Question:
How many calories should we be eating at 18 months post op to loose?

I am 18 months post op on the 22nd of this month. I am trying to loose the 5 or so lbs. I put on. I up my protein and increased exercise and water now I have gained another 5 lbs. So now I have 10 lbs to loose. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I keep my food and exercise on fitday.com and by looks I should be loosing. I am consuming about 85 grams of protein and only 45 carbs, I try and keep it under 20 but it seems to be impossible. I also drink 5 20oz glasses of water. I walk 3.5 miles at lunch and another 3 miles after work. If someone can please shed some light. Thanks. I am also going to see my surgeon and hopefully she will be able to shed light also. God Bless.    — Chris9672 (posted on September 15, 2003)

September 15, 2003
Woah ... what struck me as, only 85 grams of protein and only 45 grams of carbs. Carbs and proteins have roughly four calories per gram, which means that totals only 520 calories. What's the total number of calories you're consuming (and what accounts for the rest of it?). If your intake is literally that low, the problem may well be that you need to eat more to get your metabolism humming along and to get your body out of starvation mode.<P>Another possibility is that you might need to shake up your exercise regime. The benefits of walking are considerable, but walking alone may not be enough to shed pounds, especially if you're close to goal. You may need to do some more vigorous exercise to get off those last few pounds (maybe interval training -- two minutes of walking, one minute of running, alternated for 30 minutes) might be a good start. Or, swimming, or some other exercise to shake things up.
   — Suzy C.

September 15, 2003
I am the original poster, sorry i did not give enough info. on the 9th calories 647 31 carbs 67 protein 10th 1160 calores 89 carbss 94 protein 11th 950 calores 56 carbs 63 protien 12th 829
   — Chris9672

September 15, 2003
I too am about 20 months out and I am still losing. I try to eat at least 1200 calories per day. You have to eat to lose. Open RNY 2/23/01, -178, current weight 139.
   — Oldsoul

September 15, 2003
Thanks for the extra info! I agree with Mary, 1200 calories a day seems reasonable for 18 months out and trying to lose a bit more. Good luck!
   — Suzy C.

September 15, 2003
I talked to my surgeons off ice last week about diet needs. I am 1 year out, and have been averaheing 1100 - 1200 cal a day, I was told that is not enough and I need to see the dietician asap.
   — **willow**

September 16, 2003
Do you have a fireplace, or have you ever had a bon-fire? You need to stoke up the fire to get things burning. Don't go overboard by grazing, if you can't eat larger portions, try adding a protein shake or two and change things up a bit. I noticed that as I got closer to goal and increased by intake, I lost faster. Try your walks 2-3 days a week and shorten them by doing a run/walk 2-3 days a week to get your heart rate up more. Your metabolism is probably wondering what you are doing, fire things up for a few weeks then cut back down again for a few weeks and see what happens. (Did you ever think that we would have to make ourselves eat more to lose weight?! LOL!!) Good luck!!!
   — Dana B.

September 16, 2003
I'm 13 months out - I joined Weight Watchers this summer and had to start eating MORE to get to the point level. I lost weight right away! For 28-32 point range, calories always averaged around 1500/day.
   — jen41766

September 16, 2003
I am the original poster and I want to thank all of you for your help. I have read and worked on a workout/cardio program that will hopefully jump start my metabolism and loose weight. I will have to also work on eating more I just can't get that part in my head. I did add a protein suppliment twice a day. Once in the am and again in the evening. Thanks again and God Bless you all.
   — Chris9672