NO ENERGY!~ Is 800 calories enough?

Please help. I've been banded just over 3 weeks and feel so weak I could cry. I have to force myself to get up and do anything. Took a day of vacation yesterday so I could sleep all day. I've been following the eating guidelines faithfully. I eat 1/2 cup of food 3 times a day and drink an EAS Advantage shake for added protein. Have been keeping a nutrition log on FitDay.com (which is a really great tool) and noticed that although I usually hit my target of 50 protein grams per day, calories are less than 800 per day. Is that enough? I do have trouble getting in my water.....I only get down 24 -36 oz. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks. Tired in St. Louis

Caryl, Whoa! You need to speak to your doc ASAP. NO WAY 800 calories is enough. You burn that many just laying around. You probably need about double that and I would also boost your protein and you must boost your water. While you can get good feedback on the board, sounds to me like you should call your physician for instruction. Keith 4/30/04 324/237/220

Hello Tired ---- hee hee hee I can tell you this could be one of 2 things. When I was just 3 weeks out, I would get tired quicker than normal because I was still healing on the inside. I remember going home after work, putting on my PJs and getting in bed by 7:30. So that could be some of it. Also, I just found out that I too am not getting in enough calories (nutrition) a day. Look at the post from yesterday - "Got in trouble with my Dr." You need to have more calories. I have learned that we are just like our cars ---- when you don't put in enough gas, you don't get very far. Same thing with quality. You put in bad gas and you get knocks and pings in the engine. Trust me, up those calories and you will feel like a new person, but remember, you are still healing, so take it easy on yourself. Best of luck, Yvette

Hi Caryl, I was banded on Feb 4, and I'm eating 600-800 calories per day too. I can only get in about 1/2 cup before I'm too full. I'm still on mushies. I don't have too much trouble with fluids as long as I remember to sip. I also use Fitday. I started because I was worried about getting enough food. The only difference I see between us is that I'm getting more like 75 grams or more a day of protein. I bought Isopure powder and I mix it in yogurt for breakfast. Sometimes I have to fini**** mid-morning. It can also go in Jello when you make it. My son likes it in Carb Control OJ. I try not to eat sugar or pasta/potatoes. I also walk 30-45minutes a day. Hope this gives you a clue. Please let us know what you figure out.

you really need to get some more calories - min. is 1200 per day that's just so that your organs can function properly - add 2 protein drinks to your menu - i like pure pro (in a can) it's 35 grams proteiin and about 170 calories - you can also try eating 6 mini meals a day - that may boost you up too - and please get more water in keep us posted lisa r 300/204/150

Oh you poor sleepy head!! You are eatting WAY too few calories...You are doing great with protien but, you need more...I was told to be around 1000 as a LOW to 1200as a good day. Also are you taking your vitamins?? I used Flintstone chewables with extra iron (being female and all!!) Also if water is an issue try making decafe iced tea, crystal light, fruit 2o, propel. I would also let your Dr. know how poorly you are feling as he might have some other ideas. Best of luck Robbin 2/26/2004 303.5/230 -3 lbs 13 weeks pregnant

Caryl, NO, no and no......to the 800 calories a day. Way too few calories. Also, I don't know who told you that you should only be eating 3- 1/2 cup portions of food a day but they should be smacked! A person CANNOT live healthy on a total of 1 1/2 cups of food a day. The goal is to live a normal life, eating normal portions at meal times. Re-Read what Keith wrote to you....he's right. Kay AKA: Miss Losin' Lot's

What she said! No, 800 cal/day is not enough. There's no way you can get in adequate nutrition on 1 1/2 cups of food a day. You also MUST work on getting more fluids in...some of your fatique is probably low-grade dehydration...the body gets very sluggish when fluids are a little low. Try water alternatives, including hot herbal teas, etc., to up those fluids. Are you sure you weren't given RNY guidelines? I gotta say, this whole 1/2 cup meal holy grail thing really makes me nuts...it's contrary to sensible weight loss and the overall sensibility of banding! Most bandsters eat in the range of 1200-1500 cal/day...while that might be hard while still on liquids/purees, softs are pretty easy to get into that range and solids certainly are. Nancy 394/280/180

Must...eat...more! OK, you don't have to EAT it at this stage, you can supplement with protein shakes, but you NEED to take in more calories to fuel your body AND your weightloss. I don't think 50 gm of protein is enough. Most dr.'s say a goal of 69-90 a day. Your body thinks that you are starving to death. It's going to hang onto every ounce of fat it can, and won't give you the energy you need. Add protein powder to other things you're eating, that gets in a little more. Unjury has some good unflavored stuff that's 20gms a scoop. I am really tight in the morning, and have to eat/drink warm stuff, so I will often make oatmeal, and put a scoop of Unjury in a bit of milk, shake it up, and pour over the oatmeal. It tastes normal! I have also added some to other protein drinks that don't have as much as I'd like. Remember, you need more calories, but they shouldn't be empty calories. Try mixing your protein drink with s/f pudding, or even using your EAS Advantage instead of milk to make it. I did that a lot when I was first preop. If you have access to a Curves, or at least the Curves book, read up about how eating MORE can actually speed your metabolism and help you lose weight. Trust me, it works! And it's worked for a bunch of people in the Curves Weightloss class I'm in. Starvation isn't a good longterm plan. Good luck and good health! Eryn 420/395/346/under 200

Hi everyone...I am 14 days post op still on the liquid stage and advancing to the mushy stage on Monday.. Woo Hoo!!! Anyhow, you may still feel weak from the anestesia, and you are still healing. I heard it could take up to one month to feel yourself again. Also, my surgeon says that women should be on a 500 -800 cal diet a day? Has anyone else heard that?