1 week post op...350 calories?

[HopeandAgony 566]

Hi. I will be calling the surgeon tomorrow. Today I tracked my food as I was back at work. I was shocked to realize I am only getting about 350 calories a day. This really freaked me out. Is this normal?? My Dr only suggests 1 Protein Shake a day. I am eating broth, cottage cheese and an egg Or chicken or tuna. I cannot possibly fit any more in.

Can a body live on such little calories. In all my meetings with the surgeon I just realized today we never have talked about calories.

[Elode 8,093]

@@HopeandAgony It can be for the beginning, you won't stay that way. The more you heal the better you will eat.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Pretty normal. My first 2 weeks I was eating about 400 calories. It's only temporary and besides, we have plenty of body fat to live off. This is also why it's important to stay on top of the Vitamins, supplements and fluids.

[HopeandAgony 566]

Thanks. I was about to have a panic attack envisioning my body going into organ failure (yes I am worst case scenario about everything!). I am racking my brain how to get more calories. I will add some Protein Powder to my cottage cheese and broth.

[Elode 8,093]

@@HopeandAgony Your organs will fail due to lack of hydration before food, make sure you're drinking enough fluids.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

@@HopeandAgony Your organs will fail due to lack of hydration before food, make sure you're drinking enough fluids.

THIS ^

I forget the exact ratios but I think it's you can go a month without food, but the body can only survive a week without water/fluids.

[HopeandAgony 566]

Thanks. I'm getting between 70 and 90 oz of Water a day.

[mokt 58]

I have been tracking my calories as well and I am between 350-500 and I am two weeks out. I was very surprised as well by how low it was but my surgeon said it was normal over the first few weeks/months while the stomach heals. I guess we just have to deal with this.

[HopeandAgony 566]

I have been tracking my calories as well and I am between 350-500 and I am two weeks out. I was very surprised as well by how low it was but my surgeon said it was normal over the first few weeks/months while the stomach heals. I guess we just have to deal with this.

It's madness! Lol. I don't feel like I'm only eating 350 calories...

[mokt 58]

I know eh? I actually have more energy than I thought I would given my caloric intake. I think back to how many calories I was eating before surgery and am blown away by how much I used to consume!!! Crazy. I am also shocked by how I am not craving all of the junk food I used to eat on a daily basis. I have been able to cook and bake for my family and it doesn't phase me... This would have been improssible before.

I suspect we'll be eating/drinking moe soon Enough!

[Ilovecats1985 100]

I'm 5 weeks post op and lucky if I get 400 calories a day. I just focus mostly on my Water and Protein intake. After 3 small (1/8 cup) meals a day I feel completely stuffed and the only thing I can fit in my little stomach is water. My dr said not to worry so much about how many calories as long as I am getting my protein at all 3 meals and drinking my 2 shakes. I am following the meal plan he gave me, but after my protein I'm done. I can maybe get one bite of veggies or fruit. He said its normal and it will get easier as time goes.

[FocusOnMeNow 599]

Maybe consider 2 Protein Shakes a day and/or ensure that you are getting a minimum of 60 grams a day from Protein supplements. That's not total protein, that's protein supplements. And it's not about the calories. It's about the liquids, protein, and Vitamins at this point. Especially if you want to hold onto your hair. Some say to aim for 75-80 grams of protein a day but that is difficult to achieve 2 weeks out unless you are supplementing with shakes. Good luck!

[HopeandAgony 566]

Maybe consider 2 Protein Shakes a day and/or ensure that you are getting a minimum of 60 grams a day from Protein supplements. That's not total protein, that's protein supplements. And it's not about the calories. It's about the liquids, protein, and Vitamins at this point. Especially if you want to hold onto your hair. Some say to aim for 75-80 grams of protein a day but that is difficult to achieve 2 weeks out unless you are supplementing with shakes. Good luck!

My surgeon actually doesn't want me using protein shakes, but if I need to I can use one a day. No more than that. He also believes they are significantly contributing to my diarrhea which is why he told me to stop them altogether. I wish I could have 2 a day! I actually don't mind them.

Today I am going to add unflavored protein powder to my cottage cheese and my chicken/mayo. It should bring me up over 60 grams.

[FocusOnMeNow 599]

Definitely follow your surgeons advice but if it's lactose that is the issue then perhaps a lactose free shake mix is the answer. You may want to check with him on that, but of course always follow Drs orders. Good luck!

[lahhleslie 30]

I'm going on 1 week post op and I'm on Clear Liquids for 2 weeks so Id bet I'm not close to that lol I think your probably fine for 2 weeks out but you can always talk to your dr!