Question:
Should I be concerned about calories during this liquid phase?

I drink 2 protein drinks a day. Each has 29 grams of protein & about 310 calories=620 calories a day. My other liquids are non-calorie (crystal lite & water). I may have a few ounces of broth or creamed soup & 1/2 sf jello during the rest of the day. Does this seem like too many calories? Is there a maximum or minimum to the amount of calories consumed at this time? Thanks.    — Lee A. (posted on September 11, 2002)

September 11, 2002
My first thought was WOW... that's alot. However if these are all the calories (and you are new post op) then you must have nurishment. In that case, No it's not to many. HOWEVER, once you get to EATING, then get your protein by meats and other sources besides those high calorie protein drinks. It's not to many calories, but once you eat, if you still drink those high calorie drinks with more food calories you may get in trouble.
   — Danmark

September 11, 2002
I would have to agree with Daniele. If those are all the calories you are taking in, then you should be OK. It is really good that you are getting in the two protien drinks. I am jealous! I am on the "mush" stage and lucky to get one in! I would say you are fine because you still need to have some nutrients to stay alert and active. Congratulations on making it to the losing side and good luck!
   — sammygirlwpc

September 11, 2002
What else is in those protien drinks to give them so many calories? 1 gram of protein or carbohydrate gives you 4 calories. 1 gram of fat is 9 calories. So 29x4 would be 116 calories from your protein. Where are the other 194 calories coming from? That is what would worry me.
   — Virginia N.

September 11, 2002
Are your protein drinks pre-mixed or are you mixing them yourself? Most protein powders mixed with water or other low calorie drinks don't contain that many calories. Usually during the liquid stage you only take in 300-500 calories per day, from all sources.
   — LLinderman

September 11, 2002
Like the others, I'm wondering what kind of protein drink that is, and what are the sugar g--in the protein & in the mixer. My protein drinks are more like 160 cal each, 30g protein, 0g sugar. Kinda depends on what kind of calories you're getting. If they can be used by the body, that's a little different than if they are sugar. Sugar just converts to belly for me, hips for others. Has no value, so it's totally wasted.
   — vitalady

September 11, 2002
I posted the question. Thx for the responses. The nutritionist has me on sf cib--only 4 grams of protein + the 8 oz of lactaid is 8 grams. So I added 1 scoop of Trader Joes Whey protein-17 add'l grams. This is the 2nd nutritionist I have seen which puts patients on sf cib & I just wanted to add in the extra protein.
   — Lee A.

September 11, 2002
And the suagr g in the CIB + the milk + the T Joe's protein equals.....? Try the Trader's Joe's product with water & ice and skip the high sugar products. You'll get more VRRRRROOOM out of it.
   — vitalady