Minimum Calories required

I'm 2 weeks post op and I'm driving myself crazy with counts for protein, calories, fats and carbs!    On average I am getting 500 calories per day; 50 protein grams, 15 fats; 25 carbs.  It's hard to get more than 500 calories in only three 4 oz meals.  I'm losing slowly but consistently, but I'm concerned about long term effects of just eating 500 calories.  Any comments? Chickita

EVERY doc is different but most say you should be doing 2-3 shakes per day and 3-6 mini meals.  Each shake is anywhere between 110-220 calories depending on brand. So there would be 220-660 calories just with shakes. Then you would have your food.  As you get farther out your calories will increase as you add more food groups and more amounts of food.  Talk to your doc but most would have you do about 1000 per day.  Good Luck,  Robin

You are only 2 weeks out - the farther out you go the more you will eat (to a point). Remember you are not living on the 500 calories alone you have about 350,000 unused calories in your body for every 100 pounds overweight you are.  That's what you're living on.  By the time those calories are used up you will be eating a life sustainable amount.   Good Luck, Carla

Carla is right on. You are burning your stored calories which are extra calories - but they do not provide protein.  Your body has the ability to convert stored energy into useable energy (this is mostly ketones that originate from your fat breaking down).  Your body is not supplied with protein from your fat stores.  This is why eating protein, protein, protein is repeated ad nauseum by everyone! Be sure to eat your protein first, always, and work on getting it up above 60 g per day. Yes your metabolism can slow down with calorie reduction - this is where exercise is extremely important.  Activity forces your body to maintain a higher metabolic rate. You will lose - be patient! regards,

Danielle and others: Thanks for your input.  My Doc did say 3 meals; no snacks; don't drink my calories.   But... I'm having to drink 1 protein drink per per day to get to the protein levels... I'll shoot for 60 grams.  Thanks, Chickita