Being mathematical about things

I know, strange topic . . . that's me :)

Today I have exercised about 40 minutes, burning about 270 calories if the machines are to be believed. I am slowly trying to build up to at least an hour, but I am only 10 days post-op and I am feeling like I shouldn't push too hard just yet.

My thought process started turning to the mathematics of weight gain and loss. It should be a simple equation of taking in fewer calories than you burn = weight loss. With a bypass, one also malabsorbs some of it . . . so has anyone tried figuring out your caloric intake, subtracting the malabsorption, and then trying to exercise off the amount of calories left? For example, if I eat 1000 calories and don't absorb 40%, then exercise 600 calories off per day, will I lose faster or just crash from over-doing it?

What about eating 1000 calories and trying to exercise that amount off? (so even more than one would actually absorb of the intake).

I am just too newbie in thinking like this?!?

Let it go and relax.  You are losing weight and can just focus on getting in protein!  The weight will definitely come off.  If you are too analytical, you'll get obsessed!  Take care.  Mary

Honestly, this early out I do not think you need to worry about the calories.  I am just over 3 months out and my program stresses getting in the required amount of protein and fluids.  I still barely eat about 900 to 1000 cals a day.  I just got into my final stage in my program about 2 weeks ago and have to try to get at least 80 g protein a day now, which I am working on. 

Also, 10 days postop and on the treadmill?  Have you checked with the surgeon?  I was not cleared to exercise until 1 month postop.  I was only allowed to walk around as much as I could before the 1 month followup to help get rid of the CO2 excess and avoid blood clots. 

My opinion, try not to obsess over the calories.

I am with the other, don;t obsess.  I too am overly analytical, and though you think there should be a simple formula, there are to many variables.  First there really aren;t any concrete stats on how much we malabsorb(so already a flaw in calculation) Second the weight is gonna come off, there is no need to focu on the caloric deficit, there is one and that's all that matters.  You'll do yourself a favor and save your sanity if you just focus on what your program tells you to do, and if you do these things it will happen.   The excercise is good and important for overall health, but it's not what will cause most of the loss, so don;t stress or over do it.

drs always say there is a malabsorption peice of RNY.. but we really have no idea how much that is, or if its even "true" for everyone.  there is nothing wrong with eating 1000 calories and exercising those 1000 calories off.  exercise is good for us, beyond weight loss.   everyone you talk to has different opinions about exercise...but I believe that if you stick to an exercise plan and commit to it from the beginning of your journey you will lose weight quicker than you would have if you didnt exercise.  I say it from experience...I have lost 165 pounds in 8 months, but I have been committed to the gym.  and I still have about 30 more to go... good luck in your journey

I am finding it a bit hard not to obsess because I keep thinking that with an RNY I really don't have that big a window in which to lose weight, and I would really like to get under 200 pounds and stay there -- so I figure I probably need a little bounce-back room. Though I haven't weighed under 200 in about 3 decades!