Do you believe

Okay, guys.  I'm 8 weeks out and the scale hasn't been moving much lately.  I've been reading up a lot lately about "starvation mode." 
Do you believe there is such a thing?  I'm not sure that I do.
I calculated my resting metabolic rate:  1860 and my caloric intake for the past week, approx 700 calories/day.  If a pound is approximately 3500 calories than I should have lost approx 3 lbs in the last week.  I've seen nothing on the scale.
Information that I have read is that if you go below 1000-1200 calories per day, your body goes into "starvation mode."  This is where your metabolism slows and your body tries to hold onto every calorie you intake.
However, the dr's literature says that my calorie intake should be somewhere around 800 per day.
Tell me what you think!!!!

I totally believe this. As a matter of fact when I was pre-op and I was on my liquid diet, my body was in starvation mode. As soon as I ate something, I would lose weight. funny isn't it?

So Aaron, didn't Mary Beth tell you 800 calories per day?  What are you actually getting in?

yeah she told me about 800 calories a day......although I think I'm getting that much and maybe a little more now that I'm eating more regular food. The protein shakes and bars alone almost make up for the 800 calories. I'll tally up what I took in today because I had a pretty good day eating-wise and I'll post my results.

I do believe. However, I think that the human body is quite complex and there are other factors that could be part of this. That is why we have goals for the quality of the calories we consume, i.e. protein first, etc. Have you factored in your exercise? is it possible, you are building muscle instead of fat? Postive changes could still be going on even if not measurable via a scale. I hit a plateau about 8 to 10 weeks post op and it lasted an entire month. During this time, I gained and lost the same 3 pounds over and over again. I agree it is frustrating, but things did eventually start moving again. As long as you are doing all of the things you are supposed to do, I think you just need to give it some more time. I know that is quite easy for me to say and quite another thing to actually do. We want our transformations and we want them NOW!

Deb:
Thanks for the pep talk.  I do need to learn to be more patient.  I have done the same 2 lbs for the past 2 weeks (almost).  It is totally frustrating!!!!  I'm trying to take the "scientific" approach and make sure there is nothing else that I could be doing to facilitate my weight loss and take advantage of the "sweet" period. 

I not only believe, I lived it.  But it's not a caloric number...  It's more like a survival mechanism your body has to keep itself from running without gas.  I found that I could not eat very well at all when I was just out, so I ate a few bites here and there ALL day just to fit in all the protein grams, etc., starting as SOON as got up each day, softest food first, like the cottage cheese.  Two, three bites, then half hour later the rest of the carton, half hour later something else, just fed myself all day....  My caloric intake was actually equal or less than the doctor recommendations, protein was up and my energy  and activity level was consistent all day.  I never felt bloated, had an easier time fitting in the water, etc.  Try something similar that works for you.  Talk with your doc, your activity level should increase about now I think so that should help too...

Thanks so much for the tips.  I didn't even figure in the exercise that I've been putting in at the gym.  I'm going to try to up my calories some, but it is difficult when you physically can't eat that much.  I am in this for the long haul.  I just want to use my tool to the best advantage.

Also, your body goes through stalls throughout this process. you might not be losing weight but inches. I dropped a pant size without losing any weight. so stop focusing on the scale and just keep doing what you are doing. also, i was told by my surgeon the more protein you get the better. don't limit yourself to 60-80 grams. go to 100 or more if you can.

Nic:
Thanks for the kind words.  I know I have gone down in size, but since the scale reflects the same number, I discount the small triumph of the smaller clothes.  I know it's something I have to work out with my brain.  I am definately going to try to get in more protein.  I've been noticing some hair loss as well.  Hope you're doing well.