Question:
Is there a caloric intake limit post op?

I understand that post-op only liquid based foods should be consumed, but during that time is there a calorie limit on the liquids and once you are on more solid foods much later down the road, what are the restrictions on what you definately cannot eat and how many calories you may have?    — MommyOF3boys (posted on November 3, 2009)

November 3, 2009
I wasn't given any caloric restrictions immediately post-op. They're only concerned that you get all your liquids and proteins in. Later on, when you're on solid foods, your caloric intake will gradually increase. I think I was taking in about 3-400 calories a day for the first 3 months (but I was only eating 2 ounces (in volume - not weight) of food at a time), then gradually, they had us "up" our consumption until we were eating 3 ounces (in volume) at a time, and I think my caloric intake went up to about 500. Now, at 8 months, I am eating 4 - 6 ounces (in volume) at a time, and my caloric intake is between 700 and 850. BUT, my nutritionist told me to IGNORE calories. It's more important to make sure you are getting between 65 and 85 grams of protein or more, UNDER 25 grams of fat, and UNDER 120 grams of carbohydrates per day. That's why it's so important to log your food. I log my food every day on SparkPeople.com. Others use CalorieKing, or FitDay, whatever floats your boat. But I always make sure I log all the food I eat so that at the end of the day I know if I have to supplement with a protein shake or not. I usually don't, but it's nice to have that feeling of security. With SparkPeople, you not only get your caloric intake, you get carbs, fat, and protein (and other nutrients if you want them), and at the bottom of the page it tells you your weekly intake of things like potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, cholesteral, fiber, etc.) It's a pretty cool website, with videos of exercises to do for core strengthening, upper body, lower body, using free weights, machines, resistance bands, balance balls, you name it. It's also got a place where you can enter your recipes and it will give you a label with nutritional values on it, and if you can't find a particular food item in their standard list, you can either enter it yourself, or import it from another member. I know, this is a lot more than you asked for, but I believe in letting you know what's available out there to help you on your journey.
   — Erica Alikchihoo