Question:
How much food is too much?

Sorry if this is long. I wrote down what I have been eating for the past few days- I need some serious input here. I am not sure if it is too much or not enough. My weight loss has REALLY slowed down. I am 9 1/2 months post op and about 10 punds from goal. Any input would be appreciated- I also excercise 6 days a week-3days weight training & 3days cardio- Here is what I had today-Protein shake,Atkins Protein Bar,Taco Salad,Protein Shake, Cahews, Potato Soup, tons of Water and Crystal light. Protein=140Grams,Carbs=79Grams,Fat=46Grams,Calories=1283 I feel like this is WAY,WAY too much. I see the Protein in good, but that is it. Any advice. I am so scared I will not lose the 10#'s or worse yet not keep off what I have lost already!! I am kinda lost as to what to eat-been munching alot- Any help or even menus of what you all eat would be great. Thanks Sorry so long    — Jan S. (posted on January 26, 2004)

January 26, 2004
Hi Jan! Long time no hear! Anyway, I'm going through the same thing - 5 lbs to goal. I met with a personal trainer this morning and had the Resting Metabolic Rate test done. Check out my profile and you'll see what the trainer had to say. Becasue of all the exercise, your body will require more than someone who si not exercising or is just walking. Some here might not agree with what the trainer told me, but he has dealth with WLS patients before and told me I can lose the last 5 lbs if I keep doiing what I've been doing, but in order to get my body fat percentage down I have to eat more and up the weights. Hugs, Barb 4/07/03 235/135/130
   — Barbara C.

January 26, 2004
Hi. It seems like you are doing great. I am only 5 month post-op and my dietician says under 1200 calories and under 1 1/2 cups per meal. I'm sure the farther out you are the more you can eat. I was just wondering if you could already be at goal. If you are exercising that much you must have built some muscle. Is you doctor saying you need to lose? If you are trying to just get to a specific number maybe you should rethink your goal. Are you healthy at your current weight??
   — AmyWollet

January 26, 2004
Sounds like calorie wise, you are doing fine, that's about what I eat in a day. The grazing might be another problem that you need to get a handle on. That is our symptom... stress and emotional eating. I will be going back into counselling next week to deal with my own emotional/stress eating issues.
   — Happy I.

January 27, 2004
I'm impressed with your exercise schedule. Good job! As for your diet, since you are just 9 1/2 mo post-op why do you think you won't get to your goal of 10 more pounds? If you continue your good protein habits, decent calories, and exercise pattern you should not only reach your goal soon, but easily maintain. Personally, I would eat more protein foods and less protein shakes, but thats me! I like to chew more than drink.
   — Cindy R.