How many calories 2 years out?

I am almost 2 years post op. I am at goal (125lbs, I am 5 ft 2) I have maintained a loss of 225lbs. I fluctuate by 10 lbs but i was curious how many calories people eat 2 years out? I stopped keeping track and when I began again i realized the calories were adding up. I work out 5 times a week and I am not really concerned but I would like to have a target range to ensure I continue to maintain my weight loss. Thanks

It all depends on how much/type of workout that you are doing normally at the maintenace phase 1200 to 1600 calories per day is what is recommended at my bariatric group. Mary M.

Michele, I think I eat more calories than a lot of grads, but I seem to be at a comfortable level of eating for the amount of exercise I get, and I'm maintaining within a 5-lb. range. I eat b/w 1600-2000 cals/day. I workout at least 5 days/week. I either go to the gym, where I do a variety of cardio machines (or a combo of cardio/weight training) for 60 min. Or I go out and walk about 4 mi. at a good, swift pace. The ONLY way I can consume the amount of calories I do is by exercising. If I didn't, then I know I'd have to stay at about the 1200-1400 level. Happy 4th of July! Jo 295/150ish (at goal)

I am 13 months out and eat between 1200-1500 calories per day. I also workout six days per week. I would imagine that I would have to eat more then that when I get to maintenance, maybe around 1800 calories per day, but not too much more than that, I think. Congrats on you weight loss! You've done a fantastic job! Hugs, Tracy

I eat around 1500 to maintain my 120 at almost 4 years out, some days are more I am sure. seems to be working for me. great weight loss by the way . good job hugs Terri

As a post op, the rule of thumb is 800-1200 calories per day, unless you exercise extensively. If you are jogging or doing a high exertion exercise, then you could comfortably do 1200-1500. I would never exceed 1500 calories. Valerie Bariatric101 Support Group Chapter Leader

I am sorry to be so blunt, but this is REALLY irresponsible advice. 800-1200 calories past the initial first year of WLS is not enough to sustain a person's health and provide them with adequate nutrition considering the malabsorption which occurs. If you are a support group leader, please be careful about giving this advice out because it is completely incorrect for everyone I know who has had WLS. -Jess

Sorry that you disagree, but I can only state what I do and what works for my support group members. I eat around 1000 on a good day. Food is just not an issue for me. I never had a food addiction and I get in the 100 gram minumum of protein per day that is required and I am extremely healthy. I can only tell you what works for me. I am over two years out, and have been following the same diet regimen for the last year. I look terrific, I feel terrific... I log everything I eat into fitday.com and rarely do I go over 1500 calories and those calories would include an occasional 200 calorie Krispy Kreme doughnut. I have patients who are eating around 2000 calories or so per day and they are having trouble with losing the last few pounds or are gaining weight after two years out when weightloss is not just simply achieved. If you wish to eat more, by all means, do so. I just know I did not have this surgery to fail... VAL

Valerie..i know you're a "bariatric consultant" I asked the last time what that entailed with no response. Honestly..your rule of thumb makes no sense at all. I dont know where you get this..and if the surgeon you work with tells you this..he needs to go back and learn some more about postop nutrition. as a 5 year postop..and as someone who works closely with surgeons in my area and who chairs 3 support groups..I dont need to call myself a consultant to be smart in the ways of WLS. Many long term postops could NOT exist and be healthy on 800 calories a day..that is ridiculous. Yes..I exercise a lot..and I eat 3000 calories a day sometimes..and you cant understand how I can eat what I eat..i'm 5 years out..I can eat normally..it isnt normal to NOT be able to eat normally years down the road....I dont know how people would ever get out of bed on 800 calories a day. Depending on gender, age, type of surgery, activity level (not including exercise), dietary needs, any digestive conditions, medical conditions or diseases..nutritiional needs vary from person to person. I dont know anyone as far out as I am who eats 1200 calories a day...noone. I'm not flaming..but honestly..Im a tad more postop than you..and a competitive athlete..I think I know a thing or 5 about postop nutrition...oh and common sense.. You cannot tell people that that is what they should be eating..you should say what YOU eat..and then promptly direct them to a nutritionist or dietician to help them figure out what their caloric intake and needs should be. mariella And please..if someone who is a far postop agrees me with..say it..because the amount of misinformation continues to boggle my mine.

i agree one hundred percent with you as i did the last time Val put this misinformation up. What more can we do to stop this flow of misinformation ? Someone will end up in nutritional trouble because of it.