Question:
How many calories a day should we be eating?

I'm 3 mos post-op (lap RNY) and have been counting protein grams and getting my water in. However, I'm still unsure how many CALORIES per day we should be getting in. I've been averaging 700-900 calories per day... Is this too much? Or is it too little, and will slow down my metabolism? I've lost just over 50 lbs so far, so my weight loss is fine, and I walk regularly, but I'm still curious because I want to do this properly. Thanks! (285/233/180)    — Patricia E. (posted on March 30, 2003)

March 29, 2003
I think you are right on target. If you continue to lose weight with no plateaus then you are doing it right. I am 10 weeks out and I average between 600-800 calories a day. I never eat less than 600, usually 700+. I see anutritionist every week and consistantly lose 3-4 pounds a week with no plateaus. I exercise several times a week and she says that I am eating enough. Good Luck!
   — Carol S.

March 29, 2003
You are doing fine. Just a side note about calories, the AMA recently released a study that said, people, women mostly, under calculated their daily calorie intake by 30%.
   — barbara A.

March 29, 2003
I forgot to add that I track all of my food on fitday.com and that way I really can compare from day to day. I can see what is satisfying and what agrees with me and if you are very honest about what you eat it is a great resource.
   — Carol S.

March 30, 2003
Patricia, I think you are fine...I ate between 600-800 calories a day until i was about 5 months out...My nutrionist now has me on 1000-1200. I try to keep it closer to 1000. Good Luck to you. Heather Open RNY 8/15/02 (305/201/150)
   — heathercross

March 30, 2003
There is a good calorie calculator that tells you how much you should be eating for your height and weight at www.wvda.org.
   — joeandteri