I have been trying to make sure I am getting enough fluids in and was worried because I do not tolerate sugar free foods like stevia, aspartame, or any other very well, and did not want to be getting too many calories. So I was tracking my calories today and I was told to get in at least 600 and my calories added up to only 320. And that's with full sugar popsicles, gatorade, etc.I was wondering how in the world you could get in 600 calories during the liquid stage (or really any stage) with only sugar free Protein Drinks, crystal light, SF popsicles, etc.?!

I know SF doesn't mean calorie free, but there are so few calories there.

I can see it would be more important to stick to SF in the later stages when you are eating lots of different foods (and I will have to force myself to like it), but in this liquid/soft food stage, it seems like there is no way to get that amount of calories with SF everything.

My Protein Powder made with Water is 120 calories. A lot of people put strawberries, etc and blend them up until they're liquid. There are ways to get

more calories in.

I agree though. During the post op phase, it's not all that important for all the liquids to be sf other than sugar causes cravings.

I think the liquid stage it is more important to get in your fluids than your calories. You will heal enough that when you move to full liquids you can help bring up the calories. Just so you know I was averaging 300 - 400 calories on the clear liquid stage (I was drinking Unjury chicken soup to give me a boost and syntrax nectar products).