Calories

I've used the search feature to look up and see other posts like this, there are a lot, but not that I feel help me so much. Mostly, I am still anxious over how many calories I should ACTUALLY be eating. My surgeon says 1200-1500, but that seems like way too many. I know that's a normal losing amount for a normal person, but I don't think I am. While losing, what did you guys stay at? 750-800 is where I fall on a normal day.

I feel like I know the answer already, but I am always a worrier. I am going to worry about this forever until I hear from you guys who I trust,

When I was in the losing phase I ate between 600 and 800 calories a day. 1,200 - 1,500 is maintenance calories for most people, but my maintenance calories are around 1,000.

I ate from 800-1000 calories (surgeon's recommendation), usually hitting around 900 while I was losing. Since I got to my goal weight on Nov. 9, I have upped my calories to an average of 1365 and still have lost another 4 pounds. But I'm 6 ft tall, so factor that in!

PS - you're doing soooo well with your losses thus far! If you aren't hungry and feel good physically and energy-wise, I wouldn't change anything.

Thank you! I do feel good with energy. Someone was telling me how I "didn't have any energy because I'm not eating enough." I know they were worried since my new job is going to be VERY physical, but I couldn't help but wonder how they seemed to know how much energy I had, since they aren't me. I have more energy than I've ever had in my life lol.

I stayed 600-800 during the loss phase. My Bari center wanted me at 800 by 6 months and they said I could nudge up to 1,200 the closer I got to goal. I lost ~100lbs total, so it was quick for me, though. I actually was still eating 800 when I hit goal and then I have lost another 13-15lbs since then finding maintenance calories. Some people's metabolisms are shot and they will maintain easily on 1,200-1,500 calories, even at a higher weight. On the same token, I still lose at 1,500 calories and 130-ish lbs. So I guess you never know?

Knowing where my metabolism is is the most frustrating, because I have no clue. I'm naturally a very anxious person and trial and error for stuff drives me up the wall! I guess that's the only way to figure out what will work in my future. You've done so great, I've loved seeing your progress, especially since we were sleeves at around the same time!

For some reason, I missed your response! Thank you! I'm happy to have gotten to goal so quickly, but the real test will be staying here. I had an RMR done when I was within 10lbs of my stretch goal and it was real peace of mind as to what I needed to eat in order to maintain. I think it's tempting to have one done earlier but then it really just gives an excuse to eat more doesn't it? Or at least it would have been that way for me.

Same - I aimed for 600-800 and ranged from that to 1000 or so. The weight loss slowed down at the end and then when I was satisfied with reaching my personal goal I lost another 4 lbs - which has come back, lol. I think height, activity etc play a big part. I am barely five feet tall and the most I did was walk alot or go to zumba.

Too high- and that is coming from someone who ate more calories than the typical poster here. I am 6'2'' and exercised hard an hour or more 6-7 times a week. (Not in the first few weeks). Month 1 calories were 300-500, approaching 700 by the end I believe. Month 2 800 or less Month 3 800-1000. By month 5 I leveled off at 1100-1200 and was able to take off the last amount that way, albeit a bout of food poisoning in the very end rapidly took care of those final pesky 8 pounds or so.

I am sure by now you have heard of the honeymoon period. It is not a hard and fast rule that you stop losing at 6 months. There are posters who consistently lost for a year and a half or more and put up huge numbers (200 plus pounds). It is easier though in the first 6 months and I would encourage you to absolutely take advantage. 800 calories goes a really long way with our tiny portions, and even now 6 years out I can manage on that IF I am very mindful of what and when I eat. Track every bite and hit your protein targets and other micro nutrient targets. I do not recommend any processed food or white carbs that metabolize fast into sugar. Eat protein first. I did eat green leafy veggies or fruit that was low on the glycemic index. I was not perfect but did strive to be very consistent.

In short, cut calories back. That is way too high unless you have some type of unusual medical need.