[paraangel911]

This is the one thing I just don't know. Right now I average about 500 calories a day. I still can't eat a lot, about 1/2 cup at the most at a time. I am about to transition to the soft/regular food (maintenance) portion of the WLS diet. I feel that my lack of calorie intake is stalling my weight loss. I go to the gym EVERY day. I am burning 4-5 times the amount of calories I take in in a day!!! Weight should be falling off and it isn't. Can anyone shed any light on the subject for me?? Thanks a billion!!!!

[MaggieEley]

It's important to focus on nutrients rather than calories. I've always been told, and this works for me, that I should be getting about 80 grams of protein, no more than 30 grams of carbs and no less than 20 grams of fat along with at least 64 ounces of fluids. If you are burning 2000-2500 calories per day, then yes, you do need more calorie intake. Our bodies go into "starvation mode" when we don't get enough to sustain us. Don't forget that your body is still healing and needs some TLC at this time, and that could be throwing things off as well. Be kind to yourself, and don't forget to get in at least 64 ounces of fluids per day.

Maggie

[Brender]

I may be missing something...but it looks like you just had surgery a month ago and you have already lost 43 pounds...I say keep up the good work!!! I'm pretty new here so if I'm missing something forgive me.

[brook412]

Right after surgery you have to focus on the volume of food you eat and getting your protein requirements in. Don't look at the calories at all. In the first month you will be eating higher calorie items to get your protein in. I remember, that turkey chili (blended of course) was my main stay along with an egg custard.

Once you get past about the 2-3 month timepoint, you should be eating around 1000 calories to meet your protein needs. I spent most of the time around 600-900 calories then.

Now that I am 7 months post op, I am up around 1200-1300 calories but I work out about 45-60 min a day.

I use fitnessjournal.org to track my intake and exercise. This keeps me on track to keep losing.

[brook412]

p.s. 32 lbs in a month is a WHOLE lot. You can't focus on the weight. Make sure you take your measurements and take pictures.

My weight loss has slowed down a lot but each month I see a difference in my photos in how I look, so I know its all going in the right direction.

Everyone loses differently. Its a matter of finding what works best for you.

[DocSanae]

Originally Posted by paraangel911

Weight should be falling off and it isn't.

YOU can't control how you lose the weight, your body will. And it will lose at a pace that is safe for your health.
You expect to lose total 130lbs or so in how long a time? In 3-4 month's time, or, one year to a year and a half? Have you taken a look at how long out the people who scream, "I hit the Century Club!!!" are? Granted, there are some who make it in less than 6 months, but for the most part, it usually comes past the 6 months mark, and for a lot of post ops, it's around the one year mark, some lose even more slowly.
Keep in mind, for a *normie* the amount of calories drs instruct to take when there's a medical need to lose weight, the number is 500-1000 kcals less than your daily output. In other words, if your present body requires 2500 kcals daily, then a 1500 kcal intake is what your body will react best to. Of course, with surgery, the intake will be much lower, especially at first, but once you've lost all the excess weight and are in maintenance, your intake should be around 1200-1400 kcals depending on your stature. At the stage you are, your intake sounds about right. As you move on to higher food stages, your intake will gradually increase, so that, when you are past the 6 month mark it will probably be arouns 800-1000 at the highest, and past one year, around 1000-1200.

Rather than focus on the scale numbers, this is the time to focus on *healthy foods* and *healthy eating.* Concentrate on training your brain to adjust to that, and your weight will move when your body is ready to release the extras. This will go along in humps and bumps, not in one smooth fell swoop.

Hang in there, a year from now, you will be amazed where you are.