Question:
How many calories should I be eating?

I'm using that Fitday.com thing. I started out at 390 and am now at 275, but losing VERY VERY VEEEEEERY slowly. I did the fitday thing today and it said I took in 1,179 calories. That seems high to me, is that why I'm not losing like I was, or is it something else? What should I be taking in if my goal is 165??    — Paula Prichard (posted on July 21, 2002)

July 21, 2002
Almost 1200 calories does seem on the high side to me. I ate about 500 to 700 calories a day for the first 6 months post-op and I lost consistantly every week. I ate foods high in protein and avoided anything with sugar and carbohydrates and high fat content. Now at 8 months post-op I am consuming about 900 to 1000 calories a day and when ever I eat to many carbohydrates my weight lose slows way down. So, I am going back to the aprroximately 700 to 800 calories a day intake and eliminating carbs from my diet. I think I read that 1200 calories a day is what the average female should eat to maintain a healthy weight, so if you want to lose you have eat less then 1200 calories a day.
   — Susan M.

July 21, 2002
First, congratulations on your weight loss! You're doing great, please remember that everyone loses at a different rate. It depends on different factors besides calorie intake, such as metabolism and amount of exercise. Also, with the rny there's an approximate 30% malabsorption rate. So, the 1200 calories you're taking in a day may actually only be arond 900. Instead of dwelling on the calorie intake, I would suggest looking more at the type of food you're eating. Making sure you eat more protien, less carbs, and a lot of water. Exercise is very important, too. But, try not to be discouraged, you're doing great!
   — Kathy P.

July 21, 2002
If you had surgery in January then according to my calculations you've averaged 19 lbs (a month) weight loss. I would'nt worry about it. you're doing something right!
   — Danmark

July 21, 2002
It also depends on the KIND of calories. Sugar calories have no purpose at all, except to add fatty tissue. Other kinds of calories that have a "purpose" are not as likely to end up on your hips. I take in about 1200 a day in protein supps alone, but none of it turns to fat on my body. It all has a place to go, job to do. On the other hand, if I did 300 in sugar, I may as well just apply it to my thighs.
   — vitalady

July 22, 2002
Paula, My surgeon said that we should eat between 1000 and 1400 calories a day with most of them coming from protein, then fruits and veggies and lastly, the starchy carbs. I rarely eat anything starchy. I was eating crackers some and noticed that I was getting the munchies - I cut out the Wheat Thins and the munchies went away. I don't count my calories but I do know that most of my food is protein with a little fruit and some salad.
   — Patty_Butler