Do you HAVE TO count calories?

I always knew I'd end up with one eventually. I was 440 (ish) pounds when I had the sleeve, down from just over 750 pounds. I was too sick for the bypass and the DS, and there was some damage from Celiac, so we held off. I am now stalling constantly and go between 295 - 310. Even eating 600-700 calories I stall. My metabolism is similar to Biggest Looser contestants, many of whom are similarly damaged. Even in the hospital on a very controlled diet recently they saw this. It's super annoying. I was put on Saxenda recently which seems to have kick started it again at least, but I can't take it long-term. I am still very metabolically deranged.

Bypasses and the DS "reboot" the metabolism in a way the sleeve does not. I also need a knee replacement, and while I am losing weight (slowly), it was decided that it's prudent to revise given my complex medical history, so I can be closer to a normal weight sooner. Otherwise, it would probably take another ten years to lose the rest at this rate. I've lost a tremendous amount, just now my dumb hybrid metabolism is being a jerkface.

I was told 2 ounces - by volume not weight- for each meal at first. Measure everything and not eyeball it. That insures that we are not over eating and ending up uncomfortable. That will eventually increase through the healing process. Protein first as everyone here has said-

Personally I do HAVE to count calories. I wouldn't stay on track if I didn't.

I count calories as well. And protein grams. I don't worry as much about other things. Whatever works best for you is the way to do it....

No. You don't HAVE to do anything.

What you should do is find out what works for you. Different things work for different people. If you can focus on protein and portion size and it works then do that. If it doesn't then re-evaluate and find something that does.

Counting calories worked for me. But I also find it healthy to step away from counting sometimes as well.

As you can see, I am an outlier on this.

It just goes to show how personal this journey is and how we must focus on what works for us, individually. It's definitely not one-size-fits-all but there is an underlying theme of awareness and tracking of some sort that leads to ongoing success. So interesting. That's what I love about these boards.

I agree!

Also remember 4oz of celery is not the same as 4 oz of duck liver pate. Hence it is easy to limit volume or weight and still be way over in calories for what your body needs.

How you monitor your consumption is ultimately up to you. However if your goal is to learn and change your eating, then finding every trick and tool at your disposal is great.

Permanent change will require permanent modification of behavior. Surgery is just one tool but it will not result in a permanent change if you do not also modify your eating and exercise.

Best of luck. You can succeed.

Agreed, they are definitely not the same! 4oz of celery would go in my tummy...4oz of duck liver pate would go in the trash!! lol