Metobolic testing

As I have also been struggling with the last 15 lbs. I went and had a resting and active metabolic test done last week. You breath into a tube for 15 minutes that is hooked to a computer and then it tells you how many calories you burn at rest which is the lowest number of calories you should comsume to keep your body from going into starvation mode. Also, per your activity level, it tells you the max number you can eat without gaining weight. Also tells what percent of your food is going to burn fat or carbs. Mine checked in at 1213 low and 1577 high. I was not eating enough to keep burning fat. But I also found out, I will gain weight at 1600. Not much wiggle room in there. I do exercise, so I can add that to the 1500 on days I work out. Anyway, for those struggling, this is a real help. If anyone is interested, I got mine done at the local Physical Therapy Center, so check out your local centers and see if they offer it. So now I know exactly where I have to be to lose the rest. Sara

I think that is so neat. A gal on the May 2005 board had that done but she does not count calories. I would love to know exactly how much I could get away with as far as calorie go. Your right though, thats not much of a gap. How much do you weigh if you dont mind me asking? I am 145 and I try to stay between 1600 and 1800 calories. My weight on a daily basis fluctuates between 145 and 150. I wish I could get that done. I have looked on various web sites to see my calorie range based on age, sex, and activity level but I get such a wide range, anywhere from 1400-2000 calories. Candy 263/145

Candy, I currently weigh 165 lbs. I am 5'5 1/2" tall and am 55 years old. According to the PT, my rate is very low, but as my age is older and years of messing up my metobolism thru dieting, well, I pay the price now. I just wanted to know for me, as I was sure the "standards" didn't work for me. Now I can adjust accordingly. Sara

Hey, I think that's me you are talking about. LOL! Kathy

Sara, Where did you have your testing done? Mary M.

Mary, I had it done at the "Physical Therapy Specialists" in Placentia, CA. Their number is 714 528-9400.

Sara, Thanks...I made an appointment for Sept 6th. The last time I had my resting RMR measured at 24hr fitness was in January (similar test)...it was 1850. I have lost 16 lbs since that time and will be anxious to see the results. Mary M. 415/159

Did that cost you anything? If so how much?

Actually, it was free as I saw a special. It is only a partial test as the complete evaluation includes a test on a treadmill to make sure you aren't over exercising. The way I understand it, if you exercise too intensely or too long, you only burn glucose in the muscles and not fat, so that part tells you where your heart rate should be to maximine fat burning. (Don't hold me to that exact explaination, as I haven't had the test yet) I am scheduled for that part next week. For both tests and a detailed explaination it is $150. Sara

Sara, We (hubby and I - both post-ops) had this done in June. My resting metabolic rate was about 1350. The point at which I'd gain was just over 2000 cals a day. That range goes up with formal exercise. As Candy said...LOL... I don't usually count my cals but I'm probably somewhere in the 2000 cal range I would think. I love cheese (favorite food group) and it is calorie dense unfortunately. I am at goal or thereabouts. It is definintely good to know where you are at and what your body needs as far as fuel. We also did the heart rate testing. I burn fat at very low heart rates. I was working out far too high. Been doing a training program to increase that. Need to go to the next level starting next week and then in a month or so we'll go back and get retested. It'll be interesting to see if there are changes in how our bodies. Kathy