3 1/2 years out calories

I'm just wondering how many calories I should be getting in at this  stage(3 1/2 years) I did that online calorie thing and i get around 1500(average) I've gained weight but have been stable for about 7 months but wondering if Im getting too much and could possible gain more weight.

Hey!  You're doing awesome! #1   The fact you know approx how many calories you're intaking daily is AWESOME - you're in control. #2   The fact you've been stable for over 7months - is AWESOME - you're in control! #3   The fact that you're PAYING ATTENTION to what you're body is saying/doing and have landed at "stable" and a "routine" caloric amount is AWESOME - you're in control! FEAR NOT!!! You'll absolutely KNOW when your body is getting in too much or too little - you've learned to read it and listen to it!  You've gained - now you're stable -YOU'RE IN CONTROL!  GOOD for you!!  I'm so proud of you! So relax - trust yourself - you've got this thing "under your belt"..:)  PUN INTENDED :) You're IN CONTROL!  You're awesome! Jude 9/6/01 6 years woo hoo! 292 159-162   AT GOAL 3+ years & counting...

Thanks, I worry sometimes because I have gained, and it goes up and down between  6 pounds, thank you, I have been trying really had to take care of myself lately, but thank you so much, its great to hear encouragment ! ! ! ! ! !

I agree that it sounds like you are totally in control. I would not worry about a 5-6 lb. fluctuation. That is perfectly normal with water weight, "female issues", etc. Only if the scale moves up and STAYS there would I be worried. And then, you know that all you have to do is cut back on calories and exercise a little more. I understand being concerned about gaining. We're all there. This "maintaining thing" is TOTALLY new to most of us. I know that before WLS, I was NEVER maintaining. I was only adding or losing, mostly adding!!!! Hugs,    Piggybabe

My doc has us work up to 1000-1200 calories per day by one year out and thereafter. That's the guideline I've used since then. On days I'm more sedentary I drop it back to 800-1000 and days I'm more active I can bump it up without a problem. Go to fitday.com and see how many calories you're expending per day and you'll know how many to take in to lose, maintain or gain if you need to.

Good question. We're at the same place and my doc is vague about it. I have gained 30 pounds back and am holding where I am now. I don't know what to do. I was told I wasn't getting enough calories and therefore my body is holding on to what it's getting, but I didn'tthink it did that aymore with this operation. What do I know? -=db=-

It seems like everyone's needs are different so you have to figure out what will work for you. I eat 1600-1800cal when maintaining and if I've been having too much fun and I gain a few pounds I drop back to 1300-1500cal to lose. I think your daily exercise routine plays a big role in daily caloric intake. Congratulations for maintaining for the past 7mths and just keep doing all the good things that you're doing!