Stall!! Calorie Questions...

Hi All, I am going crazy. I have been on a stall for 3 weeks again. I did finally drop a 1lb. Then it took 3 weeks again. How many calories should I be eating at this point??? I generally eat 1000 - 1200 cals a day. High protien, low carb. I get in all my water. If I can't lose at this many cals, what happens if I increase at all? 1200 is not much at all. I thought the basic rule was 10x the amount you wanted to weigh? say - 140 lbs would be 1400 cals? I knew this surgery would be a life change. But before I was eating like 3000 or more cals a day. 1200 is close to starving. I just thought I would be able to eat more like 1500 a day to maintain? Do I need to go higher in my cals or is this all the weight I should expect to lose? I've only lost -82 lbs I really thought I would lose more than this!!! Thanks, Karin 240/158/140 is goal -82

Hi Karin, I dont know the answer either. I eat anywhere from 1200 to 2000 cal a day. (Mostly 1200-1400). I was 407lbs and now I am 281lbs, but I lose very slowly. I can eat a lot of food, more then I think everyone else eats, and that always bothered me. Plus, I never have thrown up, or dumped. I try to get in over 100g of protein a day and low carbs. The fat is higher when you dont eat the carbs which accounts for the higher calories. I do work out at the gym 3 times a week, and work full time and have a part time job, so I dont eat 5 times a day like we should. I dont know anyone who was a heavy as me to start, so I think you are doing terrific. It is not a race, and you will keep losing. I think you can vary your calorie intake and try to exercise if you can. Keep up the good work. Sue 407/281/190

I like what Sue said. This is not a race! So true. I am a very slow loser, and although that is frustrating at times, I haven't given up hope! In fact, I am continuing to lose weight, but it has been pretty slow since last Christmas. I lost 50 pound before Christmas, and only 31 pounds since then, for a total of 81 pounds. I will reach my doctor's goal in 45 pounds. I don't really count calories, but if I stop and think about what I eat in a day, it's about 1500 calories (approx.) The food I eat is typically lower in fat, although I don't just pick and choose "low fat" items. I do chose sugar-free foods, if I have a choice. I am one of those people who believes that we need a balanced diet, and everything is allowed in moderation. Even though others have lost more than me, I know I will lose more in time. I am not afraid of failing. I work out 3 - 5 times a week and walk when I can. My whole body is so different.....and it is thrilling to see and feel the changes! I hardly have any sagging skin at all! You are doing fantastic, if you've already lost 82 pounds! You are just 18 pounds away from your goal....so you will be there by your one-year anniversary, am sure of it! Good luck! ~Laura 5'9" 286/205/160