Hi! I'm 24 weeks post op and 23 weeks pregnant. Me and baby so far are doing good. But my question is: how many calories should I be consuming daily? I read online that normal pregnant woman should eat an extra 200 or more calories a day but that's based on 2000 cal. What about us sleevers? I feel like I'm struggling to get in 900 and I also read that a girl who was sleeved only ate about 800-900 and her baby was very small and born a premie. Any advice?? thanks

I don't know...but I'm wondering if you should supplement with a meal replacement shake like ensure??

I agree try meal replacement like ensure and ask your doctor what they recommend. Good luck..

That's what my dad and hubby said too. I do already drink a protein shake but they think I need more. Maybe I will have to try it.

That's what my dad and hubby said too. I do already drink a Protein shake but they think I need more. Maybe I will have to try it.

Yeah, a Protein Shake is way different than a meal replacement shake! I'm so glad you guys are doing well I would ask the doctor also about eating strategies...

I don't know how your experience has been going, but my OB has no idea what to do with a post bariatric patient. I tried two different dieticians, and they are stumped as well. The best answer I could get from a colleague from L & D was to try for at 15% increase in calories over what you customarily consume for the first two trimesters. A meal replacement supplement may be a good start, just watch the sugar

In the loss phase I ate no more than 900 calories a day. In maintenance I aimed for 1,100-1,300 a day. While pregnant, I aimed for 1,400-1,600 calories a day.

I'll be honest, there were times when that was a real challenge due to either restriction or morning sickness. And there were times when the hormones were flooding my body and I felt like I could eat all day long. But overall, that's the window I tried to stick with throughout.

I gained 32 pounds, a perfectly normal weight gain that actually worried my OB. This is the same OB that saw me during my twin pregnancy and the fact that I gained so little this time had them worried. However, my daughter was born at a normal weight (for our family) - right in between the weights of my previous children at 6 pounds, 7 ounces. She was born perfectly healthy, at 39 weeks, 3 days so there were no problems with her size or health due to my surgery or my diet.

A huge thing to consider is Vitamin supplements, though. I had very real issues with both lactose intolerance (it reared it's ugly head again with my pregnancy) and morning sickness every time I consumed meat. I had to find ways to make up the difference, and I turned to Protein shakes for a while. I also took a number of Vitamins to help ensure the baby was getting enough of what she needed, too.

By one week postpartum I had already lost more than half the weight, so try to shelve any concerns about a normal pregnancy gain and focus on the baby.

Good luck, and wishes for a healthy pregnancy!

~Cheri

In the loss phase I ate no more than 900 calories a day. In maintenance I aimed for 1' date='100-1,300 a day. While pregnant, I aimed for 1,400-1,600 calories a day.

I'll be honest, there were times when that was a real challenge due to either restriction or morning sickness. And there were times when the hormones were flooding my body and I felt like I could eat all day long. But overall, that's the window I tried to stick with throughout.

I gained 32 pounds, a perfectly normal weight gain that actually worried my OB. This is the same OB that saw me during my twin pregnancy and the fact that I gained so little this time had them worried. However, my daughter was born at a normal weight (for our family) - right in between the weights of my previous children at 6 pounds, 7 ounces. She was born perfectly healthy, at 39 weeks, 3 days so there were no problems with her size or health due to my surgery or my diet.

A huge thing to consider is Vitamin supplements, though. I had very real issues with both lactose intolerance (it reared it's ugly head again with my pregnancy) and morning sickness every time I consumed meat. I had to find ways to make up the difference, and I turned to Protein shakes for a while. I also took a number of Vitamins to help ensure the baby was getting enough of what she needed, too.

By one week postpartum I had already lost more than half the weight, so try to shelve any concerns about a normal pregnancy gain and focus on the baby.

Good luck, and wishes for a healthy pregnancy!

~Cheri[/quote']

Thank you so much for the info!! I do try and hit at least 1100 but that's even a challenge. I am taking my prenatals and b12. What else should I be taking? Or what did you take? I am still on heartburn/acid reflux meds and without those I suffer and that's a challenge with eating as well. But I'm so glad to hear others journeys and know that their lil ones came out at a good weight and with no problems. I go for another ultrasound in a few weeks to check babies weight and growth and I'm praying he is right on target. I tend to have big babies 8-10 pounders. So we will see. so far I've gained about 12 lbs and I'm in my 23rd week so I'm doing ok...I think. I am definitely going to try and reach at least 1200-1300 calories because there are days where I feel like I didn't eat enough and I start to worry. . Thanks again!!

Check with your OB if you're concerned but I took: Prilosec, B12, Calcium and prenatals in the morning. I then took a prescription Iron supplement in the afternoons and evenings. For the first few months I was also on an additional folic acid supplement but they dropped that somewhere between four and five months out.

My daughter is just two weeks old, so while nursing I'm still taking the B12, prenatals and iron supplements. My acid reflux and lactose intolerance disappeared as soon as I delivered, so I'm getting plenty of calcium from food again. Hooray for cottage cheese! I'm so happy I can eat dairy I could do a little dance.

Oh, and because I'm exclusively breastfeeding, the pediatrician put her on a liquid Vitamin that I put in her first bottle of the day so she gets enough iron and Vitamin D. I tend to be borderline with my iron levels even with a prescription supplement so for us it's necessary.

I'm sure you'll do just fine and your weight seems right on track.

Update us after your ultrasound!

~Cheri

Hi my name is Kim and I have an upcoming VSG surgery. I have a few questions that I can't seem to get answers from anyone about.

1. I'm terrified of losing too much weight. I am currently 5'2 235. My personal goal weight is from 135-150. Is this possible? Or am I going to keep losing and loosing until I’m skin and bones?

2. I have PCOS, my husband and I have struggled and used and infertility specialist for over 2 years with no luck. So yes my ultimate goal after my 12-18 month waiting period is to get pregnant....Is it ok to do so? My son (whom i had when i was 17 before I started having any weight issues) was a large healthy baby weighing in at 8lbs 11oz. Is it still possible to have a healthy birth weight baby?

3. I insist on breastfeeding, it is very important to me and my husband. I was able do so at 17 so at 30 and post VSG I’m still hoping that is possible. Will I be able to consume enough calories to produce healthy nourishing breast milk?

4. I have anxiety and I know I might sound neurotic and I'm sorry, but I go to the dietician tomorrow to turn in all my final meal records and they will send my request off to Anthem (I work for Anthem so they take less than 10 days to approve) This is a huge step and I'm just freaking out a bit All of your stories are so inspiring and come from a loving place.