Question:
How many calories a day do you eat - 4 years out?

Hi all, I am gaining my weight back slowly, having never got it all off in the first place. I am curious to know just how many calories someone would take in after 4 years. Stats: May20, 2003 RNY at BTC Start 312, low, 180, current 196 I am 5'1 and 32 years old I exercise by walking daily during my lunch I eat anything w/o problems I take in 1400 calories each day for the past two days and that is with control. I could easily do more. What kind of calorie count should I aim for?    — Heather M. (posted on May 9, 2007)

May 8, 2007
It is funny how you say you couldn't get further than 180. That is exactly my lowest weight too. The best thing in the world for ME & my body is trying to get as much sugar & starch out of my diet. I feel my best and stay closest to 180. (I'm 5'6) I'm supposed to be 130-150 but frankly, I am proud of myself and very blessed to be down to 180! ((I was, once upon a time, 306 pounds)) I just figure if I had all the flappy, hanging, icky, gross skin cut off everywhere , I would be 150. So, *shrugs* Anyway, I am sure you will hear that if you are gaining, you need to drink more water, excercise longer, write down what you are eating, etc. Try to beef up the protein and leafy greens for a while and get that starchy starch and sugar out... (I'm preaching to myself, by the way) Have an incredibly BLESSED day and I hope you are successful in whatever you choose. <><
   — Miss W.

May 9, 2007
I like the previous poster,butI would also recommend OA.Your statement about eating x# of calories WITH CONTROL,was a red flag to me. Maybe it is time to look into not trying to control the food and look at living life with acceptance of where you are at,and reach out to others who have been living without food obsession. OA is a great group & I would not be where i am today without them. I firmly believe that together we can do what we could not do alone. The website is www.oa.org for meetings in your area.
   — peacelovecat

May 9, 2007
Wow Heather, thanks for all the good information. I think that 1200 to 1400 calories is more than enough for you, but your problem is you need to step up your exercise. It would seem to me that your body has become accustom to what you are doing. When I lost weight the best I walked 2 1/2 miles in the morning and then again in the evening. You need to boost your body to the next level. If you really don't have the time or inclination to do that, then you have to work at lowering your calories, concentrate on the veggies and lean meats, and cut the crap out regarding food, and tighten your belt. This is the only way. Exercise is the key, not food. If you up your exercise and your food, the same problem will exist. Weight loss has always been about diet and exercise. We just have this tool that can help us. Even at 4 years out, it will help you, but your choices have to be your own, not because you have negative consequences. Find a support group or join weight watchers or something that will encourage you on your way, but you are on the right track, just a few adjustments and some sacrifice in the area of exercise and you could be on the losing streak soon. Don't neglect water, you need water! Take care, Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

May 10, 2007
You sound so much like me! I am 5'1", and the lowest I have been able to get down to is 170!
   — Novashannon

May 10, 2007
Hello: I am 2.5 years out and started gaining weight while on maternity leave. I was 132 pre-pregnancy and was 155 day of delivery but 164 after 2 months of maternity leave sitting home eating the wrong foods. I went back to the basics of protein first, veg, fruit, starch if room is left over, water, no grazing, putting the fork down between bites and chewing chewing chewing, eliminated soft foods and sugar and added lots of water and SF tea. I was told in pre-op class that anything over 900 calories daily would put my weight back on. So, I have backed down to 800-900 calories daily and have lost 9lbs in 1 week. My Dr. also told me that he could not guarantee that I would not have to ever diet again but when I do the tool of surgery will make it work. I hope this helps. It can be discouraging to gain our weight back.
   — Rico

May 11, 2007
Hi... like another poster has said, when you mentioned just "calorie" intake, I said "uh-oh"... you should be counting your protein grams, "low-glycemic" carbs, THEN calories as the whole picture. There are several books out there that you can use for reference.... south beach, atkins, food counters, etc. You will have to keep a log of what you eat, figure out how you are doing and then adjust from there. Always, get your minimum of 2 qts of water in daily. Always exercise, switch them up every couple of weeks or alternate cardio and strengthening. If you are still having problems, or if you can afford it, or insurance company will pay for it... see your dietician again for some suggestions... make sure it is one that specializes in gastric bypass patients as we are a little different and require different nutritional requirements due to our tendancy to malabsorb... good luck to you.
   — Kari_K