Eh, I've been researching the whole "starvation mode" concept and, as far as I can tell, it doesn't really exist except in extreme cases -- none of which applies to us.

In the famous Minesonata study that started the whole idea, the men in the study did experience a drop in metabolism when their calories went very, very low. (At or below 50% of their resting metabolic rate). But ... and this is a big but ... they never stopped losing weight. They did *not* plateau. Plus this drop in metabolism didn't happen instantaneously the second they dropped below 50% calories.

IME, you need to eat enough calories that you still have the energy to do your daily activities. If you are taking naps 2x a day instead of going to the gym to work out, adding in some calories is going to help you. But adding in too many -- more than you burn with your extra energy -- is self-defeating.

Personally, I have to keep my calories down around 650 on average and work out at least 4x a week or my weight loss slows way down. I know adding more calories doesn't help because I had at least 800 calories every day I was in Vegas and I only lost 1 lb. that week compared to the 4 I've already lost this week.

Hi, I'm Lisa and I'm 10+ weeks out.  I've lost 28 lbs and have been in a huge stall.  I do know it will start moving but its hard when you are only eating about 700 calories and aren't losing.  I feel like I am getting into a good rythym though.  Get my 65-75 grams of protein in every day.  I began an exercise program --- not going at it too agressively.  I figure whatever I start I need to continue the rest of my life so I want to make sure it works for me.  I joined a gym and am going 4 times a week.  I found I really like the recumbant bike and can do it for 30 minutes.  Then I spend about 15 minutes doing the ab machines.  In December I am going on a cruise with my husband.  We cruise often but this will be the first post-op.  I am nervous about finding things I can eat.  We'll see.

Wow Marie you are doing really well.  A triathlon that is big time.  Go for it Marie.

Ok everyone it is roll call.  Lets see how many of us check in.

My name is Asia and I live in the beautiful state of Hawaii.  I am 9 weeks out and have lost exactly 50 lbs.  That is 50% of my excess weight.  This is the best thing that I have ever done.  I am starting my running program and hoping to do my first 10K in February.  I don't plan on running the whole thing but plan on running half. 

Aloha,
Asia

i'm 2 months out and eat around 800 calories and 60 grams of protein.   I've been in a big stall, but can't seem to get in any more protein/calories than that.