Question:
This is for a friend that is 2- weeks out from ryn surgery. How many calories should

she be taking in a this point? Her surgery was on 3/3/08.    — Vanessa Dates (posted on March 15, 2008)

March 15, 2008
Did she not discuss this with her nutritionist or surgeon? It would be best for to talk with either of them about this. Just MHO.
   — Gena L.

March 15, 2008
hello, I am five months out and have lost 100lbs. Now my doctor was never really strict with the calorie intatke and still isn't, however I do remember writing everything down in a journal and that really helped me keep track of my calorie intake. At the point that you are at, I would have some yogurt (1/2) or some soggy cereal (life). I would measure 4oz. and then caculate the calories that way. for lunch I was having mashed potatoes 3-4oz. and would have only 1/2 cup or some jello or soup. for dinner I would have more mashed potatoes and some chicken or tuna and chew it well. In between meals I would drink water event he vitamin waters 100cal per bottle (so what) at least I was drinking water. I would also drink sugar free powder ice teas and such. A snack would be jello or sugar free italian ices. I think as long as you stay under 600cal/day you should be ok. And yes you could talk with a dietician and ask for the print out of food ideas and calorie expectations. Good luck!
   — Big-Dzz

March 15, 2008
Your Dr. or nutritionist went over this with you in pre-op... I personally think you dont have to worry about this Just continue with the soft food list you got from the Dr.'s Office. Eat till your full and walk away. DO NOT EAT FAST OR OVER EAT OR DRINK A THING for 20 minutes before you eat or after you eat!... you will think your having a heart attack! Take your time and the weight will come off. I am out 13 months and lost 253 Lbs. Don't rush it.
   — obx100

March 15, 2008
At 2 weeks out, my nutritionist said I should be eating 800 - 1000 calories a day. At just 2 weeks out, you really can't eat/drink that much; tell your friend not to sweat the details at this stage. Tell him/her to do the best they can at getting protein and liquids in. My nut suggested Slim Fast High Protein ready-to-drink shakes - they each have approx 200 calories. Marsha
   — MiniMello

March 16, 2008
Your friend really doesn't need to be worrying about calories at two weeks out, unless she is eating like she did Post Op. (Which even at 4 years out I cannot even get close if I tried) The first year of RNY is pretty much on auto pilot... and your friend really just needs to follow the doctors and the pouch rules and stay healthy while allowing her pouch to teach her head what comes next after that first year! Seriously...
   — .Anita R.

March 16, 2008
Thanks for writing Vanessa. It is not about calories, but about protein at this point. I asked the same question, and wrote down all my foods, all my protein and all my calories. My surgeon said "STOP". If you are staying away from sugar, high fat, eating soft foods and small portions, you are just fine. For the first time in my life, calories didn't have to be kept. It was a wonderful freedom. Just remind her to eat protein first, drink lots of water, and at 2 weeks out, she should be walking a lot. For me, it was 2 miles a day at 2 weeks out. It was tough, but I did it, and 4 years later, I am still glad I did. Do the basics, eat small portions of other "stuff", no sugar and low fat, and you are good to go. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

March 16, 2008
MY SURGERY WAS 2/26/08. 19 DAYS AGO. THE FIRST WEEK AFTER I WAS ON CLEAR LIQUIDS, NO SUGAR. WHICH IS PRACTICAL NO CALORIES. FOR 1 OR 2 WKS THEN YOU GO TO FULL LIQUIDS. THEY LIKE YOU TO GET IN AT LEAST 25 GRAMS PROTEIN EACH DAY AND DRINK 64 OZS OF FLUID. EVERY TIME I DRANK SOMETHING I HAD PAIN IT IS NOT EASY TO GET IN ALL THIS FLUID. FINALLY AT DAY 18 I WAS DOING BETTER WITH ONLY ALITTLE PAIN HERE AND THERE. THEY WOULD LIKE HER TO TRY TO GET IN 500 CALS A DAY. WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE TILL ITS EASIER TO DRINK WITH OUT PAIN. I AM SURE ITS DIFFERENT FOR EACH PERSON. BUT I THINK AFTER NOW I WILL BE ABLE TO DO MY 500 CALS ADAY,64 OZ FLUID A DAY AND 25 GMS PROTEIN ADAY. LATER WHEN GOING INTO PUREED FOOD. YOU WANT TO GET IN 60 GMS PROTEIN A DAY. AFTER ABOUT 5 OR 6 MONTHS YOUR CALORIES WILL INCREAST BETWEEN 600-1000 CAL A DAY THIS IS WHAT I WAS TAUGHT. AT THIS POINT SHE NEEDS TO BE CONCERN ABOUT PROTEINS AND FLUIDS SO SHE DOESN'T GET SICK AND END UP IN THE ER. TELL HER IT WILL GET EASIER. AFTER 3 WKS. KEEP TASKING THE MEDS THE DR GAVE HER REGULARLY AS PRESCRIBED. SHE SHOULD TALK TO HER WT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST THEY WILL BE A GREAT HELP SINCERELY BRIDGET
   — doowoop2