I didn't really see this sort of question when I did a forum search, but it's been on my mind the past few days.

I'm almost 7 weeks out, but have been at a stall for the past week and a half. I just keep fluctuating within the same 3 pounds and it's getting frustrating. I don't weigh myself every day, because I would drive myself crazy, but more like every third day or so. I've upped my Water intake and have been trying to take in more Protein and less carbs, but I've barely been getting to 600 calories. I've been doing 45 minute to an hour walks every other day, which according to myfitnesspal usually burns about 250 calories. That comes to a net gain of 350 calories on the days that I exercise. I read on another topic that only getting in something like 400 calories puts the body in "starvation mode", which prevents weight loss from going further. Do I need to do less exercising, eat more food, what? I've read that it takes 3500 calories burned to lose a pound, meaning if someone ate 500 less calories a day, they would lose 1 pound per week since 500caloriesx7days=3500. Since we eat so little, how would I convert that to a more sleeve-friendly number? I'd wither away if I ate 3500 less calories a week since that's basically all I get in!

I guess what I'm trying to say is, what is a good net gain amount of calories for someone about 2 months post-op? I know some people can and do eat more calories, like 800-1200, but I just can't do it right now. Like I said, I'm lucky to get in 600. I want to be able to exercise to get rid of my problem areas and help lessen the severity of excess skin, but I want to find a good balance between getting too few calories, and going into starvation mode, and getting too many and stretching my sleeve/putting on weight. While I am looking for ways to break the stall (with the typical, "drink more water, eat more protein, exercise more, yada yada yada," trust me, I've tried them all so far), I'm more interested in what would be considered good net gain amount of calories to take in.

Any thoughts/advice?

I have been eating 1200 minimum since 2 months out. I'm sure my weight loss has been great cause of this. I stall if I go any less. Have you thought of adding something like a large lovely 2% milk vanilla latte daily? That's what I do. And I'm 5 months out and 23lbs from goal. :-)

Thanks for the reply! Maybe I should up my caloric intake. What's your exercise regime, or at least what was it around 2 months?

Sadly, I don't care for coffee type stuff. I try to drink a glass of Silk a day but am slowly finding out I may be allergic, or it's just pure coincidence that the bathroom becomes my best friend after I drink a glass of it.

I'll try to get up to 800 calories, since I don't think I can outright jump to 1200 right now!, and see if I have any changes.

I was/ am walking on the track 30 mins 3 x per week and some light weight lifting as well.

I am six months out now and was scolded by my Dr. at my last visit. He says we need 1200 a day right away after surgery.There is no way I could have done that. Even now it's hard too get more than 900 a day in.

I never heard of "net gain" before. I will have to google it.

LOL so I google it and your question comes up..

Thanks Sleeve of Steel. I've been mainly walking now, since I don't really live close to a gym, but once school starts up again, I'm going to their gym.

I am six months out now and was scolded by my Dr. at my last visit. He says we need 1200 a day right away after surgery.There is now way I could have done that. Even now it's hard too get more than 900 a day in.

I think your calorie input is right about where everyone else at your stage. Stalls will happen, I was freaking out too when I hit my first one.

I never heard of "net gain" before. I will have to google it.

I'm probably saying the wrong phrase, lol. I guess I took net gain from profits or sales terms, and put them in a sleeve-situation! Let's say you eat 800 calories in a day and do some exercise that burns 300 calories. I'm calling that 500 (800 in minus 300 out) calories a "net gain." I'm bad with phrases.

I'm surprised your doctor says to start 1200 calories immediately. A lot of people I see on here don't reach that until a few, or several, months out.

I didn't get the three week stall, so I'm guessing this is my body just being stubborn and going to be doubly frustrating and making me stall longer than I should.

I'm surprised by the 1200 calorie thing too . . . I'm 5 months out (on Tuesday) and typically only get about 800-900/day. To the original question, I think you might want to try to get to 700-800 if you can . . . and maybe increase the exercise (faster walking, etc.).

You're doing just fine!!

Your weight will come off! Don't worry about it. Just make sure you get your needed Protein and your fluids. I was the same boat as you. It was driving me nuts!! But soon, you'll start dropping like crazy!! Some days, I am dropping a pound a day. Soon it will stop and I'll start losing inches and then the scale will start dropping again.

I sure wouldn't be trying for 1200 calories so soon out. FWIW, I get 600-800 calories a day.

Now I see what you are saying, just noticed it on Myfittness pal. It increases your

daily calories if you exercise. Shows in the net. Hmm