Question:
average post RnY calories?

I find I can eat a AWFUL lot -- even just 2 mouths post op. I have started tracking my intake and keeping it to 1200cals (something I found impossible pre-op) but that seems like a lot in cmpairison to many post ops I have chatted with. Any feedback?    — Evelyn B. (posted on August 13, 2000)

August 13, 2000
Hi Evelyn: I'm wondering how much water you are drinking a day. Remember, you should drink no less than 64 ounces or around 2 liters. And make sure you don't drink with meals or within about 30 minutes either side of your meals. Also, I agree with the others with regards to your food choices. Be selective. I too am able to eat more than some people say that they can. In fact, my surgeon had me eating more in the hospital a few days after surgery than Ray says he eats now - so we are all different. I used to keep better track of my calories, and when I did they were around 800 or 900. I think they are still around that and dietwatch.com is a good site as long as you make a point of using it. How are you doing with your weight loss and exercise? Write and tell me your beginning stats and such. I am interested. Best wishes,
   — Cindy H.

August 13, 2000
I don't count calories daily. I just make sure that I make healthy decisions at each meal. Couple times a week I'll do a scan of what I ate that day. At 14 weeks post-op, it's usually 700-900 calories. For the first 6-8 weeks though, I couldn't get in more than 400-600 calories. Watch out for the hidden calories you don't think about and end up forgetting to count. Water, water and more water. Sometimes I feel like I'm eating too much, volume wise. I eat everything off of a small salad plate. Some days I can just about finish what's on the plate. Other days, I can't finish 1 scambled egg. Go figure. Try calorie counting for a few days to see where the extra calories may be coming from. Good luck!
   — Maxine E.

August 14, 2000
Hi Evelyn, I didn't notice so much at 2 months post-op, but a little past 3 months post-op I could eat a lot more than a number of people here reported. I had an appt with my dietician last week and we went over a few days worth of food lists. I even brought my "big day" list which included a 7 oz steak - that day totaled 1500 cal. - which has happened only once. Guess what? I found out I was over estimating some items - I was counting 3 oz of hamburger as 4, 1 tsp as 1 Tbls. This in itself made a big difference. She also said that since my wieght loss was right in the ball park, that I shouldn't really change my eating plan except to be more conscious of getting the vegies in regularly. She really pushed weight lifting for toning, and in general thought I was doing really well. I had open RNY 4/10 and have lost 65 lbs. Incidently, Cindy H. and I have the same surgeon - so remember, everyone is different and each surgeon does things a tad differently. E-mai if you want to visit, Diane
   — Diane S.

August 14, 2000
Evelyn, I was told by my Dr. NOT to count calories- only to make sure I get in my 57 Grams of protein and my water. I do count them every once in a while for my own curiosity and I am usually between 800-1200. I am really into exercise, and on days I am very active, I sometimes eat more. I don't know about you, but personally, I had the surgery to get away from "dieting". I eat every 3 hours, I stick to high protein foods, and I drink my water. I lose weight too. Maybe not as fast as people who only take in 400 calories, but I am losing at a rate that seems comfortable for my body. I did the Optifast thing and only had 400 calories- it was not good for my joints or bones- I think it was too low FOR ME- this is not a judgement on anybody else! You need to do what is right FOR YOU- we are all different and I don't think you are failing just because your diet is different from others. Food is fuel for our bodies, and we choose the "octane" for them. 1200 calories of high octane fuel (protein) will make you run better than 1200 empty calories. By the way- what does YOUR DR. say? Good Luck
   — M B.