Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

too few calories



Recommended Posts

Is it possible to get too few calories in at the beginning of your journey? Will this slow your weight loss? I'm 2 weeks postop today, I'm only getting in 400-500 calories per day. Struggling to get my 60 Proteins and most days get between 45-50g of Protein. Doing ok on Water, usually 50-60 ounces per day. The past 3 days, there's been no scale movement. Could be hormonal, could be stress, could just be one of those unexplained things... I'm not upset or worried, but curious about the low calorie count having an impact on my metabolism in the long run. Anyone have experience with this? Maybe some veterans or anyone else who just simply couldn't get the calories down in the beginning and not have it impact you ability to lose at a steady pace?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For the first three months I rarely hit 300 calories. With exercise my calories were always in the negative. At one year post op and on maintenance, I am to keep my calories at about 1000 per day. I have lost 205 pounds in a bit over a year. I would say that the low calories had no negative impact. Focus on Protein and Water, they are far more important. Follow the plan, you are doing GREAT!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Not sure if this would help with the Protein but my bariatric clinic at the hospital gives a lobg list of recommended Protein supplements both powder and liquid. On the list is a liquid protwin called body fortress suoer protein shot. Is liquid form, only 3oz, and packs in 26g of protein. No caffeine, sugars.

Someone on the board mentioned to be careful bc of the different types of protein (soy versus others). But I think its an awesome way to get a good amount of protein in with just a few oz total. I bought 24 little tubes since the bariatric nutritionist said it was a okay :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In 5 weeks out. From June 24 until July 17 the scale did not move. Finally I'm losing 4 pounds this week.

I think the 3week stall is very common. Your body is adjusting and healing.

I just now bought a food scale and started using my fitness pal to track my intake. Now that I can eat as tolerated, I need to make sure I'm balancing things out.

I still don't get a lot of calories but I do get my Protein and Vitamins in every day. I drink all day long so don't sweat the scale ... It will move.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with the other posts here....protein and Water intake are much more important than calories.

Having said that...yes, you CAN have too few calories, especially just after surgery. Your body needs calories to heal...again, Protein and Water in particular...so you need to NOT concentrate on losing right now AT ALL! I know that seems totally ridiculous when that is why you had the surgery in the first place, but it is ESSENTIAL that you heal well FIRST. The weight WILL come off. But, in the short run, you want to heal properly so that you will not have any of the complications that poor/incomplete healing might happen in the long run.

I KNOW it's easier said than done, but one day - not too far from now - you will probably turn around and advise someone the very thing that I'm proposing now!! Hang in there - it sounds like you are right on track, since you are making sure to get lots of Protein and water...the two essentials, along with your (chewable) vitamins!!

You WILL succeed!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have not had my surg yet but NUT said in the beginning shoot for 300-400 cal/day working up to 600 .

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×