I know on MFP, this is a popular topic and usually up for some debate. However, as people who have had WLS, I'm wondering if the philosophy is different. I find that most times, I am short AT LEAST 500 calories (after exercise). As my weight loss has began to slow down, it has me wondering if maybe I'm not eating enough. I find it difficult to get close to 1200. Here is my meal plan for today today:

Breakfast-Greek Yogurt 140 calories

Snack-Colby Jack Cheese Stick 80 calories

Lunch-Lean Cuisin 250 calories

Snack-Sliced Apples 50 calories

Snack-Pure Protein Bar 280 calories (this is something I don't usually have...having it today to bring my calories up)

Dinner- 1/2 Applebees Grilled Dijon Chicken 235 calories

Total calories=1035 calories...this does NOT count the calories I will work off today. That will be approximately 150. Leaving me with Net calories totaling 885 calories. This is the closest I have ever come to 1200.

My question is: Is the way I'm eating today okay? Yesterday is more of the norm for me. I ate approx 915 calories, exercised off 282, leaving me with a net of 633. The day before was worse than that. I had a net of 388! I'm just wondering, as bandsters, if trying to get to 1200 calories should be a concern of ours. Obviously, we are supposed to be restricted on the amount of food we eat. Is it logical to attempt to get to 1200? If so, I will try to incorporate maybe a bananna with my yogurt in the morning and more protein bars. Thanks for your input in advance!

1000 to 1200 is perfect. Do not subtract or worry about calories burned on exercise. You may have slow weight loss but you will lose eventually. Starvation mode is a myth...low calories means you will lose weight although the body will try to fight it. If you stick with it you will lose. No one ever subtracted calories burned ny exercising before things like MFP...keep doing what you are doing and be patient...this is for the rest of your life and not in any way a race.

_{You should be trying to get all 1200 calories in. Just because we had weightloss surgery doesn't mean we should be starving our body of fuel. especialy if you are working out. medically its a concern about your body starting to shut down and hold onto everything it can get. On days that I run I up my calories to take in 1200 even with the work out deficet. As your body builds muscle from your working out you will start seeing more weight loss. Also make sure you are drinking enough water.}

_{I think as a community we get so caught up in eating as little possible we forget what our body really needs to run properly, especally for those of us who areworking out all the time post-op.}

I think there is a delicate balance between consuming too few and too many calories and it varies for each individual. I've never (even as an active 20 something) been able to lose weight on a 1200 calorie diet. I feel better, and lose weight better when I keep it around 1000. I also don't subtract calories burned by working out from my daily calorie count. My body got the fuel of what I ate whether I worked out or not.

1200 calories is really good, it seems like you are getting all of your daily nutritional needs, I suggest taking a multivitamen to strenghten the body a bit more

Hi all, great points but focus on protein strive for 60-90gs and a balance of cals 1000-1200.