How Many Calories do YOU eat?

Bandster Brad · January 10, 2006

It's sometimes hard to know if each of us are really eating right. The band does a great job of controlling portions, but sometimes, don't you wonder if you are really maintaining the correct caloric intake and mix of protein/fats/carbs in order to lose weight? Since I wonder all the time, this is my first try at creating a poll. I would like to know how you, my fellow bandsters actually eat. Perhaps we can all get an idea of how we can do better ourselves!

Here are my poll questions - In order to normalize the data, it would be mathematically easier to understand if answered only by people that have been banded over 30 days; answers should be based on daily values, and it should use your estimates for the last 90 days average. This will help people anticipating getting banded have an idea of what to expect. If this makes sense, we could do some other ones for the rest of our peers in their various stages!

THANK YOU!

Bandster Brad · January 10, 2006

Hi, thanks for your very straight-forward factor! I like simple! Part of why I started this poll is it seems like when I eat 1200 - 1500 (not as often as I would like) I lose weight. The more often I am "near" but still below, 2000, I tend to stop losing weight. (like the last month).

Using your formula, lessee -:decision: 225 x 13 - 15 = 2925 to 3375. I can only answer: "I WISH!"

I wonder if those numbers are more for weight maintenance?!

Cheers!

Jachut · January 10, 2006

I probably eat close to 1200 most days, I eat a reasonable amount of healthy fats but not much saturated fat and because I"ve only been banded a month, I've lost at a rate of about 4-5lb a week. That will slow down.

HarleyNana · January 10, 2006

Very good point Brad, that could very well be the reason my scales were not nice this AM. Protein, protein, protein, no sugar today, I promise!

FunnyDuddies · January 10, 2006

Another way to look at calories vs. weight loss is there are 3500 calories in one pound of fat. If you burn an extra 500 calories a day or reduce your diet by 500 calories a day, you can easily and consistantly lose one pound a week. At least that is what my nutritionist has told me.

For 2 pounds a week you can do both. More than that can sometimes be muscle burning, unless you are very obese, then the weight will come off quicker. Learning what your resting metabloic rate (RMR) can also be helpful to you. Find that and you can make the calculations for how much to eat and how much to work out each day.

I have used this formula for the last 4 or 5 months, and have been losing. I need the band because I always gain weight back when I get lazy again. But I have lost about 40 pounds so far with these two formulas.

Amy

Tricia K. · January 10, 2006

< 1200 calories

30-40% fat

2 lbs. lost per week

DeLarla · January 10, 2006

My mean old doctor (he's actually young) wants me on 1200 calories, which is way too few to keep me full. Last night I ate about 1400 to keep from losing my mind. It's way, way too easy to overeat unless you count calories or have pre-measured foods. I easily went beyond 1200 during my liquid phases.

Right now I'm obsessed with calories. I'm eating fewer in the day because I can't survive physically or mentally on a 400 calorie dinner. I'm rambling because I want to be under 200 pounds, and I want all the prizes from my 3 month weight loss challenge!

judy h · January 11, 2006

Hi, This Is My First Post. I Don't Know What I Should Be Eating. I Was Band Sept 9,2005. I Have Lost 44lbs, 15 Befor Surgery . I Weigh 152. I Am Only 5 Foot And I Am 40 Ys Old. My Goal Is 110.how Any Cal And Carbs And Fat Should I Be Eating? Thanks Judy

Bandster Brad · January 11, 2006

Hi Harley Nana and DeLarla, good points! I can stick around to maybe 1000 until right at or before dinner, but its that staying up in the night from dinner until 9-10 PM that kills me. Just hanging around with MDW and kiddies, makes me want to scrounge something else up. And that's where those naughty calories come from!

I read something confusing in a "body sculpting" book. It said that we should focus on carbs, and minimize Protein, and of course, do away with as much fat as possible. This seems counter to the bandster diet. Anyone have any insights into this seeming contradiction?

Higher Protein seems more comfortable than higher carbs.

Lots of good expertise on this board. I sure appreciate the opinions!

Best, Brad

FunnyDuddies · January 11, 2006

I talked to my doctor about the "munchies" between 7pm (when we eat dinner) and around midnight (when we finally go to bed). He told me to eat something that is very uickly digested, that is high in protien, and Jello is the best food for this. If you buy the premade Jello cups you can really watch Portion Control, the sugar free fat free cups are 10 calories each and have no carbs. I can have one of those if the craving or hunger gets really too bad, then I make sure that I have a glass of Water each night right before bed to flush my system. I have heard this is really good to do when you have the band, so that there is no undigested food left sitting in your pouch before laying down.

Amy

Bandster Brad · January 12, 2006

That's a great idea! Nothing to get really excited about, but maybe it will chase away the night time munchies! A little Jello might just do the trick. Thanks!

Nykee · January 20, 2006

That Jello doesnt saticefy me.. I wish it did.. I think its all in my head.. it should be just fine!

Parvathi · January 20, 2006

I'll be completely honest and say I haven't counted calories/fat once since being banded. That said, I do try to make smart decisions where food choices are concerned now days. When I notice I'm not losing, I re-evaulate what I've been eating over that week or so....

Bandster Brad · January 22, 2006

Intereseting observation, as of this morning, the poll showed 54 people responded, of which 22 didn't respond with an average weekly weight loss. This suggests that I should have included a line for "less than one pound a week" or even "zero." Maybe that would explain where the missing posters went. If you respond to the poll and have a value which is outside of the poll range, (ie less than a pound a week weight loss, or perhaps if you haven't lost any weight yet, if you are pre-banded) it would be beneficial if you could share a posted comment to explain where you are at with your weight loss.

Thanks for participating in this poll!