How many calories do I need?

Okay...tomorrow will mark six weeks since my surgery and I am finally at the point to start tracking my food.  Feeling stronger, and thank you Jesus my nausea has lessened.  I downloaded fitness pal like many here and they recommended a calorie intake of 1860.  I haven't talked to my NUT yet but I thought I was look for 800 to 1000...????????

Also, do I add more calories if I am exercising? Just want some thoughts even though I see my NUT on the 7th of May.  Plus, I work a fairly physical job (I manage a Starbucks so on my feet mostly and moving constantly, etc.).  Thanks!

Ignore the numbers recommended by MFP. They are not calculated for people who have had WLS. You can go into your settings and make the calorie goal whatever you want, however every day when you finalize your entries it will yell at you that you're not eating enough, yadda yadda. Ignore it.

Do speak with your NUT. Be aware, though, that many of them do not give their clients specific calorie goals. I had to pin mine down and ask her "Is this number alright?" until she agreed that it was. The advice she/he will most probably give is to eat protein first and a little veg if you have room at every meal. She/he will most likely give you some figure as a protein goal for the day, and meeting that is your top priority, not calories. Now, all that said, people can tell you what they're doing, and you can consider that information when you talk to your NUT. At six weeks out, I was around 500-600 calories a day if I remember correctly. Now, at four and a half months, I shoot for between 600 and 800 calories a day.

Most people seem to recommend that you do not "eat your exercise calories back", from what I've read.

Good luck!

Thank you, thank  you, thank you...you are always so helpful.  And yes, it does yell at me I am not getting enough, haha. I was pushing myself to get in 800-1000 but like you said I am typically at 600-700 so thanks for the numbers.

You would be gaining weight if you ate 1860 calories every day. Just ignore what MFP tells you.

People always over estimate their calories burned, both for exercise and routine daily activity. I never ate back any exercise calories. Many just use that feature as an excuse to eat more.

MFP is not set up as a resource for weight loss surgery. Use it to keep yourself on track, but don't be ruled by it.

Please see my profile page if interested.

I would suggest that at a mere six weeks post-op you shouldn't be concerned about calories.  Focus on measured portions of foods that fit your plan.