HELP: Advice Needed

Hey all!  I haven't posted in forever but I need a little bit of advice.

The past couple of months (two) I've really increased the amount of time I am spending working out.  I am signed up to do half marathons, a full marathon, a triathlon and a 64 mile bike trek this year, so I've been biking, running and swimming. 
Well, for about the past two/three weeks I have felt totally wiped out.  I eat right and take all my vitamins, but my energy level is just not there.  I can sleep all night, half the day and still feel tired.

I started traking what I'm eating and noticed that I am consuming around 1,300-1,800 calories per day, and with my DS that means I am absorbing around 780-1,100 calories per day.  With all the working out I'm doing, that just doesn't like near enough.  The problem comes in where I am eating as much as I possibly can throughout the day, focusing on my proteins first.  I know I can't survive training for a marathon on 1,000 calories per day.

So, my questions are these.... (1) Do you think my lack of energy could be due to the amount of calories I am eating in relation to how much working out I'm doing; and (2) if so, how would you suggest I increase my calories while staying in the low carb/high protein diet while taking into account I already struggle to eat what I do on a daily basis!

Thanks all in advance for the help!!!

PS.... I am 15 months out, 140# down, 15# to go & in a 3.5 month stall.

Couple questions. When was the last time you had your labs done? Could it be your iron is low? Are you drinking any protein shakes. Personally, I like to make them as hot chocolate with non-fat milk, kalua sugar free syrup, and decaf instant coffee. Or put protein powder and make it as a smoothy with frozen fruit and milk. That would increase your protein and calories, and get you some fluids.

Jan

I would have labs done. If it's calories that's an easy fix. Protein shakes are an easy way along with nuts and nut butters. a couple of spoon fulls of pbutter can add 300-400 cals and takes up very little room.

I agree with Nate and Jan about the labs. I think we often fall in to the trap of thinking it is just one thing when it can be a number of things. Protien, carbs, calories, are all examples. I think something that we should really consider is the amount of consistent sleep we get as a factor. When you look at the what elite athletes are doing compared to what we do one of the the big differences is the amount of rest they get compared to us.

Just a little food for thought.

Darrell

Yes, I think you need to check your labs...D and iron can be the big ones.  Please no flameing with this next thought.  Just as you are saying, I am wondering if it's more difficult for DSers to do major endurance events?  And NO!! I am not putting down the DS (I feel it is a great surgery).  Many DSers who exercise are in great shape and do well with their exercise programs and strength training.  Just wondering, because of the malabsorption issue, if they may not excel in the longer distances?  No shooting the messenger...

First off, congrats on your success and awesome goals... I love it!!!

So for my advice:
As you get into longer endurance sports, you will have to find a way to work in more carbohydrates. With low stores of Glycogen to begin a workout or race, you will pretty much suffer after those stores are depleted, aka bonking!

The trick is finding a balance that works for you and your surgery, and a lot of that will be trial and error. When you take in carbs make sure they are complex! Best of luck in your endeavors

2 Months ago, I had the same problem. I had my labs done and met with a nutritionist. Labs were fine but I was overestimating my calories. I up'd my calories and then started losing again. The Nut said body was in starvation mode .. which really doesnt make sense to me but it worked.  I added more nuts, non fat milk and vit d to my diet. 

Michelle