Anxiety about calories in pureed food

[fourmonthspreop 495]

Is this stupid to focus on? I'm really working on not obsessing over my weight and calories and just trying to listen to myself but obviously it's good to have some idea. I'm 22 days post op and in pureed foods right now. I can eat about 650 calories a day with no feelings of fullness/restrictions. I can't remember what number my dietician gave me, I feel like it was 700 but I'm waiting for her to reply to my message. I'm feeling guilty for eating over 600 calories for some stupid reason. I know everyone's journey is different. Anyone else experience this anxiety? How many calories should I be eating in pureed food and Protein Drinks?

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[ShoppGirl 3,428]

I was not even given a calorie goal for the purée phase. You are eating such small portions you shouldn’t be able to eat too much.

[Arabesque 6,573]

I wasn’t given a caloric goal either just portion size - 1/4 to 1/3 of a cup. Calories would have varied based upon what I used to purée the Protein with say stock vs mayo. But you are eating so little that it would be pretty impossible to eat to excess. But the questions, doubts, concerns, etc. can seem to run rampant in our head for the first couple of weeks. Give your dietician a call. They’ll either confirm you are on the right path or maybe tweak what you’re doing a little with suggestions for alternatives. You’ll feel more comfortable about what you’re doing whatever they say.

Also, purées still tend to go through your digestive system more quickly so you won’t really start to feel full until you’re on solid foods. Then try not to eat until you feel full but until you’ve had enough. By the time the message gets through that you’re full you’ve usually eaten more. It’s why we’re encouraged to eat slowly. I still ask myself do I need the next bite or just want it. It’s become a great habit.

All the best.

Edited March 9, 2022 by Arabesque

[ShoppGirl 3,428]

3 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

I was not even given a calorie goal for the purée phase. You are eating such small portions you shouldn’t be able to eat too much calorie wise

[Guest]

My program has women on 1200/day and men on 1400/day - from day 1 after surgery.

[fourmonthspreop 495]

I'm so ridiculous lol I felt so bad and anxious and then my dietician said in between 650-800 calories right now depending on how much I can eat in my current stage. I ran down with her what im eating and she said im doing really well and to keep on trekking.

I am working on not moralizing food and calories and not letting either of them make me feel inferior or bad. It's good to know though I'm not doing anything abnormal and fairing well.

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[BioMajor2 1]

My doctor recommends 600-800 calories per day 60-80 grams of protein...But I didn't track/focus on calories until I was on solid "regular" foods. First 2 months was all about getting my Protein, fluids, and Vitamins down...as well as letting my body heal.

Even now 6 months out I have good days and bad days. Learning to love ourselves and bodies is difficult ...you're doing great!!

[LilaNicole20 251]

I just had my video appointment follow-up with my dietician. She said I should be aiming for 500-800 calories during puree phase - which lasts 4 weeks for me.

[fourmonthspreop 495]

Thanks! I didn't realize how easy I have it with pureed foods. You really don't feel it (at least I dont)don't.

I've since moved to soft foods. I eat about 700-800 cals a day right now and in between 70-80 grams of Protein. I'm getting ready to go back to all foods (except raw vegetables, refined sugar and bread products) starting March 28th. Very excited! But tbh I feel pretty much like I'm eating normal food on soft foods with eggs, cooked vegetables, tofu, vegetarian Meatballs, marinara sauce, cheese and yogurts. So far so good.

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[Guest]

My goodness, I think I would've gnawed my hand off if they had asked me to eat 500-800 cals as purées for 4 weeks

Seriously, if you get hungry, call them and ask for alternative guidance.

[cheryl o 60]

Is this stupid to focus on? I'm really working on not obsessing over my weight and calories and just trying to listen to myself but obviously it's good to have some idea. I'm 22 days post op and in pureed foods right now. I can eat about 650 calories a day with no feelings of fullness/restrictions. I can't remember what number my dietician gave me, I feel like it was 700 but I'm waiting for her to reply to my message. I'm feeling guilty for eating over 600 calories for some stupid reason. I know everyone's journey is different. Anyone else experience this anxiety? How many calories should I be eating in pureed food and Protein Drinks?
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im so glad to meet you. I have fear of calories from day one. i am 20 weeks post op and my fear keeps me under 600 cals this day. i told my dietician i cant make my numbers cause i am terrified of weight regain. Today i had one scrambled egg and two bites of mashed red Beans and im done for the day. if im hungry i ignore it or drink Water till it goes away. im crazy obsessing over failure. Plus i had family members tell me before surgery i would fail. And im gonna show them, not me, this is where my problem comes from.

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[ShoppGirl 3,428]

10 minutes ago, cheryl o said:

im so glad to meet you. I have fear of calories from day one. i am 20 weeks post op and my fear keeps me under 600 cals this day. i told my dietician i cant make my numbers cause i am terrified of weight regain. Today i had one scrambled egg and two bites of mashed red Beans and im done for the day. if im hungry i ignore it or drink Water till it goes away. im crazy obsessing over failure. Plus i had family members tell me before surgery i would fail. And im gonna show them, not me, this is where my problem comes from.

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Living in constant fear about food is no way to live and I’m not sure you are going to be able to maintain this lifestyle once your hunger hormones come back. It may be a good idea to speak to a bariatric therapist and find a happy medium between the all Or nothing thinking you seem to be experiencing. I hope you find some peace with all of this soon.

[Guest]

48 minutes ago, cheryl o said:

im so glad to meet you. I have fear of calories from day one. i am 20 weeks post op and my fear keeps me under 600 cals this day. i told my dietician i cant make my numbers cause i am terrified of weight regain. Today i had one scrambled egg and two bites of mashed red Beans and im done for the day. if im hungry i ignore it or drink Water till it goes away. im crazy obsessing over failure. Plus i had family members tell me before surgery i would fail. And im gonna show them, not me, this is where my problem comes from.

Sent from my SM-G973U using BariatricPal mobile app

This sounds tough for you, sorry to hear. If it helps ease your pain, some programs believe you have to keep calories higher to avoid the metabolism getting used to living on nothing (see Harvard Health's Biggest Loser study for a derived logic).