Calories at Maintenance

 Just wanted to get an idea of how many calories everyone is eating at maintenance. I ask this because I am working with a trainer and she says I Should be eating anywhere from 1300 to 1500 calories a day. My surgeon says no, I only need 900 to 1000 calories a day.  Talked to dietician in surgeons office and she agrees with my trainer, so as you can see I am quite confused.

BTW I am a 47 Year old female.  I strength train 3 days a week and 3 days of cardio.  Thanks in advance.

Great question.  11 yrs out here and still have no idea.  Would like to hear from others too.

JA

I decided to track mine on a typical day. 1900 calories, 80 gms protein. I don't get much excercise other than stairs but I'm maintaining.

Everyone is different. 1200-1500 seems to be the norm from what people post here on OH. Are you in maintenance now? If so, the calories you are eating now is what you need to maintain. I eat around 2000 calories a day to maintain at 7 years out from RNY. I cut back to 1500 a day if I need to lose a few pounds. I figured out what I need by trial and error. I still weigh myself often to stay on track.

I am 49 years old and do a lot of walking, but no other formal exercise. Do not fall into the trap of adding back your exercise calories burned. That rarely works.

White Dove always suggests you take your goal weight and multiply by 10 as a starting point.

Geez, 2000 is so fantastic.  I'd be thin if that were my case - I'd be dancing in the streets too!  Could you have had 2000 calories pre-op and still maintained a low weight you think?  I know there is a lot of talk about malabsorption being done at 18 to 24 months with the RNY but maybe not???

Good for you Laura.  I really wish that was my case and I move my arse too but 1300 and pretty much I gain.  Maybe if that 2000 was super low carb forever then I would stay a low weight .  Our bodies, no choice but to work with what we got.

Best,

Layla

Hmmmmmm....good question. I was this weight in my 20's but cannot remember how much I ate back then. I do wonder as I head into menopause if I will have to cut back 

I will say I am able to eat a TON now but am careful not to most of the time.

No worries, just enjoy life.  If there is ever a time you need to adjust then you just do then.  Why fix what's not broken.

I am happy for you!

I went to my local YMCA and had a resting and exertion metabolism test done.. its been a while but at the time it cost around $125. It will tell you exactly the calories your body needs to maintain weight, gain weight or lose weight. 900-1000 calories is very low IMO especially if you are working out.

I am 5'8" 145lbs and eat around 1200-1400 calories depending.