Hi

I see many people talk about how much they can eat after surgery and once back on solid foods.

Most refer to oz of food...2-3 oz chicken and soft veg etc

Any ideas or recs for calories?

If people are only eating 3 x day and eating 1/4c of clean food/meals primarily made up of Protein

are people really eating 500-800 cals a day for a year?

an oz of chicken breast is 25...a 3 oz meal and handful of veg would only be 100-200 at MOST/.

throw in some sugar free Jello, popsicles etc

I am not looking for permission to eat more I am just curious what people end up having and also if one wants to work out vigorously like run, lift weights etc several x a week how can eating so low provide enough eneregy?

All the lit I am reading just refers to volume and 3 meals

How much calories and nutrition are people really getting several mo out

Thanks

Edited September 1, 201411 yr by Jeffrey Eliot

I am eating regular now and eat 800-1000 calories daily. If I don't workout then I eat only 800 cal, however if I do workout then I add calories to account for calories burned. I use MFP to log calories and cardiovascular so it helps me determine my needed calories for that day. Basically, the more calories you burn, the more calories you will need to eat. Discuss your concerns with your NUT she would be able to explain it better. I'm still learning and haven't quite gotten it down.

I will start my comments by saying that you should be following the guideline set up by your NUT or surgeon. It is really important for healing and helping your stomach transition to a full menu of foods.

While in the liquid phase I ate between 450-600 calories. During soft foods it went up to 600-800. Once I got to phase four and could eat anything I was usually 800-1000 calories. At 8 months out I am now eating 1100-1200 calories a day. I needed to add additional carbs via some whole grains into my diet as I needed the energy for exercise. I have had steady weight loss and have upped calories as my level of exercise has increased or weight loss slowed. A month ago, at my 6 month followup, the NUT was very pleased with the calorie progression. Both the NUT and surgeon thought I would probably end up around a 1400 calorie maintenance level, assuming my activity level is constant.

Since two months post surgery I have eaten 3 meals and two Snacks every day. At this time I can eat approximately 4 ounces of Protein and another ounce or two of vegetables or fruit at a meal.

Thanks to all replies.

Yes, of course will be following the prescribed plan.

Just want to kn ow what to anticipate etc

Also, do the content ofthe calories really determine the extent of weight loss since cals are so low?

In other words does it matter if one is eating a few hundred calories (50-60 gms) of carbs out of 600-800 or even 1k total calories?

Isnn't the caloric deficit enough to maintain aggressive weight loss or do most stick to very low carb and for how long?

Until goal is reached etc

Thanks

I'm 3 weeks out and already landing in the 700-900 calorie range. Not gonna lie, it's probably the mayo with the tuna I'm eating regularly. I was advised, as a man of y age and size, to shoot for just under 1200 once I am on regular food and exercising regularly, so I think I'm on track, although it sometimes feels daunting. I find that I can't get as many calories as I need AND protein that I need unless I do 2 protein drinks a day. Ideally, I'd only be doing one a day as my NUt would prefer me to get protein from real food.

It is my feeling that following a low carb diet will help maximize weight loss. Here is what I was told about carbs:

Early Bariatric patients should keep carbs at low levels; under 50 while at the liquid and soft foods stage. Staying this low for too long will slow weight loss, cause muscle loss and loss of hair

For maximum weight loss, keep carbs at 50-85 grams per day while on full diet. carbs should come from foods in their natural state: almonds, fruit, yogurt etc. You will need to add carbs for energy as you increase exercise levels

Once at maintenance levels, carbs can be at 85-125 gram range.

Fat storage begins to occur in the 125-300 gram range

I have followed this guideline the last ten months, increasing calories as needed. I also try to keep Protein levels at 40% of calories, Carbs 30% and Fat 30%.

I also try to keep a 40/30/30 ratio for protein/carbs/fat. Don't always succeed though. I was told by my NUT to be eating between 800 and 1200 calories per day. I go to the lower end on non workout days, the higher end on workout days. I try to work out 4 to 5 days a week (again, that 5 days doesn't always happen because life gets in the way sometimes. LOL!). I Swim for 45 minutes or so twice a week, do cardio/ heavy weights twice a week and take one class called body works plus abs (which amounts to a fast and light weights) class once a week.

I typically get about 800-1000 calories a day. I'm just a little over 8 months post op. I walk, do step aerobics, and light weights 3-4 times a week. I generally walk 3.5 miles each time. I've lost weight every single week since surgery (although two times it was very little .2 pounds) and not had a stall yet.