Just curious the average number of calories people are taking in a day near the beginning? Pre-solid foods?

I asked my NUT this same question and she gave me the line that the recommended 1000-1200 for weight loss and told me not to worry about it right now - just to focus getting in my Protein and fluids. ANd I totally understand that, but I work better when I have very clear goals, and to me, just telling me to get protein and Water isn't clear enough, because MyFitnessPal is counting my calories...

MFP is telling me I'm averaging around 400-550 most days. Yesteday I got almost 700 and was so upset with myself. But yesterday was also the only day I've hit my protein goal for the day. So I'm just wondering what everyone else has been getting.

I'm on soft foods and have been getting between 500-600 calories. Sometimes it's really low, and then other days I just have more caloric intake. But I'm burning at least twice that amount of calories (Thank you Fit Bit)!

Personally I don't think I could get up to 1000 at this point.....5 weeks out.

My two cents-

Summer

I'm on soft foods and have been getting between 500-600 calories. Sometimes it's really low, and then other days I just have more caloric intake. But I'm burning at least twice that amount of calories (Thank you Fit Bit)!

Personally I don't think I could get up to 1000 at this point.....5 weeks out.

My two cents-

Summer

Agreed, I don't think I could get near 1000. My surgeon said no exercise (besides walking) until 6 weeks out, but I have a follow-up tomorrow so I'm going to ask him if I'm able to start before if I feel okay. I'm anxious to get into an exercise routine because that part is harder for me than the diet.

My nutritionist said between 600-800 calories but she really wanted us to focus on the fluids and Protein. If you are getting in your protein you shouldn't have much room for anything else at this point so really it is too early to be worried about calories.

You will not be able to get even close to 1000 calories for a while. What you are getting now seems right on par. Here's kind of a rule of thumb:

1-5 weeks-400-500 calories

6-8 weeks-600-800 calories

8 weeks and beyond-800-1000 calories

Of course, your miliage may vary. I didn't start eating 1000 calories until about 6 months out. At 10 months, I am at 1200. Probably could eat a few more calories because of exercise, but I struggle even getting 1200 sometimes.

@@ShrinkingPeach

I've only hit my Protein goal one day so far since surgery, so I'm not doing too good on that front. I bought some unflavored Protein powder, added it to my crystal light, and it tasted disgusting. Plus it wasn't even near what the serving was supposed to be! So I need to work up the courage to try to add it to something else.

@@Babbs

Thanks for the guide! I feel better knowing I seem to be in that range, even if it seems impossible to get all my protein in with that range.

If you work better with very clear goals then let me share mine.

Meet my Protein goal (for me it's 100 grams a day) and get at least 64 oz of Water a day. That is it.

When you are on liquids you needn't worry about anything but maximizing your protein. A Protein shake with a higher protein to carb ratio is best because early out just getting your protein and water in is a challenge.

Sounds like what your NUT told you, or don't worry about the calories.

Keep in mind when you ask people their calorie ranges that the answer is relative. People with lower Protein goals eat fewer calories than those with higher goals.

As I mentioned above, just focus on protein.

Yes, and I agree with @@Inner Surfer Girl. If 700 calories helps you meet your protien goals, then stick with that. Protien and fluids kind of trump calories early out.

@@Inner Surfer Girl Definitely sounds like what my NUT said! I mean, I know she's right, I'm just a crazy person, haha.

Getting all my fluids in feels like a full time job, and I find I'm too distracted with my actual job (well, the one I get paid for) during the day to focus on Water. It's very frustrating. Can I count my Protein shake as fluids?

@@Inner Surfer Girl Definitely sounds like what my NUT said! I mean, I know she's right, I'm just a crazy person, haha.

Getting all my fluids in feels like a full time job, and I find I'm too distracted with my actual job (well, the one I get paid for) during the day to focus on Water. It's very frustrating. Can I count my Protein shake as fluids?

Yes

@@Inner Surfer Girl Definitely sounds like what my NUT said! I mean, I know she's right, I'm just a crazy person, haha.

Getting all my fluids in feels like a full time job, and I find I'm too distracted with my actual job (well, the one I get paid for) during the day to focus on Water. It's very frustrating. Can I count my Protein shake as fluids?

Yes

Phew, well, I'm getting a little more fluids in than I thought then. But not where I should be. I'm definitely asking my surgeon for some advice tomorrow.

It is a full time job. And, yes any fluids count as fluid.

@@ShrinkingPeach

I've only hit my Protein goal one day so far since surgery, so I'm not doing too good on that front. I bought some unflavored Protein powder, added it to my crystal light, and it tasted disgusting. Plus it wasn't even near what the serving was supposed to be! So I need to work up the courage to try to add it to something else.

@@Babbs

Thanks for the guide! I feel better knowing I seem to be in that range, even if it seems impossible to get all my protein in with that range.

I know some people don't care for it but I really like the Isopure protein Water. I will drink 10 oz mid morning over ice and get 20 gr and another 10 oz mid afternoon and get another 20 gr. between that and a Protein shake for Breakfast with 25 gr of protein I get 65 gr a day min and some days

More.

What is your protein goal each day

I have such an easy time getting fluids and protein in that it kind of scares me. I have a Premeir shake for Breakfast (30g protein) after a 12 oz cup of hot tea. Lunch is Biochem Whey protein powder (30 g) mixed in 24 oz water with 2 Crystal Lite packets. I might also have a cup of soup and a Dannon Greek Lite Yougurt (12 g protein). Dinner is another Crystal Lite Pretein shake (30g). during the day I will also drink a 32 oz G2 Gatorade. Is this too much?

Yes you can count your Protein shake in with your fluids. Every day it will get better, initially your sleeve is swollen and inflamed from the surgery so hang in there, it will happen!