How many calories?

Hi all, I post on FitDay.com daily. Anyone else that uses this way of journaling or anyone who is counting calories....How many calories per day are you eating? I avg around 800 cal--is this too much? too little..I am six weeks post op... Thanks... Joanie

Joanie: I love Fitday.com. I use it every day. I am 3 weeks out and am struggling to get in 300 calories a day. I am not sure how many calories a day is good. I go more by how much protein I can get in. I am supposed to get between 50-60 grams but I am only at about 25 right now. Do you count protein too? Chryssie

JOANIE, WHEN I ASKED THE NUTRITIONIST THAT QUESTION, HER ANSWER WAS 600-800 CALORIES. I WAS TOLD 60-80 GRAMS PROTEIN. CHRYSSIE, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO GET IN THE PROTEIN. MY UNDERSTANDING IS YOUR BODY WILL START TO BURN YOUR MUSCLE INSTEAD OF FAT IF YOU DON'T GET ENOUGH PROTEIN. YOU NEED THE MUSCLE TO BURN THE FAT. YOU WILL GET VERY FATIGUED TOO. IT IS HARD TO GET IT IN AT FIRST BUT, THERE ARE MANY SUGGESTIONS IF YOU WANT TO POST FOR HELP. GOOD LUCK.

Hi Joanie It is funny how everyones nutristionist give different advise to people. My nutrisitionist never had us count our calories, and still 11 months post op, she still doesnt have me counting, as long as you get your protein in. The was the key. Her reason was that as long as you get your protein in, you will never get that many calories in on top of that. I am sure that is going to change soon, but that is what I can pass on to you. If you concentrate on the protein, calorie intake will come into play later. Good Luck, Hope this helps. Luis

Thanks for your replies...I am getting 60 grams of protein in...I just feel I am eating too much. Yesterday...it was "that time of the month" and for the first time in six weeks..I was hungry...It scared me!! Note to Chryssie--I found it hard to get all my protein in too. Make sure you at least drink one protein drink in....there is no way at the beginning to get that in with just soft foods..You sound like you are doing great! Joanie

Joanie: Thanks!!! I am going out today to get some protein powder. Keep up the great work!!! You will be at goal in no time. Chryssie

I do suggest that if you're getting in all that protein and you still find yourself hungry from time to time, then try NOT having a protein shake and get the protein from a solid food source that will keep you full for longer (not cottage cheese or yogurt- too soft and don't stay in the pouch long enough) But, don't freak- that time of the month sometimes wreaks havoc on the appetite! 800 sounds like it's on the higher side of the spectrum, but it doens't sound out of line at all. How's your weight loss? How do you feel? That's very important.