Do we malabsorb calories and fat too???

Ok, SO we malabsorb calcium.  And Iron.  And B12.  And all things good for us that we need. So someone PLEASE tell me we are also malabsorbing fat and calories. IF I am eating 1200 calories a day, does that mean my body is absorbing all 1200?  Or am I malabsorbing some of those calories too? I'm trying to figure this out... basically, when I go to thedailyplate.com, and type in my height and weight and that I want to lose 1 lb a week, it says I can eat 2500 calories a day!!!!!  Well, I'm barely eating 1000 calories a day... and I am curious if my body is getting all 1000 of those, or if I'm really only getting like 800 because of the malabsorbtion. DOES anyone know the answer to this question???  Or have any thoughts on the same topic??? THANKS!

Well, each surgery routes the intestines a bit differently, so each surgery will malabsorb different nutrients. But, it is safe to say that you are malabsorbing some fat -- and ultimately calories. Calorie needs are based on weight - when you go to web sites that just have a program to calculate calorie needs and not a human asking you specific questions to calculate your needs -- you get a totally different answer. When I estimate calories on one of my clients I probably ask about 20 questions to get the right caloric need. The web sites that estimate for you (the ones that don't have a human on the other side, just a calculator) they just take your weight and spit out a number. It doesn't take into account how much muscle or how much fat you have. It does not take into account your surgical or medical history - it may use your exercise habits, but that's about it. So, the caloric calculation from thedailyplate is inaccurate for you. Just ignore it. The website like dailyplate or fitday are good as calorie trackers, but not good for nutrition advice - especially for WLS clients.

Thank you VERY MUCH for this answer.  I didn't realize that their calorie intake measurement could be off!  They only ask your weight and your lifestyle (sedentary, moderate, active, agressive)... even with putting moderate as my lifestyle I thought that number seemed awfully high!!! Thanks for your advice!  I trust a real person (especially a nutritionist) much more than a website!  Thanks again for taking the time to answer my question!

Ok, I'm going to assume you had the GRDS, if so you malabsorb everything you eat, except surgars and carbs, surgars and carbs are absorbed in the mouth so you get all of that, but, you dont absorb ANY Fats or cholesterol, you want high protein (higher than carbs) low carb and low to no surgars, NO alcohol (most alcohol contains high surgars, except Rum) NO carbonated beverages of any kind for at least the first year, the carbonation fills and stretches your new stomach like air does to a balloon. As for how many calories? I was never told, all I know is we need a min. of 80 grms of protein/day 3 small meals, no grazing, at least 64 oz of water and lots of walking.   You cant compare yourself to the average person who hasnt had wls, you will only absorb 1/3 of what you eat, with the exception of surgars and carbs, you dont count calories anymore you count protein, protein is our source of energy, if you dont get enough in your daily diet your body will use our natural resourses, which is muscle, then instead of gaining a healthy body you will make yourself sick and you will become malnourished. I hope this has helped you...please feel free to ask any questions, if I dont have an answer for you I can find out the answer and let you know. Take care and I wish you much success! Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!!

Apparently there is some malabsorption with the RNY, but like I said I had a grds so its different, there's 2 parts to the ds.  As for the rny? most of my research was on the DS, the majority of my info on the rny is from others who have had it, so brickchick? dont get your pouch too streched out it'll turn into one long big tube and you'll regain all that weight like so many others have done.  I feel everyone is different some may not regain their weight, but those who have did fine the first year. lost all their weight then the stoma stretched out and they were one long tube that they coudnt satisfy,  I wish you all the best with your rny, the type of wls you have isnt important, what's important is which one is right for you. Merry Christmas!!

RNY bypasses the duodenum so it IS a malabsorptive component.

Wow purpleangel0909 you are a bit mis-informed regarding the RNY.  There is indeed malabsorbtion (in my case 150cm of my small instestine is bypassed).  Pretty much all absorbtion takes place (or dosen't) in the gut.  The only thing that I'm aware of that abosrbs in the mouth is sublingual (under tongue) medicines and a small amount of sugar. I personally have had no hunger since my surgery 6 months ago.  I have several friends from my support group that are exactly like that, no hunger.  So "tend to feel hungry all the time" is also misinformation. "end up puttin back most if not all the weight and end up having a revision done" is also incorrect.  The statistics and research studies speak for themselves on this one. I'm sure you meant well but please don't put out erroneously flawed information to a board where people are looking for real answers.  It's confusing for folks that are early out or doing research for surgery. Good luck on your journey. Brickchick

Hey surgery twin!  We do malabsorb some calories.  Especially during our honeymoon phase.  The exact amount is unknown as everyones anatomy is different regarding where absorption actually takes place in the gut and of course, how much bypass you have. The belief is that our bodies do compensate over time and we absorb more.  The human anatomy is amazing. I'm saying that you should talk to your nut. (who should have your medical records regarding the bypassed intestines) and that should help you get a more accurate answer for you. Brickchick

Thank you very much for your response! :)  That helps!!! Congrats on your upcoming 6 month anniversary!!!!  What a great day for it, huh?  :)