Question:
Weight loss V. Caloric intake

   — rstauz (posted on July 16, 2004)

July 16, 2004
I found the same thing. I think I was starving myself so much I didn't have the energy to exercise. I had to add calories to lose weight. Now, when I hit a week when my weight won't change, I add a protein bar or a drink to my intake and that seems to do the trick. I could be wrong, but its what I have noticed. I am almost 12 weeks post-op and down 69 lbs.
   — Peggy Boyd

July 16, 2004
I have been wondering how many calories I should be eating a day. This is great information for me. I was worried I was eating too many calories (500-700) a day. Now I can increase my intake and not worry as much about the calories. I was also hesitate not to eat the protein bars because they have so many calories. Thank you so much for for posting your comments.
   — Krissie8411

July 16, 2004
Everyone is different. You will find a calorie window of sorts. Mine is between 1200-1500 cals a day. If I eat more or less, I will not lose.
   — mrsmyranow

July 16, 2004
My nutritionist at my surgeon's office has us eat btwn 1000-1100 a day in addition to all the exercise that we must get. Your body will think that it is being starved if you do not it enough calories to sustain itself. This is why we must concentrate on protein and other healthy foods and of course your water. Your muscles and internal organs need a certain amount of calories to maintain itself. I know this is just a simplified way to explain it may be there is someone out there with a medical background that can explain it further.
   — ChristineB

July 17, 2004
Rhonda, its not just a coincidence if you go below a certain amount of calories (not to mean long-term starvation) your body will resist getting rid of fat, like fuel in a car we need food for energy to burn properly. Unlike our old habits of overfueling a lot of post-ops undereat & become disappointed in their weight reduction progress. Remember not to confuse this with "plaetus" when the body is adjusting & it appears no loss or gain is taking place. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR JOURNEY, HOPE IT IS A WONDERFUL AS MY OWN.
   — Anna M.

July 17, 2004
Rhonda: Bless your heart for posting this question!! I am soon to be 3 months out, too, as of 7/28 and have been having a terrible time with staying the same weight for about 2 weeks at a time and then only dropping a couple of pounds; it's getting soooo frustrating! I've started tracking my calories on Fitday to find I'm getting in between 600-750 a day, so when I saw your question I thought AHAAA! I've also had NO energy to do much exercise! So, I'm going to try to up my calories and see how it goes! I just had to say - thanks so much! Robin
   — hesterrl

July 17, 2004
Rhonda...I am so glad you posted. I have done very well since having my surgery on 1/5/04. I have lost 92 pounds and know that I will lose at my own rate. At the beginning, when I found out where some of my friends had been at the stage I was at, I was always disappointed because I hadn't lost as much as they had in the same amount of time. I finally (after about 3 months) managed to get my head around the whole thing and know that I am losing at an average normal rate. I average a little over 3 pounds per week. There are some weeks when I lose and sometimes not. And I even have weeks where I have gained. It's been especially bad for me in the past 6 weeks. My mother has been very ill and was in the hospital for 3 weeks and we have to have someone with her 24/7 even now. So, in taking my turn (there's just me and my daddy to rotate because my brothers live away from here), I haven't been getting in enough fluids, protein, or calories. Also, in this 6 week period, I have only gotten to go exercise at the gym 4 times. I usually go 4-6 days each week. As others have posted here, your body will think it's starving if you don't get sufficient calories/proteins and will hold on to every thing you put in it and turn it into fat to keep you from starving. As it stands now, I probably only get about 500 calories each day, if I eat a protein bar. So, I am trying to eat at least 2 bars a day and then eat my 2 oz of chicken and 2 oz of turkey for my noon and evening meal. I add non-fat mayo, hot dog relish, picante sauce and spaghetti sauce to these meats for added flavor. I also will add a small piece of celery, and a couple of TBSP of onion and green pepper in with my meats. Congrats on your excellent progress thus far. Good luck and God bless.
   — Katherine F.