Question for Vets on Calories and Protein

Morning!

I'm 9 weeks out from VSG and average about 400-550 calories per day.  My surgeon's office gave me a protein goal based on height alone and said I should get between 45g-55g daily.  I realize that type of height-based goal isn't the norm with other offices and honestly, I know I should be shooting for more the 80g range for protein at some point.  Here are my questions:

1. Does my caloric intake look right for 9 weeks out?  My surgeon's office at 4 weeks out said I should be about 500-600 range but if I didn't feel like I needed to eat more (and was getting in my 45g-55g protein) that it was fine.  I only ask about YOUR plans and how they compare because when I look at OH and different blogs it seems like I'm really low on that end.  
2. My surgeon's plan says I should be getting between 2-4 oz of protein each meal.  I'm doing this, but rarely can get more than 2.5 oz before I start to feel like I'm done.  Is this your experience?  Again, I ask because many on OH and different bloggers I follow are eating many more ounces than I am.  I guess there is just part of me wanting reassurance that nothing is odd/off on my end.  I feel great, but when I compare ounces and numbers, it just makes me wonder.
3. I'm meeting my doctor's targeted protein goal today staying within that 400-550 caloric range.  In order to increase my protein intake, I would likely need to add another protein drink or a Quest Bar (I do one protein drink today, so I would need to add another for a total of 2) as I don't think I could add in more protein to my mealtimes NOR do I want to get in the habit of grazing in order to meet goals.  Should I add another protein drink or Quest bar or just stay the course and let things happen as time ticks on?

Any thoughts or advice is much appreciated!

Thanks,

JC

I am 5' tall and have never gotten in more than about 60 grams of protein a day.  My nutritionist said if i feel energetic and good that it was sufficient.  I would worry more about how you feel than focusing on the numbers.  I think your calories are good.

Thank you for your reply.  I've just been getting concerned when I see all these different plans - and way different from mine.  Appreciate the advice!

Hi JC - my surgeon's protein goals were based more on weight, not height.  I was definitely told 70-80 grams per day.  At 9 weeks out I don't think 550 calories is too little and I remember that 2 oz. was probably pushing it for me at that point.  I didn't graduate to 2.5-3.0 oz. of protein until well after 6 months.  

I would add another protein shake rather than bars.  Protein bars are a slippery slope that you don't want to get started on this early out.  

Yeah depending on the protein, I can't get more than 2 oz normally.  I am just shocked though to see some bloggers talking about getting 6 oz and they are only 1 month or 2 months post-op.  I also appreciate the suggestion on the shakes vs. bars.  I'm drinking my second protein shake even as  I type this - thanks again!

I couldn't eat more than about 2 ounces of protein for several months after surgery. I probably couldn't get to 3 ounces until well after a year out.

As for protein, I guess my one comment is stay away from protein bars. They are loaded with carbs and tend to be trigger foods/slider foods for a lot of people. With respect to calories and protein generally, if you are doing well following your program, feel good, and are at least satisfied with your progress in terms of weight loss, I say don't fix it if it isn't broken.

Appreciate the reply and the comments on the protein bars.  I also appreciate the reassurance that I'm not totally off base.  I feel great and am meeting my surgeon's requirements.  It's crazy how things differ from surgeon to surgeon.  I love the advice from the experts here!

JC

1. 2oz seems perfectly normal for 9 weeks out. I would not aim for more. Let it happen naturally and gradually. I wasn't at 3 oz until about 9 months.

2. Your protein goal seems a little low for weight loss, but not for maintenance. I had a personal protein goal that was slightly higher than my NUT's.

3. Sure add the protein drink. I would stay away from the Quest Bar for now. (Lots of carbs and a slippery slope for many) Getting adequate protein is essential and if you go with a low carb protein drink, I think you'll be safe. It's pretty early out for you to expect to get all your protein from natural, whole foods.

Thanks kairk!  Letting things happen naturally has been my approach so it sounds like it's solid regardless of what I'm seeing/reading from others.  I've been losing pretty steady - averaging about 4 lbs a week post-op, but perhaps kicking in more protein will help me accelerate even more.  I'm actually drinking my second protein drink of the day right now - so should easily hit 75-80g of protein today.  You are right - maybe sticking with 2 is what I need more longer-term until my capacity increases naturally.

You hit the nail on the head with your comment about letting your capacity increase naturally. NEVER force more in to make a macro nutrient goal. Rather add another meal. It really takes about 12-18 months for your capacity to become fully mature. Mine took about 18 months. I can now eat 3 oz of protein, 1/4-1/2 cup of vegetable (depends on the density and fiber content), and a TBS or 2 of a starch.

I believe taking a gentle approach to increasing food intake during the 1st year is paramount.