Question:
Too much or not enough...I can't find a happy medium.

I am 8 months post-op, currently weigh 252lbs, and I am frustrated. I used to log everything I ate. Unfortunately, I got away from that habit but I still thought I was eating pretty healthy. Recently I noticed I hadn't been losing much weight, so I started logging my food intake again. I was horrified when I realized just how many empty calories had snuck their way into my diet! I really started focusing on eating better, and the calories and fat in my diet went way down. The problem: I am not losing much now either. I am worried that maybe I am eating too little. It just seems that when I eat good for me foods I only consume about 600-700 calories a day.I stay full all the time and really don't want to eat anymore. If I eat anything I want, I end up eating well over 1200 calories in a day. I have been eating yogurt with wheat germ for breakfast, some roasted chicken or turkey breast and carrots for lunch and lean meat and a vegetable for dinner. Sometimes I get a craving and I will have some Smart Pop microwave popcorn in the evening. I drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water every day, I ride my exercise bike in the evening (I'm up to 5 miles) and I wear a pedometer all day and make sure that I walk at least 10,000 steps. So approximately how many calories should I be consuming? How low is too low? At what amount of calories does your metabolism slow? Any suggestions for me? I know it's possible this is a plateau, but I just want to clarify how much is to little and how much is too much when it comes to calories, or even fats carbs or protein. Anyone have some guidelines to follow?    — Jenny S. (posted on March 12, 2003)

March 12, 2003
I didn't see where your protein supplement is in your day. Since you're starting your day with carbs, it might be better if you put your low carb (no milk, no sugar) drink BEFORE that otherwise ok bfast. Then another mid-day between lunch & dinner. To keep blood sugars and energy level up. Also to convince your body that there is PLENTY of nutrition on board, no need to hoard.
   — vitalady

March 12, 2003
I'm glad Michelle (who is 8 years post-op or so?, and still at goal) answered. Because of her, I still take protein supplements at nine months out, and plan to do so indefinitely. I think 600-700 calories a day isn't enough for 8 months out (I was eating more than that at four months out, counting my protein shakes). It's great that you got yourself in check right away, before you started gaining from empty calories (sadly, I agree, they are soooooo easy to creep up on us). I'd also maybe look to gradually add more protein snacks, at least, or to upping your portions just a little to get more calories in.
   — Suzy C.

March 12, 2003
The previous posters are correct-you are not eating enough. Add some protein snacks, like cheese and crackers,nuts, protein drinks and/or bars to your day. Get the calories up to 1000 a day, continue the water and exercise (good job!) and I know the weight will start moving again. As for carb/calorie/fat mix, I don't count, but I ensure that I eat protein at every meal, keep the fats and simple carbs (white carbs like white breads, chips,cookies, candy, cakes etc) to a minimum, and eat some complex carbs (whole wheat/grain breads, beans, veggies)daily.
   — Cindy R.

March 12, 2003
I would add a protein drink to my morning, and the popcorn is a carb, smart or not, maybe for that snack, block cheese and slice of turkey, some popcorn shrimp, or anything that is protein. That is the only thing I can see, otherwise it sounds like you are back in control. Hope this helps
   — cindy