Question:
how much fat and calories are we absorbing through are intestines?
hi i love this website and support group. from what i understand we only absorb part of the calories and nutrients we take in after having rny surgery. i am 2 months out. does this mean if i take in 1200 calories i only absorb about 600? thanks michelle dimura — tiger88 (posted on March 2, 2008)
March 2, 2008
Not necessarily. We are all very different. It depends on too many
things..How much of your intestines did the doc take out...how big is your
pouch...How well does your body adjust to the surgery??? What are you
eating? Are you eating good carbs and not bad ones? The first few years
you will lose all your weight and then it just stops as soon as it nears
it's own ideal body weight. Some people have to really work hard to lose
the last 10-20 lbs. Some never do lose it all. Some lose more than their
goal. Don't worry about your calories right now...as long as you are
losing, you are doing fine! But do not for a moment think that you don't
malabsorb. YOU DO!! Please take all your vitamins and supplements
religiously...FOREVER! Unless a doc says otherwise. I just recently found
out that I am anemic because I am not absorbing my B-12 and Iron. (I was
not religious with the iron) Now I pay for that mistake 4 years after
surgery! You do malabsorb. Trust that you do and eat right. Get your labs
and enjoy the journey...do not abuse it. Sure some things go wrong...It's
hit or miss...Once you try to use your head and try to figure out calories
and all, is when you stop letting your pouch be the tool. It might work for
a while...but there are constant adjustments as you eventually begin to eat
more normally. Enjoy not having to work it all out right now! Seriously!
Good luck!
— .Anita R.
March 2, 2008
If you eat 1200 Calories then assume you absore 1200 Calories. Because the
first third of you small intestine only carries gastric acid to the last
third of your small intestine from the old stomach you are not absorbing
much fat or grandualted sugar. When Fat and Grandulated sugar hit the
remaining 2/3's of your small intestine, they do not absorb correctly in
the correct form and make you sick. It does not mean that you still do not
get the calories from the incorrect substances. Just treat this as a tool
and remember the ill feeling is just a warning to you from your new tool
and don't repete the mistake again. I am 3 months out and I eat according
to the food charts I maintain about 700 Calories a day. Of that 70-75%
need to be lean protein and the rest from Fruits (that sugar will not hurt
you if it is natural and not added sugars) and vegatables. Best of luck to
you.
— William (Bill) wmil
March 2, 2008
Everyones differant, I cant eat 1200 Calories a day. I do about 800 to 900.
lost 248lbs im out 12 months! feeling great too!
— obx100
March 5, 2008
Hi!
Unfortunately, we do absorb the calories - just not the nutrients! Which is
why you can re-gain your weight and still have permanent problems from
malabsorbtion of nutrients. Doesn't seem fair does it? Take your vites and
protein religiously, and keep away from the "white" carbs. They
are the ones that are the easiest to go down, and the hardest on our
bodies! Choose veggies and whole grains to keep your carb monster in check.
Hard to do, but necessary if you wnt to keep your surgical "tool"
working for you in the long run.
Keep up the good work!
— Susan O.
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