Hi, I'll be 1 week post op tomorrow and I've been feeling light headed at times even though I'm able to get my fluid and protein requirements in. My question is how many calories do people estimate they took in the first couple weeks post op? I estimate about 350 most days and this seems so low considering I'm walking also. I don't really want to add a lot more protein than recommended. My Dr said don't worry about carbs just get your protein in, so I wonder about some higher calorie protein drinks, but they would probably have more sugars. I can only have full liquids right now-no yogurt or anything. Just seems like especially for a healing body I should be taking in at least 600 calories or so.

350 seems a bit low I think I was at about 500 can you add lactose free milk to your protein shakes?

I'm one week post op tomorrow too and I range between 300-400 calories normally. Today was a really good day and I got in around 650! So that was amazing. I haven't talked to my dr so I'm not sure if that's good or not but I feel fine unless I go too long without eating.

Emarie-were your 650 calories all from protein drinks? How much protein did you get in then?

I didn't estimate my calories, I logged, and still log,everything on myfitnesspal. The first week I was at 250-350. The second week I jumped up to 450-500, and ever since week 3 I've never gone below 600 or higher than 800.

I am 4 wks post op and I also use myfitnesspal. I eat between 450-550 but most importantly I focus on getting at least 50% -75% of my food being protein and the rest being carb or fat. I was 242 preop I am 210 today.

Edited May 13, 201412 yr by Jnette

Emarie-were your 650 calories all from Protein drinks? How much protein did you get in then?

And I got 44 grams of protein in.

Edit-the Soup was strained to be just the broth part so the calories might be slightly lower.

Edited May 13, 201412 yr by Emarie07

From what I have seen the protein is far more important than anything else. I would focus solely on meeting your protein goal which is hard enough. The calories will take care off them selves