Question:
Is 1200 calories a day too much?

I'm 7 1/2 months post-op and I started to track my intake on fitday.com again to see what I've been eatting. I'm averaging between 1000 and 1200 calories per day. The high calorie food is peanuts. I drive most of the day and take peanuts and cheese sticks with me to eat on the run. I don't like beef or turkey jerky and am looking for alternatives. Any suggestions? Is my calorie intake too much? I keep carbs around 20 gms/day most of the time and average over 60 grams of protein per day. Thanks for your help.    — adeas (posted on January 6, 2004)

January 6, 2004
Allison, I am getting about the same number of calories approximately, and for me it seems about right. I work out a lot and find that if I don't consume that much I'm extremely hungry. It must be ok because I am still losing. I get most of my calories from protien also. Hope this helps. Lisa A. Lap RNY 5/13/03 291/169/140-150ish
   — Happy I.

January 6, 2004
It depends on your activity level. I eat anywhere from 1,000-1,500 calories per day and continue to lose, but I am a gym rat so burn alot. Barb 4/07/03 235/140/130
   — Barbara C.

January 6, 2004
If you are grazing them, you are playing with fire. If you get a small serving and eat it "as a meal", then it doesn't scare me. Total calories don't mean much to me but habits mean A LOT.
   — vitalady

January 6, 2004
Go to thinnerself.com and put in your stats. It will tell you how many calories you need to eat to reach your goal. It is kinda cool too. Leda
   — lmaxwell

January 7, 2004
Allison, I think you are doing just fine. As long as you are still losing, getting in your exercise and vitamins, you are doing well. If the weight loss stops for more than a month or so, or you gain, thats the clue that you are taking in too many calories and time to cut back some.
   — Cindy R.

January 7, 2004
I don't have good advice because I tend to lose more when I eat closer to 1500 as opposed to 1200. I think it is because of the amount of time I spend in the gym. I also eat peanuts or almonds or cashews once a day. At 7.5 months, I wouldn't take in less than 1200, especially if you have been bypassed.
   — mrsmyranow

January 10, 2004
My doctor said for me hold to 800 yo 1000 cal max. I take 70/75 gm of protien per day plus what I eat works for me
   — Larry B.