Protein and calories?

Hi Marchers! I don't post alot, but I read the March message board faithfully and you all inspire me alot. I have lost 70lbs so far, but my weight loss has slowed way down this month. I was wondering if I am eating too much or too little. I try to stay around 600-700 calories a day and get in 60 grams of protein. My nutritionist said 60 grams is what I need, but she won't give me a number for how many calories we should eat a day. I do exercise, but the scale is crawling. If you eat less less than 600 calories how do you get all your protein in? I eat mostly lean meat, but if I drink a shake, have a protein bar or have a few nuts the calories get high. I'm confused.... Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! Scarlette

i drink syntrax nectar protein drinks, they're a supplement rather than a meal replacement--a lot of people think that atkins shakes and such are protein drinks, but those are meal replacement shakes. nectar only has 90 calories, 0 sugar, 0 carbs, 0 fat, and 24g of protein. i like fuzzy navel the best. i'm trying to get in a few more calories, i'm supposed to aim for 800 but have been falling short and i think it's part of my lack of energy problem lately. my exercise has increased, and i think i'm running out of fuel.

At our hospital, the nutritionists say 64g protein for women and 72 for men, but that's minimum. Calories are 800, but can occasionally go higher to 1000 (it just slows you down). Are you getting in water? Also, are you losing inches? The body will stop losing, from time to time, as it kinda gets used to the idea of losing so fast without it being starved. Hang in there, it looks like you're doing it right. Greg (342/227/178)

Michelle, Where do you get your protien shakes? I have been drinking some stuff from Avon thats pretty good but Im scared to just buy anything! Some of those protien shakes can be so gross!! And it is true that you can lose inches and the weight wont change? Cause mine has stayed the same all month but I have had more comments on the weight loss this month than any and I feel smaller!!

i get mine from bariatriceating.com my fave is nectar, they're fruit flavored and not a thick milky type shake, but more like a thin smoothie or fruit juice. they have sample packs, i'd suggest trying some before buying a whole jug.

Shag, I definitely would not decrease your calorie intake during a slump. It seems logical, but it is most certainly not the thing to do. Besides, 600 calories at this far post op seems low to me. I know our surgeons are all different in their approach, but, I know for sure that a body is a body and if you are putting it in starvation mode, it will respond like it is. I was told that during a plateau, first make sure you aren't doing anything to cause the plateau. Like, drinking too many of your calories, eating sugary foods OR snacking too much throughout the day. If that isn't the case, your body probably is on a natural plateau. During one of those you need to adjust your routine. That means everything from A-Z. Increase the protein and cut back on fruits/veggies. Increase water. Increase exercise and yes, increase calories. 1,000 calories by no means is too much. Most people can still maintain weight loss between 1,000 and 1,200. Of course, do what your surgeon advises, but I think if you try the above steps, you'll see that your body responds by letting go of the storage. Cutting back just makes it hold on more, sad but true.

I concur with Emily's response. I was eating about 800 calories a day and doctor told me I should be eating 1000-1100. (Who would have ever thought my doctor would tell me to eat more!) There is a good reason for that. At 900 or fewer calories, your body starts to think you're starving and it fights to retain every fat cell it can. It actually makes your weight loss slow down. Since I've added a couple hundred calories, I'm losing weight, I have more energy, and I'm pleasantly satisfied all the time.

You are not eating enough! You should be around 900-1000 calories by now. Eating too much or eating too few can cause problems. So up your protein and up your calories. I find that then I up my protein to 90-110 per day (easily done with mixes) I tend to lose more and have more energy. Also mix your protein mix with WATER, not milk to save on calories. I use www.fitday.com and it tracks my protein, calories, fat and carbs. As you enter food in each day it gives you a pie chart of how you are doing. It's tedious to set up (adding new custom foods in), but after you are set up, it's a breeze plus it's free!! Just a note, if a measurement of food just gives you it by CUP, use decimal points not fractions to give the serving you had if it was less than a cup. Hang in there! Congrats on 70 lbs so far!! You'll lose again. I had a 3+ week stall this month and I'm finally beginning to lose again. It's frustrating, but hang in there! You aren't alone! Trisha -89 lbs

Scarlette, My nutritionist has me on 800 calories a day and 94 grams of protein. It's a juggling act everyday to get what she feels is the correct amount of protein into my diet. I eat alot of meat, mostly chicken, fish and some lean, lean, pork (can't seem to tolerate beef well), and my protein supplement is UNJURY. I tried the others, but this one works best for me. I keep a 10 oz shaker of 2 scoops chocolate Unjury and 2% milk in the fridge always, and usually divide it between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. 1 scoop of Unjury equals 20 grams of protein. Works for me. They have a protein needs calculator on their website. The URL is: http://www.unjury.com/reg/calculator.shtml Maybe that will help? best wishes Myra 442/430/355/150 hw/sw/cw/gw

hi my name is marlene, i had surgery march 21, 2005. i have lost almost 70 pounds but in the past week i gained 3 pounds. i am not eating any different, i have not been taking 60g of protein. i can not find one that i like yet. i am really depressed. i am starting to do the walk away the pounds video. nothing to strenuous. i had complications after surgery. i will die if i gain weight. but i have read some helpful hints here. i thank you for posting it. i feel better.