How many calories

I have reached a period where I can't lose anymore....I range from 177 to 173 and would like to get to 165.  I get all my protein (80 or more) and water in and exercise 4 or 5 times a week. I'm just wondering if I should reduce my cals or boost them...I usually get below 1500 cals ,is this too much or not enough? Does anyone have a good plateau buster? I have tried a few but I don't feel that great when I do the all protein and nothing else thing....Any suggestions?

Now I am not a dietician or anything.. I am a nurse with limited nutritional knowledge however.. if you go to websites like thinnerself.com you can actually put in your stats.. height, weight, activity level/lifestyle and find out what your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) calories and calories needed to maintain.  it is a rough estimate.  But my guess would be that 1500 would be more to maintain not lose as much especially if you aren't exercising.  The best way to find out for sure would be to have a metabolic test done, ask your surgeon or PCP about it.  usually costs about 60 dollars and is very accurate on how many cals you need to maintain your weight.  It takes 3500 calorie deficit to lose a pound.  So if you were wanting to lose a lb a week you would need to be at 500 calories less than your "maintain" caloric level to lose that.  Exercise helps burn up calories too.  Hope this helps. Also if you go to the Diet and Nutrition Forum there are 4 registerd dieticians hired by OH now to assist in these matters, don't hesitate to post your question there either, they are very helpful.  Good luck.

Hi, Like Melissa I am not a professional.  I did just see my nutritionist this week and we discussed calorie intake for me. She said if I want to continue to lose weight to eat 1000-1200 calories a day and to maintaine would be 1500.  I walk almost 4 miles 5-6 days week, at a brisk walk.  I am 5'5 and weigh 158. I do find though, the scale will move more often if I eat closer to 1200 with the exercising, if I go below that losing is harder.  Everyone is different but I thought I'd share what I have learned. Take Care