today is my 12 week surgiversary woohoo... I am down 72 lbs since I started my pre op diet... I am getting between 800-1000 calories in a day, every morning I have a pure protein bar for breakfast, well everyone tells me I look sick, they say I have no color. I feel ok just a little tired. anyway they want me to eat more red meat, well my tummy doesnt like red meat, either that or tomatoe sauce, I have tried chili, lasagna, spaghetti, meatloaf everytime I get sicker then sick, would it be the red meat? or could it be the tomatoes from the red sauce? anyway I aint eating no more red meat but they all say the protein from the bars is not the healthy kind... uggghhh Im eating to survive here and Im not much careing if I am pale... any suggestions from you experienced sleevers? is that too many calories? I feel like I eat like a pig but everyone keeps saying its not enough... uggghhh any help is appreciated..

I have a question about your question. Who are "they?" "They" want to you to eat more red meat...why not any kind of meat, why red meat? There is more Iron in red meat that poultry or fish, could that be why? And low iron can make you feel tired. Are you taking a Vitamin with iron? Have you had your 3 month labs yet?

The Protein in the bars is fine, a bar is better than nothing. Tomatoes are acidic and bother some people, but if you can eat oranges or drink orange juice, the red sauce is probably not your problem. Some people have difficulty tolerating red meat--I was fine (it was chicken that made me sick) but if it bothers you don't eat it. There are lots of other protein sources out there. As for your caloric intake, I ate 600 when I was 3 months out but I was a lightweight and wanted to get to goal ASAP. I think 800-1000 is fine. Unless the criticism is coming from your surgeon or a bariatric nutritionist, if I were you I'd ignore it and do what works for you.

I agree with Foxbins. I ate 600 calories at 3 months. For Protein, there are plenty of alternatives to red meat including chicken, pork, fish, shellfish, greek yogurt, and cheese. Are you taking your Vitamins and Iron and getting your fluids in each day? Also, I was tired till about 4 months out, so if you are tired but slowly feeling more energetic, you may be a slower recup person like me.

I would address your concerns with your Dr.

Lynda

Salmon, prawn and fish in general a great source for protien.