three years out....does this sound right

Hi, I am just a little over three years ago and realized I didn't know how to continue to lose weight. I still have about 20 lbs to lose. So I talked to my nutritionist, and she gave me this advice. Consume about 1300 calories per day, consisting of 61-73 grams of protein, 187-200 grams of HEALTHY carbs, and 29 grams of total fat. Does that sound right to ya'll? You would think after all this time, I would know this, and I probably do....but I need reinforcement from my peers!!! Thanks in advance, Teresa

With my having the metabolism of a slug, due to hypothyroidism and PCOS with severe insulin resistance, I would gain weight on that 'diet'. To lose weight, I need to keep my calories at 750-900 calories and 20 total carbs or less per day...to maintain, I cannot go over 1000 calories and the same amount of carbs...AT LEAST 50% of my caloric intake needs to be protein only. I'm sure that this doesn't help you in any way...just stating my case. ~~Sherry

This is what has me worried. HOW IN THE WORLD do you keep your intake at less than 900 calories a day. I can barely do that now....

I was told....1400 calories, 90 grams protein and exercise. I do two of them regularly its the 1400 calories I have problems with! I am working it still so I feel good. Rome was not built in a day right? Good luck on that 20 lbs. I have 60 lbs I want to lose. Debbie

I'm 5 years out and try to stick with 1000-1200 calories a day - more if I'm exercising a lot, less if I'm sitting. That's what my doc said when I was a newbie. He explained how many calories at what stage and when I reached a year and thereafter was the 1000-1200 amount. He also has us on 45 gms of carbs daily - good carbs are stressed. I've tried to stick to that amount since surgery, but I don't really count anymore. I would gain on anything more than 1200 calories if I'm not doing extreme exercise, so for me the amounts your nut gave you wouldn't work. Lately with the cold and lots of computer time, I have to cut back as I'm not burning up as much as when I'm more active. I've been at goal for 4 years so don't want to gain - so I keep my calories as low as I can so as not to gain. Each person is different - 1400 calories may work for some - I seem to have the metabolism of a bear in hibernation for the winter, but that's just me. Myrtle.

Teresa, My surgeon's nutritionist told me to aim for about 1400 most of the time. I exercise from 45-60 min. 4-6 days/wk (either a combo of aerobics/weight training OR brisk walking), so I can maintain with up to about 1600 cals, occasionally more. If my weight creeps up a few lbs., I have to cut back to under 1200 cals. to lose. I get in plenty of protein. I seem to be able to eat more carbs than many people (sometimes my carb count is pretty close to my protein count, but I try to keep the protein higher). Actually, I don't normally keep track on a daily basis--just when I'm trying to lose a few lbs. Jo 295/155 (at goal)

Everyone is different, but I come closest to what Sherry Weber does. I too have the metabolism of a 3 toed sloth so must keep the calories low and the protein high which means carbs are naturally low. The plateau buster diet is all protein for 10 days 3 oz 5 times per day with lots of water. Seems to work for everyone! Pat

Thank you for all the responses. 1300 calories does seem high to me...and so does the carb count. I think I'll start at 1000 calories and go from there. Thanks again, Teresa

I think you'll probably just have to "try" it for a while. Everyone is so different on this. I can tell you a friend of mine who is also a post-op (about 19 months) was not losing anymore. The only change she made was to increase her protein fairly dramatically, and her weight loss is picking up again. The other thing about calorie counts that make them so individual is that we are all different sizes, heights, and metabolisms, so it's hard to give it a "one size fits all" approach. Another thing that I can tell you is that, for me, a higher protein diet doesn't work as well, although I know that there are minimum amounts that we need to consume for our health. I eat a good many carbs (although I'm not a "counter") and I just feel better that way. Good luck with getting those pounds off.

Hey Teresa, I find to this very day (4.5 years post) that I tend to lose when I up my caloric intake (up protein, limit to complex carbs, low fat) and distribute to 6 meals/snacks. (just like at my beginning) Don't know if I'm "keeping fuel in the machine" but I can tell it does "burn" --- I'm not doing formal exercise either - cleaning houses / painting - but no "work-outs"... Frankly, I'd try what your nutritionist recommended and adjust from there. Your body is YOUR body & you'll soon be able to tell how it responds to her advice. Take care