Calories post op

[Emailkariann 33]

Hi all!

i am two weeks post op today. I am wondering how many calories most people are able to consume at this phase or what is recommended? My doctor was kind of vague.

Thanks

[Introversion 1,876]

My bariatric aftercare dietitian didn't require me to count calories, fat grams, carbs, or anything other than Protein. Here's their theory: as long as you consume 80+ grams of protein per day, the other macros will fall into place.

Protein has a very high thermic effect. Therefore, our bodies burn a considerable number of calories in the process of protein digestion. If you manage to get sufficient protein, you'll lose weight. Likewise, you'll stall and plateau long, hard and often if you don't eat enough protein.

Good luck to you.

[clk 3,519]

In the very beginning, most of your calories and Protein are probably going to come from shakes. Don't get frustrated if you aren't able to eat to your nutritional goals right away. It takes a little time.

I agree that pushing protein is most important, but as a long term vet who has successfully maintained I also urge you to balance a healthy number of good quality carbohydrates. Too many people are afraid of them. I'm still saying eat less than you would pre-op - find what works for your body. But in order to feel satisfied, have energy and most importantly, avoid binges, try to eat a variety of foods.

Avoid food ruts and go with a variety of Proteins, grains and spices and cuisines and you can do it for the long haul.

Everyone's nutritional needs are different. I couldn't eat more than 800 calories but I needed 80+ grams of protein and 70 carbs a day. I was a terribly slow loser, but this was the only way I lost. You need to find what works for you. All we can do is suggest what worked for us.

Congrats and good luck.

[KittyV 27]

For the first two weeks I bairly got 500 cals in then for the next two months it was almost 600-800. At three months, I was able to get up to 1000, but did not really eat that much daily until about 5 months.

Kitty

[Emailkariann 33]

Thanks everyone! I feel like I can eat a lot for where i am at. It's easy for me to get 700-800 calories, especially with drinking the shake...and I'm kinda worried about not losing. I am wondering if maybe I should cut out the shake and just eat regular food (see if I can meet my Protein needs) and that way feel more satisfied. They also only told me to try to get 50 grams of protein but maybe I should up that?

Edited July 1, 2017 by Emailkariann

[sushi5912 10]

Thanks everyone! I feel like I can eat a lot for where i am at. It's easy for me to get 700-800 calories, especially with drinking the shake...and I'm kinda worried about not losing. I am wondering if maybe I should cut out the shake and just eat regular food (see if I can meet my Protein needs) and that way feel more satisfied. They also only told me to try to get 50 grams of protein but maybe I should up that?

I remember someone on here saying to divide your ideal weight in half and that's your protein goal. Or it's by height. I'm 5'10" so I need between 75-90 G protein/day. I'm in the same boat as you where I am having no problem drinking and eating Soups at 9 days post op. I'm also having physical hunger as well as head hunger at times. I was told by my NUT only count protein but of course the MFP also shows calories and I'm getting between 800-1000/day. I hope at some point my cravings or my head will align with what I expected to be experiencing, i.e. Lack of hunger and appetite. This is emotionally difficult for me.