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In case anyone was wondering about the source for the quotation regarding calories for lifelong maintenance, it's from me in this post -- https://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/6038334/How-do-yall-l ose-a-pound-a-week/#50487286

oh I don't know. maybe they'd wonder about it if a newbie thought it important enough to include in one of their first threads?

Awesome example of how to win friends

I was probably eating 500-ish calories only for the first month or so, maybe. After that, a lot of us try to stay in the 600-800 range for the first year - and/or until we hit maintenance. Maintenance again is going to vary a lot - people's metabolism rates are all cross the board. You'll find people on here who have to stay around 1000 calories to maintain, and others who can eat 2000 and still maintain. I would say most of us seem to maintain on 1200-1600-ish calories - but again, YMMV.

Hey!

First thanks for your service, I am an Army Vet and I use the Dallas VA for all of my medical issues, especially since I am service connected. However, I know exactly what you are talking about, rude doctors, surgeons and nurses who will laugh to your face when you ask an entirely legitimate question. I did the MOVE program in 2012 with some success and again in 2017 with almost no losses and even gains. My move coordinator would call and be downright rude, especially because I was at work, and I tried to explain it wasn't a good time, (I was a HS teacher).

I talked repeatedly with my VA PCP about WLS, she just shuts me down with suggests like "try MOVE again," or "there is a yoga for vets @ FTW VA," 60 + miles from my home. (For the record I have started the yoga on my own, via an app)

My solution was to use my Tricare since she wouldn't even offer me a referral to talk to someone about WLS @ the VA. I would use other options if at all possible. I have had to do extra legwork since they have all of my medical records but honestly I feel more at peace with this route.

So here are some of what I know, I am doing VGS, laparoscopic, you don't really have a calorie count per say, it is more about getting the proper amount of protein and avoiding net carbs. When I told the (non VA) dietician we eat rice several times a week she suggest quinoa as a lower carb substitution post - op diet. That is more of what you and a dietician can work on moving forward.

Best Wishes on your WLS journey, feel free to add me as a friend.

Amy B

OH the irony! My MOVE person didn't speak fluent english either and it was such a struggle to understand him on the phone.

GIRL, we served! We were available 24 hour days to our country, we not only earned that "free" healthcare we earned the BEST this nation has to offer. It breaks my heart that we cannot get it.

You have my respect and if you can get through BCT & Battle Stations, Girl you got this! Remember those days when you thought you couldn't stand one more second in the front leaning rest, and you dug deep? We are the real deal, and I have faith in us!

Thanks to the both of you for your service. It's an absolute tragedy that our country lets our Veterans down when they leave the military.