Question:
Do you add your protien shake calories to your daily total calories?

I see people mention that they take in 1000 - 1400 calories a day. Does this also include your protien shakes. I have to have 5 shakes a day and that adds up to around 500 calories. Any advice is helpful. Thanks, Ter    — TLLessor (posted on January 14, 2004)

January 14, 2004
Terri, I only have one shake a day but yes, I do count it in my total calories for the day. Those calories count just like the calories from food.
   — Patty_Butler

January 14, 2004
Yes, a calorie is a calorie, count everything. What people take in depends on their Doctor's recommendations and how far they are from the beginning. Just as you do not want to have too many calories, you do not want to have too little either. If you go too low your body will go into starvation mode and your weight loss will slow. - Best wishes -
   — M B.

January 14, 2004
I always counted them because even with them I never went much above 6-800 calories until I was 8-9 months post op. Now at almost a year...well, I don't really count much of anything...maybe I should though to see where things are at these days. I guess it's all really up to you. Like someone said...a calorie is a calorie...to some extent anyway. Maybe count half?
   — eaamc

January 14, 2004
On our program we don't worry about calories, fat or anything, except . . . <p> NO MILK <p> NO SUGAR <p> 120 grams protein/day from very low sugar whey protein supplements <p> The Vitamin Plan <p> All other food as tolerated . . . <p> The only value I see in watching calories is to make sure that your caloric intake doesn't drop too low, so you don't hibernate. I didn't have this surgery so that I could diet for the rest of my life . . . and I've lost a total of 135 lbs. I'm 10 months out from distal RnY (60" common channel).
   — RWH G.

January 14, 2004
uhmm... there's plenty of value in counting calories.. for ME.. not for everyone.. but since weight loss is just a numbers game... counting those numbers is not a bad idea.. ever. And yes, I count all calories.. including protein drinks.. particularly because I try to get 50% protein, 25% carbs and 25% fat into my day... gotta count those protein drinks... my calories are counted in reference to what kind they are...
   — Lisa C.

January 14, 2004
I am told by my surgeon and nutritionist that all calories count. Their preference is for post ops to get their protein from solid foods if possible so at least the calories fill you up. They claim that shakes should be replacements not supplements to meals It is eay to forget them. You might want to keep that in mind when totalling yours for the day. All Drs have different ideas, though. Good luck.
   — Fixnmyself

January 14, 2004
I've never counted calories. I watch sugars OUT, protein IN. When I have had those gains, I do more protein supps, not less. That puts me back in the driver's seat. Although I'm only slightly more distal than you are, the protein calories work the same for both of us. Unfortunately, so does the sugar. LOL!
   — vitalady