Challenge to eat enough calories and protein

One of my favorite recurring posts is the one where everyone lists what they had to eat that day.  From what I can tell, however, it appears that most people *****port what they're eating are not getting at least 1200 calories and 60 to 70 grams of protein daily.  I can't tell for sure, of course, but it seems to me that they're eating much less than that. 

The education that I've received thus far says that we should shoot for the 1200 calories and 60 to 70 grams of protein level for optimum weight loss and health.  I had surgery on 7/18/08, have had one fill, and am currently at 3 cc in a 10 cc band.  I currently have only very mild restriction, but I do have to make a concerted effort to eat enough to reach these targets because I'm not hungry. 

When I reach that optimum level of restriction, will it be impossible to eat 1200 calories and hit the protein target?  I read the posts of various people who say they take 4 bites at a particular meal and can't eat any more.  If that's the case, then how in the world do they get an adequate amount of calories and nutrition?

BB

I get all my protein in, but I am very low on the calories. I just assumed that once I can add meat and other stuff that the calories will go up.
Brenda

If all a person can eat is four bites, then they are either eating 1/4 cup bites (not likely) or waaaaay too tight. It's easy to fall into the the too tight way of thinking b/c the weight is coming off, but that isn't the smartest or the safest way to live with the band. It also jeopardizes the band and our bodies. That person is basically a starvation diet that we have all done and failed. The band is meant to lose at a slower pace while we learn how to eat properly. My weight loss didn't pick up until I actually increased my calories. Now, I average 1.5-2 pounds a week, and I am very pleased with that.

I'm able to get in all my protein as that is what I focus on when planning my meals and I've been eating 1000-1200 cal a day... until this past week.  I had a fill on Tuesday and have great restriction... but I'm only able to get in about 800 -1000 cal.  I'm sure this won't last... but it's nice to finally feel some restriction!  I'm eating about a cup at each meal right now so I don't think I'm too tight.

Actually my doctor reccomends 800-1200... so I was doing 1200 and it was hard!!! I was hungry all the time and had to really work hard to stay at 1200!!  That's why I got a fill.  I think I was a bit swollen from the fill... because today I noticed I could eat more... and I had around 1000 cal today... so I'm sure this won't last.  I appreciate your concern...

Why is this signed as sandy r?

Because it was another of Sandy's fake IDs. ;o)

Hi, BB -  If you're not often  hungry and have to work to eat enough calories and nutrients , this IS already enough fill - you surely don't need more.   You may even need less - so I'm confused by you're thinking you're not at a good ("optimum") level of restriction. 

This is what confuses me  :        " I currently have only very mild restriction, but I do have to make a concerted effort to eat enough to reach these targets because I'm not hungry.  "

The point is not to feel a huge restriction, but just to be gently helped to eat less. The band is not supposed to be a hammer over the head, but just a subtle reminder - really!

It's hard to tell the # of calories others are getting just from what they are posting, because they may not be stating the nice sauces and marinades they are using to keep things moist, the daily milk, etc. I always forget to say the 2 glasses of milk i have every day. Maybe others do  too - so you raise a very important point in this post - thanks!


sandy r
band educator

Why is this signed from sandy r?

ETA: Ok I've read your profile which doesn't "jive" and I click on your latest posts so now  I know this actually is Sandy R posting under another ID. What's up with that? You give great advice as Sandy R - what's up with the need for the alter?