Question:
question from the 'how do you explain this question' answers

So, I am reading through the question posted about the husband and friends all losing faster than the post-op, and several of the answers said that the woman was not eating enough calories. So, at three months is 600-800 calories really too little? Is there any real set guideline? Does it matter how much you had bypassed? I am almost 12 weeks and lucky if I can get in 400-600, and the 600 includes two, 110 cal, protein drinks! Plus I walk five days a weeks and weight train three days a week. I am still losing 2-4 pounds a week. Would I lose more if I upped my calories? And how much upping would be needed? Thanks for your patience and answers!    — eaamc (posted on April 23, 2003)

April 23, 2003
Andrea, I am 5 1/2 months out and track on fitday.com. I am only intaking about 500 or less per day. My weightloss is 85lbs with 20 until goal.
   — Sharon F.

April 23, 2003
Each doctor has their own guidelines on how many calories at different stages post-op. Most of us are recommending what we were recommended to do and what has worked for us. It is proven, though, that too little calories taken in makes the body think you are starving it and it will hoard what fat is left. Often times an increase in calories or varying the calorie intake every few days, up or down, gets you past a plateau or moves the weight loss along. The previous question poster was getting around 600 calories a day and was displeased with her weight loss-the consensus was to move the calorie intake closer to 800 and see if that helps. If you are pleased with your weight loss with only 600 calories a day don't alter it, but if not, try upping your calories too. Everybody is different in how quickly and how much they lose. I think 2-4 pounds a week is pretty nice.
   — Cindy R.