When, exactly, do calories get absorbed by the body?

[CTyankee]

I tried Googling this question but didn't get much.

No, I am not bulemic. I am asking because I recently Ihad some surgeries that necessitated removing quite a bitof my "digestive material" (small intestine). It was not cancer,just a complication of other elective surgery.

Anyway, I do remember my surgeon telling me I would always be thin. I took it to mean that my appetite would be less. But now that I am fully recovered from that ordeal I have my appetite back and I have gained only 2 lbs of the 25 I lost. I'm OK with that but it just makes me wonder how this whole thing is keeping me thinner. Not complaining, mind you, just wondering...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. For me, the minute I think about them.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear CTyankee...

I believe that the major part of absorption takes place in the small intestine...

That's where the microvillae are, and they do the work.

My memory's hazy though...

It's been awhile since I studied this sort of thing!

Less small intestine=less area to absorb the nutrients...

You might want to ask him or a nutritionist about ways to make sure you're getting the proper quantities of nutrients...

:hi:

[CTyankee]

5. Ah, that's why my gastrointerologist wanted a follow up blood test!

It was a while back. I never got a call back. I should call his office and find out if "no news is good news." I do take a multivitamin, fiber pill and acidophilus every day.

Thank you so much Peggy! That helps me understand better!

[flvegan]

3. Depends on where the calories are coming from.

Something to bear in mind is in regard to protein. There are fast absorbing and slow absorbing proteins. Both calories and proteins should be taken into consideration.

I'm glad your surgeries was a success. Sounds very invasive.

[CTyankee]

6. Invasive? 3 frickin' surgeries in 3 weeks time, last April.

I was in the hospital 6 weeks, 2 weeks in rehab, then home with VNA coming every day to change the mile deep incision wound in my belly. Also had a temporary colostomy. A 4th surgery, October 5th, took that away and I am all put back together again.

I am really hungry again and eat 4 times a day, with the biggest meal being at about 11 am. I eat lots of protein and have been able to merge most fruits and vegetables back into my diet (no corn on the cob, popcorn or peanuts allowed). Something's gotta be going on...

[SPKrazy]

4. immediately

in my case

of course calories are also burned

the rate of burn depends on several factors

[CTyankee]

7. Funny thing is I haven't started to exercise again.

Before this damn thing happened to me, I worked out on a treadmill 6 days a week for 45 minutes a shot, uphill for 2 30 second spurts. I thought that would put me in good shape and reduce my weight. It did reduce my weight by about 6 pounds. I was discouraged and disappointed.

So now this thing has me wondering, what is going on? I want to get back to my treadmill but I still wonder...?