Question:
How many calories should I be getting in and what can I use as a snack.

I have several questions. Start off, should I be on a plateau at only 2.5 weeks out?! I lost about 23 pounds and I've been stuck at that weight for a week! Also, I'm not sure as to how many calories should I be getting in. I'm still on a pureed diet (and believe me I can't tolerate anything else, including eggs). I stick to that. But How many calories should I be getting in (I'm between 500-600 calories). It's closer to 700 if i take in the protein drink. and is there a way to up my protein without upping my calorie intake OR do I just up the protein and don't worry about the calories as long as I keep the carbs down. and if I DO get hungry between a meal, what can I eat for a snack (once again, can I use a protein meal, a meat or something) and can I have condiments (barbecue, catsup, etc)? WHEW!! Hugs Terri    — tinky471 (posted on December 28, 2003)

December 28, 2003
My Dr. says you should strive for 1000-1200 calories. Less than that and your body goes into starvation mode and tries to hang on to weight.
   — Gail L.

December 28, 2003
umm..at 2.5 weeks I can't even imagine you being able to get in 1200 calories. Lets see...back in the day when i was 2.5 weeks out, I was probably at about 500 calories if you included my protein drinks. A week is NOT a plateu, its an adjustments period. Give it time, it will come off. Try string cheese for a snack, or suger free jello or pudding. Stay away from most condiments, they are full of suger, especcially bbq and catsup. Are you at a point where you are eating meat already? If you are, try some tuna mixed with a little mustard or mayo. Good luck to you!
   — thekatinthehat

December 28, 2003
As the previous poster said, your body is just adjusting. Try not to worry about the scale too much, some days it won't move and others it will. As an early post op I was told by a bariatric nutritionist (she deals with us specially) that you should only get 500 - 600 cals a day, I think you are probably doing fine....Just remember it takes time! Your body doesn't understand what you have done to it!
   — Saxbyd

December 29, 2003
I'm 2.5 months post op, up to this point what I've done is forget about calories, concentrate on protein (2-3 shakes per day) and keeping the carbs down. I won't eliminate carbs altogether as our brains need carbs to function, but I try to go for the good carbs as much as I can. If I get hungry between meals, I eat cheese, or beef sticks. Condiments are great in your food, you should be eating savory foods, just watch out for sugar. So far, I've lost 57 lbs and I didn't have that much to lose to begin with.
   — Barbara J.

December 29, 2003
I think you should follow your Dr's/Nutirionist's plan. I was around 500 for the first month, then 800 the 2nd, then 1200 the third. Now I am between 1200-1500 a day. As for plateauing at 2.5 weeks, it's normal. I lost 25 pounds the first 2 weeks then nothing for almost 4 weeks after that. Believe me, it comes off. :)
   — mrsmyranow

December 29, 2003
At 2.5 weeks, I was eating protein only. Chicken, fish, turkey, hard cheese, cottage cheese, refried beans. My Dr. said no protein shakes ever, no snacking. Just 2 meals a day and 64 oz of water. I am now 6 weeks post op and have lost 60 lbs.
   — ceciln

December 29, 2003
Original Poster. I spoke with my surgeon today. She said my goal is 1000 calories. I told her that I was barely making 420 calories and once I work out on the treadmill, I burn over 100 calories. She said that sounds just about right and that it'll come in time. She said the same thing about me getting in the protein and fluids. I have since managed to get in the 64 ounces of fluids but the protein and calories will come in time so I don't have to worry :). Thank you guys so much. Next question, rollercoasters, how soon :).
   — tinky471