Need advice please!

Hi, I talk to a nutritionist every 2 weeks (I hate her - she's no help at all and really focuses on the number of pounds I have lost, not how I feel), and she recently told me I should only be eating 600 or less calories per day. I do keep to that, but I feel weak and tired a lot. She even cautioned me against using too much of the tasteless protein powder, since it adds calories. However, it's basically impossible to eat enough protein unless I add that powder to my already low calorie food, you know? I'm stumped. I feel like I shouldn't have to count calories that are based on protein. Empty calories, like simple carbs, I can understand, but this seems over the top. I've lost a lot of weight, so it's not like I need to cut down... How many calories does everyone else get per day? Has anyone else had similiar advice from a nutritionist? Thanks so much! Tish 358/257/???

You had your surgery two days before mine & have lost over 100 pounds - I've lost about 70 - My doctor has me eating between 800 - 1000 calories per day & makes sure that my protein is the first thing I eat. I guess my first question is if your nutritionist is attached to your suregeons office? Second is she familiar with your procedue & had plenty of experience counseling persons with the surgery? Third - I am a hiuge advocate for NOT staying in something you feel unhappy with - there have got to be plenty of other nitritionists. I as a matter of fact do not see one, I see my doctor & I folllow the diet guidelines he set for me which seem reasonable. I once had agynecologist that upon hearing that I was gay performed the most painful gynecological exam I have ever had - I truly left feeling raped - From that moment forward I decided I didn't deserve to be abused in any way by ANY person I perceived to be in "power" - I know your situation is different - but the advice is the same... you do not have to see ANYONE ANYONE that makes you feel stupid, or the advice seems to be in opposition to what feels to be true for your own body. It seems to be a woman's fate NOT to make waves - BUT - it's your body - NOT there's so... find a different nutritionist - eat more, continue to ask questions... My absolute best thoughts and wishes for you. & congratulations on your loss - You are doing very well!!! better than I expect we should be - so much so that it makes me wonder if you are getting enough nutrition 600-800 was what I was eating from week 2 - 6 we're past that now.

I see my nutritionist every 3 months. They never put me on any set amount of calories. Mine gave me a sheet on meal planning , I would be more than happy to send it to you. I am to eat protein first and if I have room to eat veggies and fruit. I still use the protein powders everyday. We probably eat enough protein now from our meals. I was surprised how much protein I was really getting in. When I get to my goal they will go over calories to help me maintain my weight or to stop me from loosing (haha,never had that problem before). I am gona send this plan to you, it will help you. It helped me alot! Sorry your nutritioinst is a pain! Melinda

Hi Tish, I am eating aroung 700-100 calories a day. I keep track on fit day! I would keep adding the protein powder because as we all know WE NEED THE PROTEIN FIRST!! Check out this site.... thinnerself.com. It has a calculator you can use to see how protein etc you need!! Don't get discouraged....Hang in there. You are doing great!! Summer 240/175/140

Tish, You have gotten some great advice here. Just for my $.02, I get in 600-1000 calories a day, and 50-75 grams protein a day. I would get rid of that nutritionist now! Obviously she/he does not understand WLS patients. Good luck, eat more, more protein at least, and drink that protein drink if you want. Pam

Hey Tish - You're doing so great!! If your nutritionist is leaving you feeling discouraged after you've lost 100lbs then I say get a new nutritionist!! You must be doing the right things or you wouldn't have lost so much. I get in about 800-1000 calories a day and 60+ grams of protein. I use 2 protein shakes a day and most days have a protein bar for a snack. Protein is most important. If you need to use the powder to meet your protein needs then use the powder. You're doing just fine. Keep up the good work. Deb

I recommend either you talk with your surgeon or get a new nutritionist. I talked with both of mine and was told at this point out I was to get in between 900 - 1100 calories with at least 60 grams of protein and drink at least 64 oz of water. The days that I work out I am to get closer to the 1100 and the days I take off the 900. This is because the body will go into starvation mode if you are not getting in enough calories to sustain yourself. This could be causing you to be tired also. By the way congratulations on your loss so far. Hope some of this helped. Heidi 267/175/147

Hi again, I just wanted to say that I just FIRED my nutritionist! It felt great. I would never have had the courage without all the great advice from you guys. Thanks soooo much. I feel so empowered. I'll get the help I need, but from people who support me, not who make me feel bad. Thanks again, Tish