Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Counting calories



Recommended Posts

I am just curious. I measure most everything that I eat. I keep seeing posts in some of the lap band groups where people are saying they are upset they are not losing but they count calories. Turns out they are not measuring their food? How on earth can you count calories if you are not measurin your poritons? Most of these posts are newer people. They just want to be right and don't want to listen. Oh well... maybe this post will help someone..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Agreed, if you aren't measuring your portions there is no way you can accurately count calories (unless you're living on pre-packaged single serving meals which wouldn't be very healthy).

I'd be willing to bet they're "guessing" calories and their guess is too low, hence no weight loss.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I measure some portions, and weigh the others. Kind of hard to fit a fish fillet into a measuring cup :) But I do count calories and grams of Protein.< /p>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In my opinion it comes down to accountability. If you don't measure or don't write it down then there are no calories..... right?

We have to be honest with ourselves. I just wrote a blog called "A Confession" about a laps I had last night. The reason for the blog was to be accountable for what I did. If others benefit great, but my motive was selfish. I had to be accountable for my actions and writing it down is being accountable.

Be honest with yourself, you are only hurting yourself. (In my opinion)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i agree with all the posts....

i am very aware of all i put into my mouth body now

and from being a dieter my entire adult life, i can quote the cal contents of everything....even sammys cabo wabo tequila

i know 3500 cals equals a pound and if i take in (eat more) then i burn off i will gain.......i dont focus so much on cal counting, but i do Portion Control by measuring strictly (as i have posted pictures of my lunches/snacks etc)

if only the newbies listened to the dr and the nutritionists

and not over think it....eat better food in smaller amounts (let band help) and see what happens..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In my opinion it comes down to accountability. If you don't measure or don't write it down then there are no calories..... right?

We have to be honest with ourselves. I just wrote a blog called "A Confession" about a laps I had last night. The reason for the blog was to be accountable for what I did. If others benefit great, but my motive was selfish. I had to be accountable for my actions and writing it down is being accountable.

Be honest with yourself, you are only hurting yourself. (In my opinion)

and if you dont (see me) eat it, it doesnt count either :o

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Agreed, if you aren't measuring your portions there is no way you can accurately count calories (unless you're living on pre-packaged single serving meals which wouldn't be very healthy).

I'd be willing to bet they're "guessing" calories and their guess is too low, hence no weight loss.

i am a terrible guesser......hence why i have not won the lottery in my life yet.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am just curious. I measure most everything that I eat. I keep seeing posts in some of the lap band groups where people are saying they are upset they are not losing but they count calories. Turns out they are not measuring their food? How on earth can you count calories if you are not measurin your poritons? Most of these posts are newer people. They just want to be right and don't want to listen. Oh well... maybe this post will help someone..

this post helped me. if it helps (one person) as i see it, it is helpful

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for post! I hear that a lot also.

For ME I account for every bite that goes into my mouth! I was VERY delusional before about portions and calories, hence the reason I got to 317 pounds! Now even if I take one bite of something to try I put it into my food log. I have entered things as 1 tsp of chocolate cake or 1 tsp of ketchup, etc. If it went into my mouth, I LOG IT!!! EVERYTHING. lol.

Again for ME it is the only way I will be successful by keeping accountability for myself and get this weight off and keep it off!!

Everyone have a fantastic day!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've found, even before the band, the only way I can lose weight is to account for what I put in mouth, every day. I use FitDay, which is kind of dated these days, to keep a daily food log to track calories and Protein intake, and also exercise. Being accountable to yourself in a daily food diary shows you what you have done, where you are, and where you are heading. Whenever I've gotten lazy and stopped the food log, the pounds always crept back on. Right now I am using the will power that the band has enabled, and following a sensible diet and tracking everything I eat. So far it is working, just need the willpower and motivation to stay on course.

By the way, that little rescue rascal in my photo has kept herself at a svelte 38 pounds since we adopted her, she has a Lab Band... sorry.. couldn't resist.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't weigh but i look at the portion I'm about to eat carefully. It has too be good quality food or I don't eat it. I have yet to eat a bag of french fries or any hamburger with bun since Last July 2012, 1 month prior to lapband surgery (aug 6) . I use dto love my hamburgers but I have selected better food types to eat my meals. Soon I will go on liquids for 5-7 days, drinking mostly blended smoothies(a veggie mix n fruit) and Protein shakes as a cleansing tools for me. It helps my mind stablize and get back on a proper track with a better selection of foods. I do this every so many months and it helps me very much. It's not so much a instant weight loss but a reduction of calories and maybe some improper foods that I crave every now and then. I maintain 900-1000 calories during my liquid fast.

Best wishes and Keep the faith.

Best wishes

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

All I know is, thanks to the band, I eat a heck of a lot less than what I used to....and that is what it took....eating less, (lot less), exercise daily = good steady weight loss until there is no more to loose...equilibrium achieved.

Only once in my journey did I not loose weight, gained actually, and that was during my 2nd month...and there was no doubt I knew I was eating too much, not having any restriction....and my Dr. reassured me, not to get very upset, and we will take care of that, and that being his / our goal....

(I have not lost any weight in well over 1-1/2 years, but that's another story)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×