Bariatric Surgery Calorie Calculator
The Bariatric Surgery Calorie Calculator estimates your personalized daily calorie needs using your age, weight, and surgery details. This tool helps bariatric patients manage nutrition for safe weight loss. Whether you are recovering from gastric bypass, planning meals for sleeve gastrectomy, or maintaining your goal weight, this tool provides accurate targets for long-term success.
How Recommended Daily Calorie Intake Is Calculated
Your recommended daily calorie intake represents the precise energy level needed to support healing and weight loss after surgery. This calculation begins with the Mifflin-St Jeor equation to find your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which measures calories burned at complete rest.
Male: BMR = (10 × weight) + (6.25 × height) - (5 × age) + 5Female: BMR = (10 × weight) + (6.25 × height) - (5 × age) - 161TDEE = BMR × Activity FactorRecommended Calories = TDEE × Surgery Adjustment Factor
Where:
- Weight is in kilograms and height is in centimeters
- Surgery Adjustment Factor depends on the procedure type and months since surgery
Next, we multiply this BMR by your activity level to determine your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). Finally, we apply a specific reduction factor based on your surgery type and recovery phase to account for malabsorption. This multi-step process ensures your limits are safe and effective for long-term success.
What Your Recommended Daily Calorie Intake Means
This number tells you exactly how much to eat each day to reach your health goals without harming your body.
Early Post-Op Recovery
In the first 3 months, you will likely need between 600 and 800 calories daily. During this stage, focus heavily on hydration and high-protein foods to support healing tissues.
Active Weight Loss Phase
Between 6 and 12 months after surgery, your target may range from 800 to 1,200 calories. This level supports continued fat loss while fueling your increased activity levels as you regain strength.
Long-Term Maintenance
Once you reach your goal weight, you might stabilize at 1,200 to 1,500 calories. This range helps prevent weight regain while providing enough energy for your daily routine.
Pro Tip
Prioritizing protein is essential regardless of your calorie limit to preserve muscle mass.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your bariatric surgeon or a registered dietitian to ensure your nutritional plan meets your specific health needs.
Recalculate your needs every 3 to 6 months or after significant weight changes to stay on track.