Calorie Counting? I need some advice...

This is a re-post from the RNY forum; I'd like to get a Men's only opinion on this...

Does anyone still calorie count?  I use the daily plate and something I've noticed... by the way, my surgeon moved me to a regular diet minus bread, rice, and steaks... oh and no vegetable or fruit skins (yet).  Anyway... I'm only taking in:

(Per Day Averages)
1000 calories
30g of fat
100g of carbs (mostly from skim milk)
100g of protein

Does that seem too high, low, or spot on?  I know I'm only a few weeks out, but I don't want to waste this opportunity.

I want to make sure I eat what I'm supposed to get, but I want to keep the weight coming off.

Thoughts?

After several responses of "You're way too high on calories", I followed up with this...

Well, geez, these responses are scaring the heck out of me.  To break it down further, and I hope I don't jump all over the place...

I usually get the vast majority of my protein through skim milk, when I'm not drinking milk, I'm drinking water - together I hit my 64oz fairly easy.  I have had a real hard time with the protein powders (which the surgeon and NUT both know) making me sick to my stomach (the taste, texture, and how it sat in there was awful).

The mostly regular diet is treating me fine.  I was on full liquids for one week, puree for a week, and this expanded soft foods diet for the remaining time.  I have been cleared to move to all foods in two weeks.  I certainly wasn't getting a 1000 calories a week ago, but I am now.  As I said, most of the protein and carbs are from the skim milk/lactose... other sources of protein/calories I get are from ground turkey breast.  I chew, chew, chew, and it goes down fine.  I find getting my protein from food/milk much easier that the powders.  I will soon move to protein bars and try them out.

I eat 6 small meals a day (just as instructed) spaced about two, two and a half hours apart.  I try to keep each sitting to about 1/2 - 3/4 a cup by volume (except drinking milk/water  I just sip away).

I don't know, obviously, I am the exception here (which is scary).  I thought I was doing well?!  I will be placing a call to the NUT tomorrow.

So I ask the Men, what are your thoughts?

Hey man....I'm not sure what you mean by "still"....since it seems you're only like 2 weeks out. Yes, you should absolutely be tracking your calories...very closely until you reach goal, and then you may be able to ease up a bit and just start estimating....In my opinion, 1000 calories a day is a bit high for being so early out.  You didn't really mention what you're eating, other than the fact you drink alot of skim milk.  You might want to ease up on the milk because if you're on solids now you should not be drinking your calories any longer (IMO).  If you're not having problems with it, I'd suggest trying to get your protein from things like egg whites, lean meats, etc rather than milk and protein shakes/bars. The sooner you move to real food the better, but if you're only 2 weeks out it may be a bit early. Definitely call your nutritionist though.

I'm with Adam here....1000 calories seems pretty high for 2 weeks out.  I was lucky to take in 500-600 for the first couple of months and at a year out I take in 1500-1800.  2 weeks is also pretty early to take on many solids.  You need to talk with your nutritionist and get your diet on the right path early out.

Good Luck

To answer ya...

"Still" meant everyone else, not me.  I knew everyone tracked protien and minimized carbs and fat, but I wasn't aware of everyone calorie counting.  It was just something I was doing via the Daily Plate.

I'm working in things like ground turkey breast, regular turkey breat, and lean Healthy Choice Turkey lunch meat for protein (in addition to the milk, all approved by the NUT).  This is becasue I can't get my protein from the powder and I can't eat protien bars yet (per surgeon).  I know my calories would be reduced if I switched to low sugar protein bars as the VAST majority of calories are coming from all the milk I drink.

By the way, I placed a call to my NUT this morning - I"m waiting on a call back.
 

You R taking n to many calories . Be careful

You shouldn't be counting calories unless your Doctor told you to.  Most doctors only want you counting protein and water along with monitoring your sugar intake. 

If you are getting 64 grams of protein by drinking milk you are getting in waayyy to many grams of sugar.  The sugar is where your calories are adding up.  I know my first month post I was in the 300-400 calorie a day.  2-4 months I was around 800 calories a day and the only way I know that is because my NUT calculated it when I went in, I didn't count them.

A couple cups of milk per day is ok, but you need to get in some real protein.  I lived on eggs and yogurt the first month and I had a 7oz can of V8 every day for the veggies.  Gradually I tried all different kinds of meat and beans and was real happy with Chile as a meal.  I also couldn't handle the powders and had to get my protein other ways, but cut down on the milk man.

I can't tell you what's right for you. I CAN tell you what I'm doing nearly three months out.
I count calories, just like I weigh portions to the nearest gram and write it all down because I feel it keeps me honest.  And if  something doesn't seem to be working.. I can at least look at numbers.

Here's my average daily intake since November First until today:
Calories: 668
Fat: 16 g
Carbs: 46g
Protein: 83g

I don't get light headed and I don't feel weak at all. I drink my 64 ounces of liquid each day and take my vitamins.

Unfortunately I have stopped walking for exercise because my Plantar Faciitis has flared up again. This time, stretching and four different types of arch supports isn't easing the pain. I'll try ice tonight.

Since surgery, I have lost 47 pounds.  To some, it doesn't seem like a lot for three months. But I'm okay with it.

Your Doc will tell you what you need 2-3 mos out.  My Plate is my daily planner.  I'am over a year out and Doc has me on 1900 cals and 85g protein.  I eat normal foods in small portions.

Dont worry about calories now.  Proteins and new food choices soon.