daily calories question

i was wondering how many calories we was possed to average daily post op. i just was figuring mine and i average bout 261 roughly.(i used fitday) do i need to up my calories? could this be why im losing so slowly? thanks for any ideas and input. lisa

Dear Lisa, My calories range between the mid 500s to 700. I'm getting in 70 grams of protein a day with only an occasional protein supplement. I exercise 30 min. each morning for 5 days (I give myself the weekend off) and with weights three times a week but just briefly (15 min.?). I have lost slowly--in my opinion--for being as large as I am to start with. But I have had these pounds on me for way too many years and I am not "young" as they say! So I figure that I have so messed up my body that it is holding on for dear life and I have to be patient despite myself. But it sure hasn't been the rapid weight loss I expected/hoped for. My nutritionist seemed satisfied with what I was doing. Sally

sally, u sound like ur doing great!! thanks for letting me know how many calories u get. i think i wasnt getting enough. but tonite i upped them to over 500 and we'll see how that does. its hard getting all this food in! thanks again lisa

Hi Lisa, I'm averaging around 700 per day and occasionally get up to 900 (I use fitday too). I do think that 260 is really low, considering the average diet recommends 1200 per day to LOSE. I'd ask your nutritionist or doctor for sure, but my bet is your metabolism has slowed way down to survive!! You may have gone into the starvation mode where your body holds on to calories by slowing down just to keep your daily activity level (not counting exercise!) going. hang in there! --Dana

dana, yeah i think 260 is really low too so i tried really hard to up them today. got over 500. its hard getting all this food in but im trying. still gonna have a protein shake later b4 bed.i think u might have hit the nail on the head bout the starvation mode thing. thanks for ur reply-- i really appreciate it!!! lisa

Hi Lisa. I average 700-800 calories a day. I use fitday too. How can you be getting in all your protein on 260 calories? That just doesn't look right. We were told not to count calories, but by taking in 60-80 gm protein a day, that we would average about 800 calories a day. I would give your dietician a call to discuss this. You don't want to go into starvation mode. Kathy

kathy, truthfully ive been having trouble getting in all my protein. i got sick on one kind, didnt like another and then i just plain forget to make the shakes. i know... bad bad me but its the truth. but im turning over a new leaf here and trying to do better!!! i think i might have already hit starvation mode but i got over 500 calories tonite and gonna try really hard to get more towards the 500-700 average daily along with reaching my protein goal. i just didnt realize i was getting so low #'s. thanks for ur reply-- it really helped lisa

Lisa, I also was told by my Doctor not to count calories, count protein... however, I was worried about the same thing you are, so I started inputting into fitday.com and found I was getting less than 400 on average, with 50-60 grams of protein. I uped the protein I eat (more meat and another shake) bringing me closer to 800 and my body literally started shrinking and I'm getting 90-100 grams of protein! My support group people advocate that the closer to 100 grams of protein per day, the better your weight loss. Their motto is "protein, water, vitamins, and move" Your body won't let you starve it, so eat what you can. I found shaved deli meat and chicken/tuna/crab salad help get more protein in without having to fix a MEAL. Good luck, Tammy

TAMMY, thanks for ur reply.im making sure i get more protein and watching my calories too. so far the past few days ive done loads better and the scale is moving again. im happy bout that lisa

Hi Lisa How do you get all your protein and food under 230 cals? My protein alone is 240 plus 90 for the milk. I always look for protein with less cals. Or are you talking about cals from your food? You got me thinking!!! LOL If you are not getting all your protein that is a major key to slow weight loss your body starts holding on to everything once it gets protien it will start burning fat. I went thru it, I was not getting my protein in because I had Isopure and it was making me sick. So I went awhile not getting nearly enough as soon as I started on a kind I love BOOM the weight flew off after 3 days! And I continue to lose. Hope this helps. I am new to the board first time posting. My date was Nov 15th. I lost 65 pounds so far and feel wonderful! Good luck Angel