Question:
How many calories are you consuming at 4 - 5 months?

I will be 5 months out on December 1st. So far I have lost 76 1/2 pounds. Although I am pleased with my loss, I consider myself a slow loser. I have been keping my calorie intake to 800-900 a day. But I seem to be able to eat so much more thatn in the beginning. I am really struggling to keep it at this level. I am working out 4-5 time a week at the gym, getting 90-120 grams of protein a day and at least 64 oz of water. I was wondering if I increased my calorie intake a litte to say 900-1000 will I continue to lose weight? It is just that right now I find myself hungry all day. I feel like I need a little more food. Or maybe I could stop drinkg my protein drink with is 160 calories an replace it with a high protein snack. What do you all think? I definately don't want to do anything to slow my weightloss.    — Stacie B. (posted on November 21, 2003)

November 21, 2003
Logically I understand that 10times what ever you weigh is how many calories we need to maintain the present weight you are. If you weight 200lbs then if you take in 2000 calories you maintain that weight. There for anything under that weight you would lose weight from. The common normal dieter is 1200 calories to lose weight. If that person maintained 1200 calories down the road for months then that person would soon weight 120lbs. See? I think your doing great. im near your weight loss and I dont consider being a slow loser. here is two excellent calculators to assit you http://www.thinnerself.com/files/calculator.htm is to tell you another is this one to estimate how you are doing for your post op time compared to others http://clos.net/predict-wt-loss.htm good luck
   — WLS_Deb

November 21, 2003
I am between 1200-1400. I have lost 85 pounds in close to 5 months. I exercise at least 4 days a week and 2 of those days are with a personal trainer. You sound like you are doing great. I wouldn't change a thing. Really, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
   — mrsmyranow

November 21, 2003
I am struggling with the same thing. I ate 600 cal/day for 3 months and slowly started increasing to meet the increase in my exercise level and to battle continuous hypoglycemia. At 5 months, I went to 1000 - 1100 and may have to raise again or cut back on exercise. I am still losing 3 to 4.5 lbs a week, so it works for me. Your body may be trying to tell you it needs more fuel if you are genuinely hungry; not listening could result in the dreaded calorie hoarding stage that plays havoc with your metabolism. I definitely wouldn't replace your shake with food...the protein keeps your body satisfied, it's just your mind that requires the calories to be chewable, know what I mean? :) Good luck!
   — Rachael B.