Question:
I have two questions please...

First question is about how many calories should we eat a day. I am 3 1/2 months post op {open RNY} I eat 900 to 1000 calories per day with 60 to 70 grams of protein. Second question is my pinky finger on my left hand hurts in the first joint. It is not a continous pain but hurts all through the day. It burns and throbs. I have not did anything to injure it. Could it be gout? Thanks for your response!!!    — cindylou56 (posted on October 28, 2003)

October 28, 2003
You sound about right on the calories -my surgeon insisted on at least 1000 and not more than 1400. I have no idea about the finger but a simple blood test will diagnose gout.
   — Patty_Butler

October 28, 2003
Gout is really called "Gouty Arthritis" and 95 % of those affected are male. The initial onset is between one's 25th and 30th birthday. Coincidentally, I got my first gout attack one month before my 25th birthday. It comes from the body's inability to metabolize the purines in protein. When I met with my surgeon, he said that after the surgery I would not have any gout attacks. Truth be told, I think I had one minor flare up since my surgery on October 8, 2002. Gout pain comes from uric acid crystals in a joint. For me it is usually the instep, but have had it in the ankle. Others get it in the big toe or heel. I am not a doctor, but doubt very seriously that you have gout. I hope you feel better. LAP RNY 10/8/02... down 130 and loving every minute of it.
   — Steve B.

October 28, 2003
Hi Cynthia...I have the same thing going on with the little finger on the right hand but minie is arthritis aggravated because I do a lot of typing in my work. The joint is swollen, red and sometimes very tender. I'd have the doctor look at it. If it is arthritis, there are some exercises you can do to relieve the symptoms. Good luck on getting some relief.
   —  SCbabe B.