Do You Guys Count Calories?

Hello everyone,

I'm only about 5 months post-op... but I was wondering if once you get a year or longer out if you guys started to count calories or watch intake in any way?  I track my calories and protien right now, just so I can stay ontop of things... just wondering -- thanks!

I did  not count calories for the first 2yrs, but once I started on a maintainance plan then I began to pay more attention to my caloric intake for the day. I like to use thedailyplate.com b/c I can track calories and exercise. There are some days when I don't track, but if I'm trying to be really good and stick with my plan it is a really useful tool! Hope this helps!

I started tracking my calories about 6 months after my surgery and have been tracking ever since (I'm 3+ years post-op).  I use a software program that tracks my calories, carbs, fat, fiber, protein, and daily weight.  It can also track my daily exercise and fluid intake as well.  I found this information helpful when I hit stalls along the way, and it's been very helpful as I move from losing into maintenance mode because I know how many calories I can eat, rather than guessing and being frustrated...

Kellie

I am five years out and have been keeping a journal since day one.  For the first two years, I just kept up with my protein, but once I was in the maintainance phase and could eat more, I started tracking calories and protein.  I use thedailyplate.com.  It is a great site for keeping up everything. 

Melissa

I think successful people watch something.  The answer varies from person to person.

For me, the thing I watch now is my weight.  I check twice a week and verify it is around 195 +/- 5.  If it gets high, I keep a closer watch on the unplanned eating and make different choices.  For example: if I wanted a little snicky-snack and last time my weight was 192, I might have an ice cream bar.  If my weight last time was 197, I might have an apple.  The thought process is to have the apple to avoid going over 200 and have to invoke "austerity measures".  It's wierd, but it has worked so far.

Another example:  197=Subway Sandwich.  192=Sandwich and a cookie!.  Under 190=Sandwich, chips and a cookie!  (happy happy joy joy)

When faced with a new food, I look at the calories per serving and how much I can eat.  For example, my son wanted to go to McDonalds and I was like, "OK, 500 calories for me...what are the best options..." and I order accordingly.

I just had my last 6 month follow-up and I logged food for a week specifically for the Dr. visit.  The results (this time) were:  Calories 1700-2300 average around 2000.  Macro-nutrient breakdown: roughly equal % protein, carbs, and fat.  On 1700 calorie days, I'm closer to 40/40/20 Prot/Carb/Fat and on 2300 calorie days its more like 33/33/33.

The short answer (if you read this far):  I'm watching my weight more than anything else.

I stopped counting after surgery.  I just followed a healthy eating program.   Interestingly, my body took a long time to "relike" some of the things I used to eat.  I was a moderate vegetarian for a little while.  It's weird, I know. 

Your body has been altered to absorb less calories so that is the counting, in my opinion.  Eating for health is the key.  If you eat well, then you will be more successful than if you eat alot of junk that works against the tool you were given.


Paula

i watch my weight.. weighing each morning before breakfast.

i ride a rollercoaster in which there are times where i watch what i eat and times that i don't.

when i have gained 5 lbs or so.. i begin to eat healthy again.
when i have lost the weight... i seem to have no control.

not the best way... i know.. but it is a constant struggle for me.

The first 6 months I kept track of everything - calories, fat, protein, carbs. After the first 6 months I would only log the two weeks before and two weeks after seeing my NUT or as needed - sometimes I felt off track and logged to see where I was falling. When I hit my goal weight of 145 I started logging again for about 1-2 months because I had a metabolism test and needed to figure out how to eat all those calories in 1 day (1400-1800!). Now I no longer food log... my weight has held steady since Feb so I have not seen a need to, I keep basic track in my head (Im good at remembering numbers/nutritional information).. I eat pretty much the same set of foods and just rotate so its easy.... I use the rubbermaid/ziploc containers so everything is easily portioned out for me.

If I don't count calories, I don't lose OR maintain.  Even with a smaller pouch, those calories can add up fast, even when eating healthy.  I use www.fitday.com every single day.  I think it's imperative for me tobe accountable by seeing those calories in front of me as I enter them in my online journal.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone for your input!