I just had surgery last Friday 12/11 and I'm on a 2 week post-op diet. But here is what I don't understand. I am to have three 6-7 oz Protein shakes a day, chicken broth and Water or crystal light for addition fluids and maybe apple sauce or Jello pudding for in-between Snacks... What I don't understand is that I am drinking the three shakes as regular "meals" to get my protein, then maybe 2 cups of home made chicken broth, and 1 jello pudding each day ... maybe .. 500 cals/day .. It just don't seem like enough calories to survive.... but I am stuffed .. I can't eat/drink anything else.....

Is this normal ?

Thanks

Totally normal.

You dont have to survive on 500 calories a day forever. You have plenty of resources - lots of fat and a good stockpile of nutrients in your body to get you through a couple of weeks of this. It wont harm you, although you lose a lot of Water and a bit of lean body tissue on such an extreme diet. But your stomach must heal and the swelling after surgery makes it impossible to eat much more.

When you begin to get more hungry, you will probably naturally take in more calories - which is why people's loss tends to slow markedly or they even gain a few pounds as the time for your first fill approaches. That's perfectly normal too AND its perfectly fine to take in more but you must take it in the correct form - liquids when you're supposed to be on liquids, mushies when you're supposed to be on mushies and solids ONLY when you've been cleared to have them. Dont rush the schedule ahead, but do realise you have no fill and you might be feeling extremely hungry in a few weeks time.

I didnt at all and in fact made it 12 weeks before I needed a fill, so you can be lucky as well.

almost anything is normal hunger wise at this stage.

Thanks a lot for the great information ! I realized I have lots of fat stores to rely on I was just concerned .. I've never heard of 500 cal a day... I've heard when people are on 1000 cal/ day they should have Doc supervision... Thanks again for the info... I'm looking forward to stepping on the scale in another week !

Completely normal. You will find that from time to time (not routinely) you may only take in about 500 calories. That should never become a way of life but may happen for a few day here or there as you have adjustments, irritations, etc. Don't worry too much about it.

Jacqui

I always respect you insight as one who has "been there and done that". I was Just banded on 12/15/09 and know when I have questions, you will have the answers.

Yep sounds totally normal to me too. Don't worry, once you get closer to fill time you will be able to eat way more than 500 calories a day if you so choose. Enjoy it while it lasts! :tongue:

Actually, you AREN'T surviving on 500 calories a day. You have a lovely fat reserve and hopefully some of that is being called into play and being burned to help support you.

Actually, you AREN'T surviving on 500 calories a day. You have a lovely fat reserve and hopefully some of that is being called into play and being burned to help support you.

Yes, I totally agree with this. You will be fine and you will be adding more calories as your appetite dictates.

And, Tex, I totally ignored your last comment. Sorry. You only had surgery 2 weeks ago. You are not completely healed. Post-op swelling contributes to a premature feeling of fullness that will cease to happen soon enough. Then Bandster Hell will set in and you will be wishing it was like this again.