200 Cal in 200ml with 20 G Protein.

[Brandalyn 53]

2 weeks out I get 800 calories in per day. I added sushi and OH YEAH Protein Shakes to my intake. Huge improvement in energy!!

[JALUVIC 79]

It's hard to understand/accept eating so few calories when many of us have been told that "starvation diets" don't work and only cause your metabolism to slow down thus slowing down weight loss. I'm having a hard time with this idea but I understand that restricted calories are necessary. It's just so few in the beginning!!

[alwaysvegas 702]

I agree @@JALUVIC and felt the same way before surgery. But don't forget that our fat stores ARE energy stores that the body burns to make up for the calorie deficit. I was about 500 calories a day the two weeks following surgery. Now I'm up to about 1,000 calories per day, feel completely satisfied.

My surgeon/nutritionist are monitoring my vitamins/minerals via blood tests, so they will let me know if anything is off. So far, all blood tests are normal! Hopefully everyone else has their Vitamins checked also.

Edited January 17, 2015 by AlwaysVegas