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How many calories is enough?

Abby D.
on 2/9/09 11:30 am - Maricopa, AZ
Hi, I have been reading all of your daily logs and I am trying to determine how many calories I should be taking in? I did the 5dpt last week and was able to drop about 6 lbs but now that I am back on track I dont know how many calories to eat. I think under 1000 will be good to start losing again but then again I am not feeling  so hot. Tired, headaches and little light headed. I dont want to go off track. You guys are great!
Abby
Mother of 3 boys > 10>8>6
dreamgirl119
on 2/9/09 1:08 pm - Lansdowne, PA
Hi Laziduck,
When I had my 1 year followup in 2008 my nutritionist increased my calorie intake to 1200 calories a day.  When I do a lot of exercising, cardio, treadmill, weight training or even bike riding I increase my calories to 1500 so as not to starve the body.  If you're not sure check with your nutritionist or surgeon.
happylapbander
on 2/9/09 8:36 pm - Fort Walton Beach, FL
It's been my experience that everyone's body is different and we just have to listen to our own body.  Don't know how quickly you cut back to less than 1000 calories, but perhaps being more gradual to get down below that might help - and then, again, that may be just too low for you.  Are you getting your B-12?  That is so significant in my energy level.  There's no known toxic level of B-12 and mine is off the chart when I have my blood work done - but I know it makes a significant difference if I miss even one day.  I use the tablet that disolves under my tongue as that is the fastest route to the blood stream and by using it daily I can keep my blood level of B-12 fairly constant.  Are your headaches and light headedness just when you get up or does that last all day?  The bottom line is still to listen to your body.  Good luck in finding you balance (no pun intended with your light headedness LOL)
H.A.L.A B.
on 2/9/09 9:23 pm
I good rule is start with 1200 cal a day and try to maintain that for a few days (2 weeks?)
make sure you get enough water and protein and complex carbs, and some good fats.

Add exercise.  Monitor weight loss.  ideally you should lose 1-2 lb a week. If you are losing slower than that - decrease calories by 100, or increase exercise activity.  remember - if you start building muscles - your weight may go up, but you may be losing inches.  Also - starting very strenuous exercises - may initially increase your weight (water retention), that why it is important to see the results over time.

If you are losing more that 2 lbs a week (on average) - increase your calories so you would not get depleted, tired, dizzy. 

Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG

"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"

"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."

Denise V.
on 2/9/09 10:09 pm

Good Morning!

I am starting the 5DPT today, but typically I eat around 1200 a day (I am also nursing my daughter a few times a day still) but some times it is a little more, some times a little less, just depends...

Not sure if this helped but thought I would throw it out there :)

~*~Denise~*~
Proud Wife to Ben 9/14/04
Proud Mommy to Zoeyann 9/30/08
Abby D.
on 2/10/09 12:27 am - Maricopa, AZ
Thanks All. I think just need to eat different things not more calories. Make sense. More good protein, like chicken or fish rather than string cheese for lunch. and excercise, blah... if I take in more than 1000 - 1200 calories I will gain. must move to loose. that is my new motto.
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