Calorie Questions

Hi all! Just a little question to maybe end some of my confusion.

I'm a few days shy of being four months post op. I'm in the active weight loss stage (other than a month-long stall. Ugh. Curse you, scale!) How many calories should I be getting? I'm averaging around 800 calories a day. Is this too much? Is it too little?

Surgeon and NUT say that I shouldn't be counting my calories or fat, just protein. I'm not too sure on that one. I'm hitting my protein goals daily, fluid intake is above required, etc.

So, some of you vets, can you give me some insight? Should I forego the calories/fat tracking until maintenance, or is it an important part of the whole process?

I want to start by saying I am not a vet, just 3 months post op. I had the same question when I went for my follow-up. My Nut. said the same to me. just focus on water and protein. I insisted and asked for a guide line so she gave it to me. She said I should be between 600-800 at this point. Once I get passed the 6 month mark I should be at about 800-1000 and after the one year mark 1000-1200.

I am currently at 3months consuming aprox 800 but I also burn aprox 300-550 calories 5 times a week working out. I will admit that there have been days, not lots where I have gotten closer to 900 calories. I make sure I get over 70 gr. of protein a day and try to stay under 50 gr. of carbs.

This so far is working for me :) I hope this helps.

I'm curious how you are feeling energy-wise while working out. I have surgery in 3 weeks and currently work out 4x a week lifting heavy weights i.e, dead lifts, squats, back squats, and various kick-your-ass circuits and I'm afraid I won't have the energy or endurance after surgery. I'm worried about the 800 calories not being enough or maybe the calories I will be burning from my tummy reserves aka fat will be enough.

I actually feel amazing. You will not be able to work such high intensity after surgery. I walked on the treadmill and after 4 weeks started jogging and doing Zumba. I didn't start lifting again until I saw the surgeon at about 2 months post op when he gave me the okay to go full intensity. I'm working out about 40-70 minutes a day 5 or 6 times a week. I never eat my workout calories and feel great. I do recall getting a bit light headed at the beginning, it started about 3 days post op and it lasted for about 4 weeks, but I was only walking at that point. Make sure you start off slow and follow your surgeons direction. GOOD LUCK!!

Not a vet yet, but I just checked, and yes - I was eating about that many calories at that point. Of course, people's caloric needs can vary a bit.

I'm certainly no vet--newbie like you!!

I try to stay between 750-800 cal/day with 65+ gm protein and low carb. and I don't count fat right now. I personally can't do lower calories; I become a miserable bitc# or I can't stop looking for a snack which turns into a disaster. My plan calls for both more cal. and carb.

I stalled for 4 weeks as well, all February, and I expect my loss to be potentially slower because I am a revision from lap-band.

I think your loss is fantastic!!!

Thank you, Pat! I'm just second-guessing myself, I guess! I also turn into a miserable person on the super low calorie days, and I want to snack. I just hate to know that my month four is zero lbs lost! I'm just being a crybaby!!!!

I am almost 11 years out and still rarely consume more than 1000 calories a day. Usually around 800 at best. Just do like the DR says and get that protein in.

Thank you. I will second guess myself if I don't ask.

BTW...love your signature line!

Just relax and enjoy the ride. Don't worry yourself to death. And by the way.....I GOT A FEVER...AND THE ONLY PRESCRIPTION.....IS MORE COWBELL!! ;-)