Counting Calories -- Good idea or Bad idea?

Lately I have noticed that I pay more attention to the calories in my food. Right after the surgery I couldn't eat that much, so calories were not a concern. My concern was getting enough protein and water. Now that I can eat more I notice I will not eat certain foods (peanuts, cheddar cheese, etc.) if they have to many calories. Since I have been doing this I have noticed two things. First thing is that I am eating less food protein, so I have to supplement with protein drinks. I do nectar, so the protein is high and the calories low. The other thing is that I have become pretty obsessive about entering in all my food in FitDay. I have failed in every diet in the past, so I don't want to get on that wheel again. But...I want to make sure I am using this tool as effectively as possible. Do you count calories? If so, how much do you eat in a day? Thanks. Alicia 240/141/130

I don't count calories, Alicia. But, I do try and keep up with protein and limit carb intake. Sugar, fried foods, or a combination of fatty/sweet foods are just not in my diet anymore. I almost always dump with these foods, so I leave them alone. I like string cheese, apples, whole wheat crackers, grapes, nuts, skim milk, fish, steak, and (of course) Diet Coke. I haven't had a problem with carbonation since 4 months post-op. I eat smaller meals than before WLS and I try to get a couple of snacks in each day. I hated counting calories before surgery, and I know I would still hate it now. However, I don't mind weighing every morning! And I walk and exercise at Curves for Women. That has been helpful for me. I will be interested in knowing if others are counting calories or keeping a diet log. Good luck with your journey! ~Laura

The only time I started keeping a calorie count was when I started using FitDay religiously. I use between 1100-1500 calories per day and generally lose between 1-2 pounds per week. I usually have Eggbeaters/cheddar cheese in am. A liquid protein and protein bar between breakfast and lunch. Lunch is usually a PB& sf Jelly sandwich on 1 piece of bread. For my afternoon snack I'll usually have yogurt or if I'm really hungry I'll have another protein bar or drink. Dinner last night was turkey chili w/beans and a little cheese. I also drink a minimum of 64 oz of liquid per day. (mostly decaf iced tea) I hope this helps you. Barbara Conaway RNY 8/16/04 296/216 -80

I think all aspects of "counting" are in important. My nutrutionist has me between 1200-1400 calories a day (she says you should never fall below 1200 calories), I count my fat grams, and stay under 50g of fat each day, and my protein, which I try to go between 75-100 g. each day. When I fall below my protein or above my fat and calories, I don't lose weight as well. All 3 go hand in hand for success, as well as your vitamins and water. Good Luck! JUDY 359/256.8/165-185? -102.2 lbs.

Thanks for responding. I did FitDay today and I ate 700 cals., 30 grams of fat (I can't figure out how to cut this more and still eat enough protein!), 20-ish carbs (I forgot the exact #), and 65 grams of protein. Sounds like I am not eating enough protein or calories, but I am trying to be good and not eat too much fat and carbs. Thanks for being my sounding board. Alicia 240/140/130 P.S. I finally made the century club!

Here is what I was told to do... Months 1-3 - 300-450 calories Months 3-5 - 450-600 calories Months 6-7 - 600-750 calories Months 8-9 - 750-950 calories Months 10-11 - 950-1100 calories Months 12 and up - 1200-1400 calories Again, this is just my surgeons requirements. When I track my food and I fall in this range, I lose nicely. Lately there have been days where I know I grazed and I ate much more than I should have and I do not lose. So again, all I know is this works for me! Tiffany 283/170/?