Question:
how much fat and calories are we absorbing through are intestines?

hi i love this website and support group. from what i understand we only absorb part of the calories and nutrients we take in after having rny surgery. i am 2 months out. does this mean if i take in 1200 calories i only absorb about 600? thanks michelle dimura    — tiger88 (posted on March 2, 2008)

March 2, 2008
Not necessarily. We are all very different. It depends on too many things..How much of your intestines did the doc take out...how big is your pouch...How well does your body adjust to the surgery??? What are you eating? Are you eating good carbs and not bad ones? The first few years you will lose all your weight and then it just stops as soon as it nears it's own ideal body weight. Some people have to really work hard to lose the last 10-20 lbs. Some never do lose it all. Some lose more than their goal. Don't worry about your calories right now...as long as you are losing, you are doing fine! But do not for a moment think that you don't malabsorb. YOU DO!! Please take all your vitamins and supplements religiously...FOREVER! Unless a doc says otherwise. I just recently found out that I am anemic because I am not absorbing my B-12 and Iron. (I was not religious with the iron) Now I pay for that mistake 4 years after surgery! You do malabsorb. Trust that you do and eat right. Get your labs and enjoy the journey...do not abuse it. Sure some things go wrong...It's hit or miss...Once you try to use your head and try to figure out calories and all, is when you stop letting your pouch be the tool. It might work for a while...but there are constant adjustments as you eventually begin to eat more normally. Enjoy not having to work it all out right now! Seriously! Good luck!
   — .Anita R.

March 2, 2008
If you eat 1200 Calories then assume you absore 1200 Calories. Because the first third of you small intestine only carries gastric acid to the last third of your small intestine from the old stomach you are not absorbing much fat or grandualted sugar. When Fat and Grandulated sugar hit the remaining 2/3's of your small intestine, they do not absorb correctly in the correct form and make you sick. It does not mean that you still do not get the calories from the incorrect substances. Just treat this as a tool and remember the ill feeling is just a warning to you from your new tool and don't repete the mistake again. I am 3 months out and I eat according to the food charts I maintain about 700 Calories a day. Of that 70-75% need to be lean protein and the rest from Fruits (that sugar will not hurt you if it is natural and not added sugars) and vegatables. Best of luck to you.
   — William (Bill) wmil

March 2, 2008
Everyones differant, I cant eat 1200 Calories a day. I do about 800 to 900. lost 248lbs im out 12 months! feeling great too!
   — obx100

March 5, 2008
Hi! Unfortunately, we do absorb the calories - just not the nutrients! Which is why you can re-gain your weight and still have permanent problems from malabsorbtion of nutrients. Doesn't seem fair does it? Take your vites and protein religiously, and keep away from the "white" carbs. They are the ones that are the easiest to go down, and the hardest on our bodies! Choose veggies and whole grains to keep your carb monster in check. Hard to do, but necessary if you wnt to keep your surgical "tool" working for you in the long run. Keep up the good work!
   — Susan O.