calories

So what is the average caloric intake are we supposed to have?

There really isn't any pat answer for you on that. Everyone is different. I can take in from 1400 to 1900 calories a day, primarilly protein at 30-40% and maintain quite nicely. Some people can't eat more than 1200 or they'll eventually start gaining..

Seriously, it's all about how many calories you burn and how many you take in. If I was doing anything more aerobic, I may have to increase my calories..

I am not exercizing much right now because of a bad knee. how do we know how many calories we burn? So I can

Unless you have a PCP or a nutritionist who has the equipment to measure it, it's a guessing game where you use trial and error..If you are still able to walk and do walk at a pretty good pace, you can start about 1400 calories. If you are moving slow due to the pain in your knee, I might start at 1200 calories..but if you start gaining or losing, you can adjust it either way.

To MAINTAIN it depends on your weight and activity level.  At 330 pounds a person can eat roughly 2600 calories and maintain their weight and not gain.  It is roughly 800 to 100 calories per 100 pounds for average activity and that is to maintain.  When loosing weight they recommend 900 calories (yess that does seem extreme!).  Most intake is 1500 to 2000 for the average person (men can eat more so dont expect to be able to keep up with a man!  They have more muscle mass and need a higher intake).  I do not consider me average at all.  I have a nursing degree (BSN) and way to much education and information on intake/diet.  It never kept me average sized though. So I made the decision to do the RNY a few weeks ago. You will have to learn what works for you.  Keep track of fluctuations greater than 10 pounds but expect them.  Remember the day you prayed to be thinner than 250 or 200 pounds?  Gratitude is everything.  Be kind and gentle on you!
Rene'

oops typo  800 to 1000! sorry!