Starvation mode

How does a person know what their minimum calorie level should be to keep from going into starvation mode?  I just had my lapband surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago.  The first four days I was on clear liquids and took in about 100-150 calories a day.  Then they put me on full liquids for two weeks and I was able to take in around 500-800 calories day.  Now I am on purees for two weeks.  In all, in the 18 days I lost 6 pounds the first few days and only two pounds since then.  Am I eating too few calories?  Should I add another protein shake? Thanks.

I was wondering this very same thing. I wonder if there is some sort of formula out there that can be used to determine what a person's MINIMUM DAILY CALORIC intake needs to be to keep from going into starvation mode.  If there is not one, there should be. 

Minimum calories before "stavation" is a tough one. It can be measured using a med-gem or similar device - at least to get your basal energy needs. Part of weigh loss is finding a balance between low calories and too low calories. There isn't a formula because it is different for everyone. Studies done on people who have been on very low calorie diets for a period of time show that the basal metabolic rate of these people remains lower for years after the diet is over.  What this says is that each person can potentially carry their dieting history with them and have it affect future dieting.  Metabolic rates are also affected by age, activity, medical history, medications. It is not so simple as coming up with a math formula... You know plateaus are common about two weeks out. As far as calories - follow the advice of your dietitian. You'll start losing, you'll see!

Thank you, Danielle...that was helpful info.  I sure didn't expect to get an answer on a Saturday!