Is it true/calorie question?

Hi all--is it true that if you don't consume enough calories,  your body goes into a so-called "starvation mode" and you won't lose weight? I'm 5'11, about 274 right now, 7 weeks post lapband, and 21 pounds down. I have been eating about 1300 per day...is that enough/just right/too much? Sammysue

I really believe that is true. You have to find a happy medium. If you notice that your weight loss slows down and you think you are doing everything right, look at how much exercise you are doing. I found that when I run 5 days a week and do Curves 2 or 3 times that sometimes I don't loose as much as if I only run 3 or 4 times a week. I also do not get so tired. I had gastric bypass and eat about 1000 - 1200 calories a day. Make sure you get more than enough protein and that you drink more than enough water! Diona

I've read and been told about a 1001 times that you need a minimum of 1200 calories just to be healthy. I think at your weight 1300 is a good number. But to me a calorie isn't just a calorie. I know the science says 1300 calories of snickers are the same as 1300 calories of broccoli, but I just don't buy it. Make sure you're getting your protein and some fiber. I know my ex (RNY) weight loss slowed down and she was eating very little and not exercising much. She was very "active", but not exercising. I had her up her protein and start working out again and she started to lose again. The nutritionist at the Lexington conference said something interesting. She said you need 3 hours a week of cardio just to maintain your weight. To lose weight, you need to be doing 5 hours of cardio a week...minimum. I agree with that. I don't think you're in starvation mode yet. RNY'er eating 300 - 600 calories a day...yeah they're in starvation mode. Good luck, you're doing good. Earl

Gotcha, thanks. I agree, a calorie is not just a calorie. Well, mathematically, yes, but not nutritionally at all. Hm...5 hours of cardio a week to lose weight? I dunno, I think it TOTALLY depends on what kind of cardio you're doing. Whatever amount of time leads to burning 3500 calories will lead to a 1 lb weight loss, I think.