Cal & Protein intake

Can anyone help me with what that "average" protein intake should be? And how many Calories should we be shooting to get or stay beneath? I am a very goal oriented person and have the fluid thing down pat. I am having a lot of trouble with protein and Calories. Since surgery, I have become lactose intolerent so the pretein drinks I enjoy now make me sick and I haven't found a replacement yet. I am wiggy about the carb adn fat content is say beans with cheese....I that REALLY good for us? I appreciate you all so much, this site has been a true inspiration to me and I use it daily to help me keep on track and not get down about my minimum weight loss. I know it will come off....I am doing my best and THAT hopefully is good enough. Thanks ahead for the input! JK

I'm with you all the way. I had my 2 week follow up Tuesday and down to 346 from my start weight of 375. I'm getting everything in but have not looked at calories. Should there be some level we strive for? I'm getting at least 60 in protein in but I'd guess averaging only 400 calories a day. My doc moved me up to mushy food from my liquid diet but other than cottage cheese and soup, I've been hanging with the drinks due to not being hungry at all. Dave

Hi Dave, I am trying to find out what our cal intake should be. Some say more, some say less...I average between 300-700 depending on how much protein I get in. When I get the 80-90 my nutritionist says I should get, it is hard to keep that cal intake low. today it is 12:44 and I only have 25.5 g protein in and 254 cal. about 25oz of fluid. I am usually pretty good about the fluid, like you, I'd rather drink than eat! I would not even worry about protein,but I like my hair and nails! So, this part of the journey is hard, kind of feel like I am on an island! I am so thankful for this site,it gives me people to bounce things off of. I had my surgery out of state so the support group thing is out for me...not that I am in to that sort of thing....tried when my daughter was born and my son died...just not for me. Anyway, thanks for the support and any information is welcome right Dave? JK

Did your surgeon give you a nutritional binder/packet with this info? If not, ask for one. I was told by my surgeon and dietician to not focus on calorie counts, etc. at this time. Our goal is to eat between 800-1000 calories a day, but I'm a month out have not even reached the 800 yet. Protein is supposed to be between 70g-100g a day, but I'm averaging 40-50 a day right now. Need to up that. Try ISOPURE - they are lactose free and it tastes like gatorade except no sugar and HIGH in protein. I prefer those over the milky-ones. You can find them in the refrigerated section at any healthfood store. Don't worry about fat grams right now because you are eating so little, it won't make a differnce. That doesn't mean you should go out and get everything deep fried no, no,no. But cheese, butter, etc. is fine right now. You need the calories! But if I were you, I'd ask for a nutrition packet/binder from your surgeon. They should've given you one pre-op.

My nutritionist told my to average around 60 grams of protein and at least 700 calories at this stage. Both of which are very hard to get in, even though I losing a bit slower than others I have seen at this stage. I have gone from 229 post op to 218 and will be 3 weeks out next Tuesday. I am trying all kinds of soft foods that are not fried since that is the diet i am on. I am hoping to be at 200 by the time I go to my visit on May 3 with my nutritionist. Protein intake is the most important now, dont worry about the calories, just get in what you can. D'Lynn 232/299/218

Right now, according to my nutritionist, ignore calories and stay away from carbs. Protein protein protein. 64 g a day for women, 72 g a day for men. Get yourself some lactaid and take it with the protein shakes (or mix the powder with soymilk). Beans are a great source for protein and I eat about a 1/4 C every couple of days (my favorite pureed food, believe it or not, is salmon with a couple teaspoons of low-fat bleu cheese dressing).

Thanks everyone! Your input has been great and I value each post! I did get a binder...it says nothing about Calories ANYWHERE~it says I should be getting 80-100 gms of protein...(yeah right!) When I went to my primary care physician (my surgery was out of town) they told me the nutritionist I had seen was a little over zelous on the protein. They quoted me the national dietary amounts...the 62 for women, 72 for men. When I called and talked to the Doc who did my surgery...He said the book was a guideline and I should listen to my body....So, all that said, How am I supposed to figure out what my body is saying...I think all it is saying right now is....WHAT HAVE YOU DONE???? Mentally, I am great, but I just want to find a way to not be SO consumed with everything going into my mouth. I have not yet reached the 700 Cal. mark, perhaps I need that. (I am 3.5 wks out) and down 24 pds Anyway...thanks again, I am going to take all that you have said and combine it with what I have been told....and I am going to relax and not be so driven about all of this! Thanks guys and happy Saturday! JK