How many calories should we get per day???

Hi!  I'm 11 days post op and I'm wondering if I'm doing things right -- because I seem to not be losing anything, but rather hovering back and forth around 256/258 for the last week.  I lost 14 pounds in five days post-op, but since I've been home, nothing.  I got down 256.8 and this morning I'm at 258.7! I'm trying SO hard to get my water in, but it either A) gives me stomach cramps/twinges, or B) makes me feel SO full! I am exercising 20 minutes 3-4 times a week. I'm getting in close to 80 grams of protein/day. So my next question is -- am I not eating enough?  How many calories per day are we supposed to be getting in at this point?  I'm afraid of overeating, I think because I don't really know what my calorie goal is per day like it was when I was taking the six-month class at Kaiser.  I've read some posts of some who say that they were eating too FEW calories, and they didn't start losing until they increased their calorie intake. Yesterday was my 9th wedding anniversary, so I just had 1/2 cup of garlic mashed potatoes at the Outback for dinner (250 calories), ff pudding (60 calories), protein drink (110 calories), 1 scrambled egg (70), and 1/2 package of grits (75).  That's 565 calories.  I didn't get all my protein in, granted; however, if I had, I would have been at 675 calories, and I'm not sure if that would be too much? Need some guidance!  It's hard when your lines are kind of blurred and you don't have any really clear boundaries like you do when you're on a specific number of calories each day. Thanks, Sheryl

First of all, talk to your doctor. Each one has a different protocol that they want their patients to follow. So, ask the doctor what you need. In my experience that is not enough calories. Personally, I don't count calories I just try to make better food choices... protein first. You should try to get in 3 protein drinks a day or more, especially in the begginning. The more protein the better the weight loss. I have the same problem with plain water too. Now, I add crystal light or wal-marts brand of it to my water and it's great... no more problems.You should try it. Lisa

Congratulations on your recent surgery =) First off, relax about the weight loss/gain!!! You just had surgery a week and a half ago!!!! Your body is still recovering. You were pumped full of gas and fluids and your body is still getting used to it. I didn't lose anything for two weeks after surgery. And, 4 months later, my weight loss is still slow but steady. Took me a week to lose .6 pounds but it was a lose! Don't weight yourself every day. It is going to go up and down on a daily basis. You will lose this weight! Make no mistake about that! I am supposed to eat no more than 800 calories a day per my surgeon/nutritionist. I wasn't to exercise until 1 month out so the fact that you are exercising almost every day is great but hopefully not resulting in you healing slower on the inside. Either way it sounds like you are doing great if you can even exercise already! 1 week out I was still in bed! Keep up the good work and talk to your nutritionist =) Tiffany

Sheryl Good Advice given to you from the other poster,,, shame on me I forgot her name... and she has the same dr as I do. EDIT: I went back and her name is Lisa. But remember you are still really new post op and your going to hit stalls to let your body catch up. but still your only 11 days out and you have lost 14 pounds already. Thats doing good if you ask me. Have you ever done that before? Don't stress it's not good for weight loss you know. when I was 11 days out I don't think I got even 500 calories in. I just couldn't eat that much. Take it easy on yourself and like she said above alway ask your doctor. take care and have a wonderful weekend