Hello! A thread on OH got me to really thinking about the advise of different surgeons and Nutritionist out there. Dr. Nick's paperwork (and that of the nutritionist at Baylor Plano) did not advise a specific caloric intake for the first six weeks. Instead, it focused on 60-75 grams Protein, 64+ ounces of Fluid, and Vitamins. PROTEIN FIRST, VEGGIES SECOND, AND complex carbs when there is room. It showed 1/2 cup "food" each of three meals during the first two weeks of full liquids, and then during week three through six while moving through mushies to soft to regular food I'm to take in 4-6 ounces (it notes some will take in less). The paperwork gives a few example menus and outlines the variety of foods during each phase.

I personally am not a sweet tooth, so the last three days (I'm 18 days out) I've been able to get my protein from my food source instead of shakes. I prefer that because it's easier for me to get my fluid from Water than shakes, and I like to eat versus drink sweet shakes. I'm tracking religiously, and I'm mastering between 60-70 grams of protein so far. My calories have been right at 800 the past two days. My personal goal, based on what I've read I suppose, has been between 600-800 daily. I can see that if I am shooting to avoid supplemental protein, it will be closer to 800.

My question after my rant: What advise were you given and, more importantly, what has worked for you so far? I am now back on my elliptical (slowly right now), but I plan to get in at least 45 minutes of exercise daily.

I don't count my calories very often.I count my protein and try to stay away from junk food but unfortunately, I do have a sweet tooth and little willpower when I am around sweets. On my regular schedule,on a work week, I eat my 3 meals an an evening snack and that is the way I got to goal.

I received many handouts and booklets from the clinic and none of them discuss calories. During my meeting with the nutritionist before the surgery, she did quote the 600-800 but she said that was the average for the post-surgical diets. The emphasis was on getting the MINIMUM 60 grams of protein (1st thing you eat at meal), the 64 oz of fluids (sip throughout the day), taking the vitamins and meds, and not to drink 30 min before or after meals. I love all my documents and re-read the darned things all the time...LOL!

Theresa -

I asked the dietician and she said around 800 calories. However, it wasn't really the calories that were important. The daily fluids and Protein intake are what's important. FYI - I eat on average 800 calories a day. Sometimes a little less, sometimes a little more. Rarely can I get over 1000 calories unless I have a major carb craving and attack the box of wheat thins in the pantry (I really need to stop buying them). It's so funny that I feel guilty eating a WHOLE 1000 calories in a day. I good day used to be eating less than 1400.

Good info, guys. I just had lump crabmeat for a late lunch, and even though I only measured out 3 ounces, I'm pretty sure that I've depleted the ocean of crab according to the way my tummy feels. It's just amazing how little I can hold, and I'm totally cool with that.

I think that feeling of depleting the ocean of crab and being so full on 3 oz is why the sleeve works. If you follow the rules for 60 g of protein you kind of automatically fall in the appropriate calorie range. When I lost my 70 pounds with the band, I NEVER counted calories, only protein and water intake. TRUST the process! Every doctor and nutritionist has a plan that's a little different than the one before. Dr. Nick has had many successful patients doing what we are doing now. Just trust the process.

You are so right, Anna. And, I LOVE the "trust the process" comment. Those are words to live by.

I also never count calories. I am careful about liquid calories though. Half a small frosty goes down way too easy.....

I figure as long as I am losing weight then I am good.

The first 6 weeks I tracked my food intake (off and on) on dailyplate, but it was more to keep track of my Protein. My nutritionist never gave me a calorie guideline, but did tell me an estimated size of my meals (cups, oz, etc.). The first month I was usually between 300-600 calories per day, my surgeon explained how he used a 32 bougie (sp?) and then also oversewed the staple line, so I think I was pretty swollen.

Now at 5 months out I'm guessing I get in between 600-900 calories per day. It's working for me and I don't ever feel deprived.

I received no calorie guidance from the nutritionist, just 60 grams of Protein, 64 ounces of Water, Vitamins, and one hour of cardio daily.

I asked the doc about calories, and he said as long as I'm getting in 60 grams of protein, then there won't be very much room left for carbs, etc. He said if I follow that, I will never go over 1000 calories.

So we'll see. If following that (once I'm on real foods), isn't working, then I will reevaluate and start counting calories.

I've got a band and I received no rules on Protein, Water OR calories. Just a healthy diet, according to what your stomach can comfortably take.

For me, that balance came at about 1500 calories a day. I easily lost 100lb on that, never counting anything, other than approximately toting calories in my head - because we ALL probably know the calories in everything after a lifetime of dieting!

I eat about 1800 to 2000 to maintain my weight.