HOW MANY CALORIES SHOULD I BE EATING AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY?

enquiries@thedietologist.co.uk

Determining the appropriate calorie intake after bariatric surgery can be complex due to individual variations. It's crucial to recognize that every person's metabolism and weight loss journey after bariatric surgery is unique. Factors such as age, sex, activity level, muscle mass, and specific surgical procedure can influence your calorie needs. Therefore, it's essential to consult with your registered dietitian to determine the most appropriate way forward for you.



After undergoing bariatric surgery, it's important to adopt a well-balanced eating plan to support your weight loss and overall health. However, determining the ideal calorie intake can be challenging as individual needs vary. 


Before you read this article, I want you to know that I’m an Expert Bariatric Dietitian, that doesn’t work with calories or weighing food. I help my clients break free of dieting by getting them to move away from their old habits that have sabotaged their weight loss attempts and this includes calorie counting. 


Calories can be a dangerous territory for Yo Yo dieters, binge eating disorders or any eating disorder as a matter of fact. I get hundreds of people contacting me daily over social media asking:

“How many calories should I be eating?”


My instant reaction is to reply with:


“I don’t know, because I don’t know anything about you, your weight loss goals, habits, lifestyle, where you are in your journey!” 


I’ve put this article together providing an extremely general overview of calorie ranges for different post-surgery timeframes, while emphasizing the significance of personalized guidance from your dietitian. More importantly working on your relationship with food and understanding how to create balance in what you eat is what will keep the weight off for good. You can find out more about my support HERE. 



Calorie Ranges for Different Timeframes:


1. First 6 Weeks: 


During the initial post-surgery phase, your diet will consist of liquids, pureed and soft foods. Restriction will be high, and your intake may range between 400-800 calories per day, ensuring adequate nutrition while allowing your stomach to heal.


2. 3 Months: 


As you transition to a more solid food diet, calorie intake may increase to approximately 600-900 calories per day. Focus on consuming protein-rich foods, fibre, and essential nutrients to support healing and gradual weight loss.


3. 6 Months: 


By this point, you may be consuming around 800-1,200 calories per day. Focusing on lean protein sources, vegetables, fats, fruits, and whole grains to meet your nutritional needs. Your dietitian may adjust the calorie range based on your progress, activity, lifestyle, and individual factors.


4. 12 Months: 


At the one-year mark, your calorie intake may range from 1,000-1,500 calories PLUS per day! This range supports weight maintenance and provides energy for physical activity, resting metabolic rate, and lifestyle. Continue to prioritize nutrient-dense foods and portion control.


5. Maintenance and Beyond: 


Once you've reached your weight loss goals and transitioned into the maintenance phase, calorie needs will vary depending on your unique circumstances. I have worked with some clients, that have needed to eat over 2000kcals per day (so they have told me from my plan) for maintenance due to their lifestyle changes and work. Your dietitian will help determine the appropriate calorie range to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being, or you may choose to work on your macro’s, plate method to improve your relationship with food. 



Determining the ideal calorie intake after bariatric surgery is a very personalized process that requires guidance from your dietitian. While the calorie ranges provided serve as very general guide, it's important to work closely with your dietitian to create an eating plan that suits your specific needs. Focusing on consuming nutrient-dense foods, prioritising protein, and making gradual adjustments based on your progress and overall health goals.


If you need help to support your weight loss, you can get in touch via my application process HERE. 




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Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For You?

By enquiries • 26 Aug, 2019
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