Question:
Is 700-800 calories a day too much for 7 weeks out?

My doctor has me eating 5-6 mini meals a day and following his diet plan, I'm eating anywhere from 700-800 calories a day. He didn't give a calorie limit so I am just wondering if this is about right. I've lost 30 pounds since surgery (and 25 prior to surgery).By the way, he doesn't believe in all-protein, no carbs. Just get all your protein first, then you can have fruits/veg, and if there is still room, some whole grain breads for fiber. But stay away from the white breads, processed and refined sugars,etc.    — Denise B. (posted on October 12, 2003)

October 12, 2003
Original Poster Here: I forgot to mention that I have had no problems since surgery. No vomiting or nausea or dumping. I do get full most of the time after my 1/2 cup of whatever I'm eating, especially if it is something dense.
   — Denise B.

October 12, 2003
I am 5 weeks post op but everything sounds the same. My nutritionist said if I could eat 800 calories by now that was good. She said not to go over 1000. So I guess everything is fine. Good Luck!
   — AmyWollet

October 13, 2003
Right on target as far as I can tell, and besides, I think bailing out from the whole calorie counting thing can only be helpful in this early stage of mentally adjusting to our new life on the Losing Side. If you're following directions--and I think your nutritionist's advice is perfect--then you can't go wrong. We're so incredibly limited on serving size and what our tummies can handle, that its a miracle we even get in THAT food, right!?
   — Deborah M.

October 13, 2003
At 10 weeks my surgeon scolded me because I was only eating about 500 calories a day - he wanted me to get AT LEAST 1000. I finally got it up but it wasn't east - and it had to be done with healthy foods. That is when I started adding a protein supplement.
   — Patty_Butler

October 13, 2003
Denise~it sounds like a solid plan to me. As an earlier poster said, this early out, don't worry about how many calories. If you're following the plan you described, you're doing well. My dietitian wouldn't even talk to me about calories early on. She stressed 60 grams of protein a day, followed by veggies, fruits, and then carbs if there was room (there never was!), over 4 to 6 times a day (3 meals and 1 to 3 healthy snacks). At four months out, I pushed her for a number, and all she would say is to try to stay under an average of 1200 a day. At 6 1/2 months out, I eat beteen 900 and 1100 calories a day most days, so 700 to 800 at 7 weeks out sounds good to me.
   — Vespa R.

October 13, 2003
I was told 800 calories a day for about the first 6 months. Then I increased it to 1000 to 1250 after that.
   — Patty H.

October 13, 2003
Did they give you any info on protein, carb and fat grams? If so, then multiply protein and carb grams X 4 calories per gram and fat X 9 calories. That will give you the total calories they are thinking. The plans differ drastically so it's really impossible to say what YOU should be eating. I could never have eaten that much at 7 weeks. I was more like 6-7 months before I hit that calories range, but that's because my surgeon's plan is different than others.
   — zoedogcbr