Eating too few calories= slow weight loss?

[ireallywannabthin 286]

I am only 6 weeks post op and I am wondering if I am eating too few calories per day, which in turn is stalling my weight loss. I'd say my calorie intake ranges between 500-700 calories a day. (Yes, I am following my doctor's guidelines with my diet 100%, however, he did say his patients usually are between 600-1000 calories). I workout 5 days a week and just started doing Power90 again which is both a strength training and cardio workout program. An yes, I take Vitamins daily, as well as Calcium, and I am ALWAYS at 50+ gramps of Protein per day.

So, I'm just wondering how many calories per day everyone is eating and if their weight loss is consistent. Also, when (approximately) did you feel that you saw your weight really start melting away?

Thanks everyone

[lilmispcl 298]

Hi! I am not banded yet but I have read several posts on here by people who had stalled weightloss if they were eating less than 1000 calories per day. Once they got back up to eating at least 900 to 1000 they began to lose weight again. Im sure it is different with everyone ... I pray that I find my groove quickly after surgery! I have my surgery on April 5th.

Best wishes!

[grownazzkid 206]

I am currently working on the same thing. Three weeks post-op and I still have very little desire to eat. I was only getting 5-700 calories as well. There were days were I had a shake for Breakfast and dinner and that was it. My nutritionist wants me at 1000-1200!!! I cannot do that but I am making sure I have 3 meals a day which should get in closer to 1000.

Hard to say specifically, everyone is different. But I can say if you are that active & eating that little it probably is not optimal. As far as rapid weight loss, my nutritionist wants 2lbs a week, which is about what I am losing right now. Doesn't sound like a lot but add it up and that is 9-10 lbs a month... 104 lbs in a year!!

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Granted I am no nutritionist, but I increased my calories to help my weight loss pick up. I actually wrote a blog entry about it so I'm just going to copy it here:

-----------------------------

I wanted to share my recent experience with calories with everyone in hopes maybe the information can help someone else.

My weight loss had seriously slowed down. To be honest, I spent about a month getting very frustrated because I'd slowed a lot (for me, anyway). I was eating around 900-1000 calories a day. I knew I couldn't lower my calories any further so I figured "ok, let's increase a little and see what happens". I raised my calories to about 1200 a day and sure enough, the weight started falling off again.

July weight loss, on 900-1000 calories: 7.8 pounds/1.95 pounds per week

August weight loss, on 1200 calories: 17.8 pounds/4.45 pounds per week

Needless to say, that's a pretty big difference!

So for anyone who's struggling to lose and eating under a 1000 calories a week, don't be afraid to play with your caloric intake. Raise it a little and see what happens after a week or two. It's worth a try, especially if it works!

[ireallywannabthin 286]

Granted I am no nutritionist, but I increased my calories to help my weight loss pick up. I actually wrote a blog entry about it so I'm just going to copy it here:

-----------------------------

I wanted to share my recent experience with calories with everyone in hopes maybe the information can help someone else.

My weight loss had seriously slowed down. To be honest, I spent about a month getting very frustrated because I'd slowed a lot (for me, anyway). I was eating around 900-1000 calories a day. I knew I couldn't lower my calories any further so I figured "ok, let's increase a little and see what happens". I raised my calories to about 1200 a day and sure enough, the weight started falling off again.

July weight loss, on 900-1000 calories: 7.8 pounds/1.95 pounds per week

August weight loss, on 1200 calories: 17.8 pounds/4.45 pounds per week

Needless to say, that's a pretty big difference!

So for anyone who's struggling to lose and eating under a 1000 calories a week, don't be afraid to play with your caloric intake. Raise it a little and see what happens after a week or two. It's worth a try, especially if it works!

Love this- thank you!!

And thank you everyone for your advice

[Maddysgram 6,159]

I'm much like Missy. When my calories were below 800, I would lose, but lose really slow.

When I make sure to have at least 1000, the weight comes off much quicker.

No matter how many calories, I do always get my 60 + grs of Protein daily and I make sure that every meal has Protein in it and Snacks are full of protein also.

I too, am not a nutritionist, but this is what works for me.

Don't forget the minimum 64 oz of non caloric liquids too. That has a big affect on weight loss too.

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Drink, drink, drink. Seems that's all we ever do! LOL

[ireallywannabthin 286]

thank you ladies!

[ShellyBellyIowa 78]

I too stalled at about 4 weeks post op when I was eating 800 calories a day. I upped it to 1200 a day and lose steadily;)

[SkinnyCubanChick 150]

I am losing steadily. Lost 48 in 13 weeks. My Dr. Says starvation mode is a myth. My weight has always come off easily. I am on 700-900 calories and feel great. Losing 2-4 lbs a week! My Dr. Is the Pioneer of the band in the US and trained by the designer of the band!

[ireallywannabthin 286]

Thank you everyone- I am going to up my calories and see if that helps!

[Spaness2012 609]

Since I have been more active the last 2 weeks, I too up'd my calories to 1200. I am seeing a difference in loss now. Sounds like there is something to that! Congrats on all your hard work.

[dazzlingone 58]

I am currently working on the same thing. Three weeks post-op and I still have very little desire to eat. I was only getting 5-700 calories as well. There were days were I had a shake for Breakfast and dinner and that was it. My nutritionist wants me at 1000-1200!!! I cannot do that but I am making sure I have 3 meals a day which should get in closer to 1000.

Hard to say specifically' date=' everyone is different. But I can say if you are that active & eating that little it probably is not optimal. As far as rapid weight loss, my nutritionist wants 2lbs a week, which is about what I am losing right now. Doesn't sound like a lot but add it up and that is 9-10 lbs a month... 104 lbs in a year!![/quote']

Your response made me feel better. I'm only 4 days post op and don't feel like eating at all. I can barely get my 64 Fluid ounces down. Let alone worry about a caloric intake right now. I know I'm still healing and all.

[sharon2013 17]

For those of you who found it helpful to take in more calories - did it matter what kind of calories? I am basically full on 700 calories a day (and have lost no weight in the last 7 days, but am only 2 weeks post-op so not expecting too much), but I could increase calories by switching from nonfat yogurt to regular, by adding in some carbs, by eating nuts... Just wondering if there's a method to it.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

For those of you who found it helpful to take in more calories - did it matter what kind of calories? I am basically full on 700 calories a day (and have lost no weight in the last 7 days' date=' but am only 2 weeks post-op so not expecting too much), but I could increase calories by switching from nonfat yogurt to regular, by adding in some carbs, by eating nuts... Just wondering if there's a method to it.[/quote']

This is strictly my personal opinion, but aside from getting my minimum Protein requirement in I don't worry about carbs and stuff. Calories are calories. I just try to make healthy food choices. Considering I've lost almost 200 pounds in 14 months, for me it works.