Counting calories... what NUT said...

She said, "Don't do it!" What are your thoughts?

I went in yesterday to see Julie (who came to PNC) because I wanted to know if I was undereating. I eat until I am satisfied, follow the rules... and it typically ends up not being very much food.

I asked her if I should track my food intake for a while (my worry was that my weight loss would slow due to a low-calorie intake). She said I should stay away from calorie counting. I know other NUTs may differ, but I just wanted to share.

She said that getting surgery is a lot different that normal 'dieting.' The band and the RNY restrict your intake drastically and therefore counting calories can often lead to head games. She said the key is to listen to my body for the fullness feeling and base my eating on that. .. which is what I have been doing. She also said not to skip meals and get my milk in.

My fear was that eating too little slows the metabolism...but she said the way to ensure a strong metabolism is to exercise.

Now I wonder... should I still try to figure out how many calories my body needs to lose and try to up my calories? I don't know.... I just want to optimize my losses, that's all.

I've never been one to count calories, but I've wondered if I should now, too.  It's hard to wrap my brain around the number of calories I need to LOSE weight - it seems so high!  I'm scared I'll actually GAIN if I eat that much! 

Skip the calorie count and keep winning emmys?
Hows that suit ya! LOL
Kelly/tink

LOL suits me well, lol!

Hi Elena,

First off - congrats on the Emmys!  Holy hanna that is fabulous!!  You are a rock star!

I'm five years out and haven't counted a calorie since my surgery.  I always focused on the quantity of food and the quality of it.  Protein first, then vegs/fruit, then whatever else fit in the pouch within the guidelines of PNC's program.  I know you're a bander, but the principles are the same really.  I don't waste room on something that either doesn't taste good or isn't good for me.  Do I eat fries?  Yes, but I skip the bun when ordering sandwiches.  Fries fall into the "taste good" category!  ha!  I'd rather "spend" the room on a few fries than on a bun.  Do I eat bread?  Yes.  But it might be a few bites of something out of the bread basket...if it's so-so - I don't fini****  Do I eat at buffets?  Yes, but only at Chinese ones with co-workers and I only take a spoon of this and that - my favorites of whatever is there and I save room for a sugar bun.  Now those are loaded with fat and calories...but I CHOOSE to "spend" on that vs. something else.

Everyone needs to figure out what works for them....to either lose or to maintain.  Some folks do great with tracking their food on fitday.com or something similar.  I've been too lazy to do that, but have thought about it when the scale creeps in the wrong direction.  I don't really want to do it for the calorie aspect, but on WHAT and how much I'm eating.  How much crap is going in and so forth.

I agree with your nut.  We aren't normal dieters anymore.  THANK GOD!  I did it the old way for 30 years and got no where.  I'd much rather live like I do now and not be a slave to the calorie book.

Good luck....and thanks for posting this!

I disagree with what she said... I count them daily and always know where I am.
That goes for daily proteins and carbs etc. 
For me that works because not knowing was what got me where I was at 263.

Just my opinion.... I think one has to tailor this experience to ones own mind and body.,

Your doing great !!!!!!!!!!

That's exactly it... it seems like what works for one doesn't always work for another... it's a matter of what actually WORKS.

Very interesting reading the variety of options.  However, from the beginning, I've never had to track calories and carbs;  instead was instructed to just get in minimum 60 g's protein daily, and there's just not room for much other than that.  As time progressed, I've gotten to where I now try getting 80 g's protein.  Best wishes as you decide what's right for you!  Hugs, Patti

Julie told me the same thing in a different way and with maintaining in mind.  To do protein first (for me 46 grams daily), and then do fat (30-40 grams daily).  The rest falls into place -- carbs, calories, etc.  Counting calories should NOT be the first and foremost for RNY people because of the malabsorption of protein.  You don't malabsorb all fat, carbs or calories. 

Protein and fat ratio's are also important -- get the best bang for your buck.  With what I'm suppose to get, a protein to fat ratio of 1 to 1 works really well for 75% of my protein intake.  Milk takes care of the non-fat part of the protein still needed.

But that is what is suppose to work for me -- others do things differently because no one is the same and everyone's journey is different.  And it doesn't always work because of my sugar and carb issues.  So I have to play with different combinations which sometimes does involve counting carbs and calories too.

Good post though -- everyone needs to stay in contact with their dietitian and/or nurse for advise on making it work for them.....

That's a good thought... and interesting that she advises the same thing for maintaining too!