How do you get calories early on?

[jennyinky 38]

I'm 2 weeks post op and averaging 400-500 calories per day. I know that is low but I have some serious restriction and am full so fast. Today I had about 1/8 of a hamburger patty for lunch and one slice of lunch meat for dinner, for example. I am on full Proteins stage - no veggies, fruit or carbs.

I get all of my Protein and Water in. Usually I have powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken Soup or the hot chocolate in the morning. I have a shake or 2 of the concentrates during the morning before lunch and another shake or beef Soup in the evening. I am not a huge shake fan so I tend to use the Soups and concentrates more.

How in the world am I supposed to get more calories?

[NMJG 1,266]

You don't. What you should worry about is getting enough Protein and fluids. Calorie count is irrelevant

Edited June 26, 2014 by NMJG

[McButterpants 2,846]

Agree with the above...don't worry about calorie count yet. Focus on getting your Protein and liquids in, the calories will follow soon enough.

[JaneyB 28]

I didn't have too much problem getting calories in at two weeks but I was still on liquid with about 3 shakes a day and then yogurt, cottage, Soup etc. I was worried that i could eat so much so early but then when I moved to more solid food the restriction was evident. Your doc seems to have a pretty liberal diet plan.

[jennyinky 38]

Thanks all - I feel great physically and now more calm about this as well.

[TrailriderJulia 39]

I started of focusing on the calories as well. Wrong idea! Like the others said, Protein is your key!! Without that you will feel exhausted . I am 8 wks. Out and still have to make an effort to get at least my 75 grams in, calories take care of themselves.

[TXGALINAR 18]

Only 2wks post op, you're still very swollen and the restriction is greater than when your swelling will go down. Don't concern yourself with calories right now. While losing you'll want to be between 450-850 cal/day and not really anymore than that. The first two weeks is nothing but liquids. You shouldn't worry if you can't finish you liquids all at once unless they aren't going down at all. Sip your liquids...you can't take big swigging gulps of liquids like you used to. Give yourself time...I'm 5 weeks post ok and experienced the same thing. Even still I can only drink about 1/2 skin fast Protein Drink when I drink one. I usually save the other half for later in the day.

[Kindle 8,667]

Protein Shakes, Greek yogurt, cream Soups with added Protein Powder, split pea Soup, bean soup, blended tuna or crab. I wasn't on solid foods (hamburger, lunch meat) until almost 6 weeks out, so I can't imaging how you are eating those things. Stick with the less dense Protein rich foods and you will be able to get more calories. No sense forcing yourself to eat if you are full.