Counting calories.

Im at Sedentary on Livestrong.   MY OPINION...  I think anything over 1500 calories a day for ACTIVE WEIGHT LOSS is too much.   I just know what worked for me.

when I was first banded, I was eating 1800-2000 calories a day and losing 2 lbs a week.  
I was working out 4 days a week too, about 30-45 minutes a day.  My NET intake after exercise was usually between 1300-1500 calories.    That worked for me for a year....

I stalled BIG TIME for about 7 months up until December 2010.  I changed it up.   I lowered my calories to 1400-1600 a day, and increased my exercise to 5 days, no less than an hour each time.  I've also been more consistent with strength training.  I think that is KEY for anyone post op 1 year or more that is struggling to get to goal.   The cardio was GREAT and worked perfect for the first year.   

After I changed it up, the weight started coming off again.  

I had to play around with the numbers and get it right....  I was too high, then too low, etc.  You gotta find what works for YOU.    

Good luck!

gosh how do you get in 1800 calories per day I struggle to get in just 1300 in a day .

I do four  hr Zumba classes Monday , Wed , Thursdays and Saturdays  and t hen on Tuesday, Thursday I do the curves circuit with zumba to get in some toning .

I dont aim to eat 1800 calories a day anymore for weight loss... (I had 2000 cals yesterday, but it was a snacky day for me, and I didnt get to the gym).

1800-2000 calories adds up.  

I also have snacks...  a typical day for me is

coffee (with creamer - 120 cals)
Breakfast - something with some protein, lately its been Bob Evans Breakfast Burritos(170 cals)
Lunch - It ranges... but its usually lean protein with a salad or soup and (around 250-350 cals)
Snack - Yogurt and string cheese (140 cals)
Dinner - ALWAYS lean protein mixed with something, and on most days around 400-500 calories because I eat AFTER I work out and am usually famished!

So the total is  1280 for the day...   now mind you, that is IF I stick to my plan... BIG IF.  there are days that I have a few crackers with laughing cow, or if I want something sweet I'll grab a cookie, or a few mini Hersheys, etc.    Im a candy junkie!!

If I have a glass of wine with dinner, that adds 130 calories.     I basically just eat what I want in moderation, and it works for me.   I make up for it at the gym.  This doesnt work for everyone, and some people with disagree withmy way of doing things, but it works for ME and thats what matters.

 

Thanks for your help everyone.

A few more questions. I can I figure out how much calories I'm burning when I work out?

Also. My doctor is against count calories for some odd reason. He just wants me to have 3 small meals a day and exercise.

Do you all have more than 3? A snack?

I just posted above about my eating/snacking. I snack.  Yes. 

As far as knowing what I burn.... I use a Heart Rate Monitor...

Polar F6.  You can get them on Amazon.com for around $100.00    Much cheaper than a BodyBugg (which Id LOVE to have) and you dont have to pay for  subscription either.    

Ive worked out with my Polar for the past 4 years.. Love it and couldnt imagine going to the gym without it.

My Polar is a/an FT-7.  I got that one because it has the capability of uploading my workouts to my computer.

I also want to get a fitbit.  they're only 99.00 and do much the same as a bodybugg, I do believe.  Haven't researched them fully yet.

BodyMedia is made by the same company as BodyBugg.  A little *****eaper.