Can I get a favor please?

Hi guys,  I have a big favor to ask of you.  My son is 6' 2" and weighs over 300 lbs.  He is large framed.  We have been talking about him getting a handle on his weight.  What I need is to know how do we calculate the proper amount of calories he should be taking in to lose weight. He eats healthy foods but the quantity is his biggest issue.  And he knows and admits that he has a problem.   I know that he needs more calories than what women do... and we are both starting to walk and have just moved into a place where we have a small gym available to us.  Any information that you can share with me is greatly appreciated.  Thank you in advance!! Hugs,  Kim 

I don't think there is a right answer. It all depends on how many he burns in a day. I would GUESS between 13-1500 a day with normal activity. Is he more active a few more or less active a few less. I think he should concentrate more on where the calories are coming from like sugar, cokes and breads or beer if hes old enough. Sounds way easier than it is but burn take in less you'll  lose, in theory. have you had his blood work done? you may learn something there.  Good Luck 

Thank you for your response.   I guess I need to do some more figuring.  LOL   At the moment, he isn't as active as he could/should be.  We just moved to Florida and are in the process of job hunting and have decided to add the walking into our daily routine.  The gym is an added bonus.  His sugar intake is not really bad.  Maybe something sweet a couple times a week.  Coke, maybe 5 a week.  He does take in a lot of carbs.. we have discussed the disadvantages of too many carbs.  Yes, he is old enough to drink.. and he is an occasional drinker.  Never thought about the blood work, and that is something I should have thought of first huh?   I'm just happy that he is ready to do something about it.  Its a big step for him.   Thanks again!  Kim

Hey stranger! Glad to help if this does you any good. There are scientifc ways to calculate all of that and the famous doctors diets that basically is pic the 1200 calorie diet or the 2000 calorie diet (the two I go the most).  When I actually did some counting , which I hate, I was sucking down around 3500-4000 a day. Now, post-op, I occasionally do a head count of what I normally take in  and 6 months out, it around 800-1200 a day.  Physical hunger was a big thing pre-op in addition to using food for entertainment, pleasure, being alone, bored, anger, sad,...etc. You've been there. So, if he like me doesn't do well with calorie conting,...heres what helps me: Arnold Swazhneggar, bad spelling; (very similar to ) Atkins protein diet.  Meat, veggies, fruit,...its very similar to post-op but in larger quanity and includes the phlilosophy of small frequent meals to allow the stomach the opportunity to shrink.  It reduces to eliminates breads and high fat, hgh calorie foods (i.e., banana, skim milk, protein powder, OJ, ice in a blender -the more ice, the more like ice cream, less ice more like a smoothie).  I lost 65 pounds after HS using this.  The walking or som cardio is real important, especially if he can get a bit of jogging, distance is more important than speed but needs to get a minimum of 30 minutes, recommended 60 mins a day.  Good luck, he's gotta want it enough to make it happen.  Interest in looking good for the girls is good motivation,..or it was for me,...but I'm shallow that way. Joe

Hi Joe,       If we were to do the counting - which by the way I don't like to do either - I would guess he pushes the 3000 - 3500 mark easy.  I see a lot of myself pre-surgery in my son.  And it is sad that I know I used food for all those reasons you mentioned and more.  On our walks we do average a minumum of 30 minutes a day - which to me is a good start.     I'm sure that he wants the change - its all he has been talking about for the last week, and he is pretty unhappy with himself.  He is a lot like me with low self esteem - and I hope that we can work on that issue as well.  Thank you so much for your response!

Hugs,  Kim

Oh yeah,...P.S. the 64 oz of water a dayis vital to flush the burning toxins and fat out, but not a bottle in a couple of swallows or the fluid intake will keep the stomach stretched out and defeats the reduced intake strategy.

Definately!!   But I didn't know tha****er could keep the stomach stretched!  Thanks for that one! Kim

I lost 40 lbs in 2 months by eating  For supper. 1 - chicken breast or fish 1 can  green veggie 1 med. potatoe Then had 2 protein drinks a day  Snack I had tuna and 6 wheat crackers Hope this helps BIGGS

Thank you for the menu ideas.   I really appreciate all of the responses I am getting.  We are definately taking in all ideas to formulate something that will work for him.

Hugs,  Kim

Kim, Try checking out this- http://www.annecollins.com/calories/calorie-needs-men.htm Hope it helps!!! Great that your son is working toward his health.... "If Only......."  That's how so many of us here start our stories..... If he's a Computer/blogger/myspacy type, Put him on here!!! This is a Great place for "Non-Ops" as well. Just a bunch of folks who have or had deep navels, working toward future health!! Keep it Up!!! Best Wishes- Dx