Answer from Nutritionist- Re:How many calories should I be getting?

I had promised to share my response from the Dietician, with those interested/curious:

www.obesityhelp.com/forums/on/4501287/How-many-calories-per-day/

l think it was Sunday that I had posted a question (link above) asking people how many calories per day they were consuming, based on the stage you were in.

I told my Dietician I was averaging about 500-600 calories per day, and I am in the pureed stage...tomorrow I move on to soft foods.

Here's her response:

You are right on track with your calorie intake. As you know we often see weight stalls in the early post op phase as your body makes adjustments to your new way of eating. You are right, protein is very important, but it should not be unnecessarily high and taken at the expense of other nutrients or water. ***(this was a keypoint for me)***

 Before surgery, I calculated your protein requirement and your intake should be about 70 grams per day. You don’t have to take in more than that now while your calorie intake is so low. Remember that your brain needs glucose to function and you get glucose from carbohydrate foods in your diet. So don’t forget you need a small amount of room for those foods as well.

 It sounds to me like everything is progressing as we would expect so try (I know this is hard) not to focus on the scale.

Let me know if you have any other concerns of questions before your appointment.

I think what she has replied is very important reminder that those of us currently in recovery could all benefit from... our brain needs glucose too...we shouldn't fear carbs, just remember that everything must be in moderation right now.

I didn't ask her permission to post her reply, but I feel safe in assuming that it's a healthy and generic enough message for all... so if you can take some comfort or knowledge from her response, than please do.

If you disagree with her response - that's your perogative...but please remember, you too have a Dietician at your clinic...so don't hesitate to get in touch with them if you have questions...We're part of a team...

...and I like to think that each of us is a MVP on that team. 

Thank you for posting this information! It is very helpful to me as I am a couple of weeks behind you and I was concerned about my calorie intake. Now I have a better idea and know that I am likely on track as I am getting in about 400 calories per day but I am still in full liquids.

Thanks Toni!

Kristen

That is great to know you are right on track and getting that encouragement.

Hi Toni,

I just wanted to respond to something the dietician said that concerns me. It's a complete myth that our brains need glucose to function. The brain will use glucose if it is available, but if it is not available (ie - you're not consuming carbs), then the body will produce an alternative fuel from our fat stores called ketones. The brain doesn't know the difference between the two, it works equally as well on either. The difference is that when you eat carbs, your body will try to store that sugar in the body as fat by releasing insulin. Whereas if you're not eating carbs, your body will be forced to burn fat to produce brain fuel. This is why I think it is totally silly to eat carbs during the weight loss phase. Do you want your body to be burning fat or muscle? Do you want to primarily burn the calories you consume, or your fat stores? If you're in ketosis and eating lots of protein, you're burning fat.

The other thing about nutrients... what nutrients does she mean? The RNY body is not capable of extracting and absorbing most nutrients from plant sources, so the most nutritious food is from animal sources, which are also protein sources! Liver has more bio-available vitamin A than any fruit or veg, and cheddar cheese is a great source too.

I'd be curious what her response to this would be, so please feel free to forward her this info.

 I'd caution those reading this to remember that carbs come in many forms. I doubt she meant "keep room for pasta and crackers". 

You get carbs from fruits and veggies too - with much less calories and insulin issues etc. 

 Thanks for posting the reply from the dietician.  Good to know that I am also on target with my calorie range at this stage.