exercise, calories and am I doing this right?

ok....I am almost 3 weeks out.  I just started using my fitness pal.  So much easier than writing everything in my journal.  I am averaging around 550 - 600 calories a day.  I am exercising every day.  I have a very bad back so I am not walking on the treadmill, I am biking on a stationary bike for 45 minutes with a 5 minute cool down every day.  I am averaging 8 miles per day on the bike burning about 170 calories.  So if I subtract the calories burned from the calorie intake I am somewhere between 350 and 450 net calories.  Should I be trying to burn those 350 calories as well or since is so minimal that my body needs to retain them?  I am seeing a dr tomorrow for a non surgery issue and I am going to have him look at my incisions so hopefully I can start swimming laps again.  I usually swim laps for about an hour or an hour and a half....if I bike in the morning and swim at night is that going to be too much?

I see that some programs have an exercise physiologist the program I am in does not and other than the "walking for 30 minutes a day" with a goal of "walking 2 miles per day after 6 weeks post op" we really did not spend too much time on the topic of exercise to calorie burn ratio etc.

Thanks!

Wow that seems like a lot of exercise for 3 weeks out, esp. if you add swimming on top of that. Only your surgeon should be clearing you for exercise.  My doctor doesn't have us track calories, but I did use MFP some back then, I would say your calorie intake seems normal for 3 weeks. My surgeon has us counting protein and fluids only. I know a lot of people use MFP, but it seems like you are making it complicated. Track your food, and exercise everyday but I wouldn't even pay attention to the whole calories burned in exercise stuff. Exercise is good for feeling healthy and maintaining your weight loss, but losing is going to be 90% what you put in your mouth. Good Luck.

Thanks so much!  The program I am in expects us to be working out  between 30 and 45 minutes a day as soon as we are able.  They set a goal of being able to walk 2 miles by 6 weeks out.  But a couple of people have said what you said to me about it may be too much.  I will try not to get to focused on all of that...thanks for the reminder!

I am only 5 weeks out today. I use MFP to track what I am eating and how much protein and fluids I am getting in. I have a fitbit flex that tracks my steps and sleep. I have the two sync'd together. I add in my exercise. I do not pay any attention to how many calories are left and how many are used up with exercise, walking etc. My calorie intake total is between 400-600 a day depending on what I eat that day. I will say about all I am getting in is foods with protein. I am working hard on getting in at least 60 g of protein a day. With that...I don't have room left for anything but protein.

Thanks....I am hearing a theme to not pay attention to calories.  I am getting at least 60 grams of protein everyday. I just added 1/4 cup of vegetables (mushy) once a day.  But other than that and applesauce to take my meds its all protein too.

Should you?  No.  I don't think net-zero calories per day is a reasonable goal.  I assure you that your caloric deficit is already enormous and you are losing weight at a completely reasonable and safe rate.

I don't think you should seek clearance for swimming from a different doctor and, for what it's worth, things like swimming and bathing are usually the last restrictions to be lifted.

Thanks for the response!  I just talked to one of the nurses...she said as long as the doc I am seeing today says my incisions are properly closed then swimming is fine!! She also said as long as I am not in pain, and I feel good I can exercise without restriction (as long as no lifting over 20 lbs) so hopefully swimming today and tomorrow tai chi in the morning, bike in the evening and Thursday swim or bike am and belly dancing in the evening! So excited!!!  

Chulbert's advice is spot on.

Exercise is great for many things, but weight loss is all about the food. If you eat according to plan, you'll lose weight with or without exercise. Don't try to burn it all off at the gym.

Thanks for the feedback...it is helpful.  I am finding that working out is really helping with my emotional stuff and helps me to feel energized.

That is the best result of exercise. A lot of people think, "Oh, I did 400 cals of exercise, I can have that cupcake!" This is not good. Most apps vastly overestimate the calorie burn, so eating back your calories will lead to trouble. Right now, it's physically impossible for you to do so, but it's something to keep in mind as you progress. 

You sound like you are super committed and are doing great!

Jen