Metabolism

Sal · August 3, 2004

Hi Everybody!

Hope I'm doing this the right way - I'm not very savy when it comes to this kind of email chat stuff.

I am scheduled for banding August 16th but I still have a few questions. What happens to our metabolism if we are eating so many less calories a day? Doesn't our bodies think we are in the "starvation" mode (like all of our past diets - I know, I know - this isn't a diet) and therefore, slow way, way down? When we begin with our exercise program does that help it speed up? Am I a dork and missing something here?

Thanks to all on this board. I have been lurking in the background for a long time and have found many answers to questions, comfort for nerves, and a lot of laughs. Thanks again!

Neicy · August 3, 2004

Hi Sal, congratulations on your decision to get banded. You will definitely be eating less post-op, but you shouldn't restrict yourself to the point that your body thinks it's starving. I don't know about your eating habits, but I could cut my food consumption in half and be no where near stavation. I was in denial about how much food I really was eating for a long time, but now for he first time I have control over my compulsion. I think of it like a choke chain on a wild and crazy appetite!

I make better food choices, eat my protiens first, then veggies, then whatever. I'm lucky to make it past protiens since I got adjusted last Friday. I'm still in the learning phase, trying to figure out the right amount to eat. I make sure I get 50-60 grams of protien daily. Less than this could hamper your weight loss and cause your hair to fall out, and affect your metabolic function.

Has your doctor discussed his post-op recommendations with you?

Sal · August 3, 2004

Neicy - Thanks for the reply. I go for my first doctor visit this Friday, so I will discuss post-op stuff in detail then. I have been to a pre-op support group that suggested liquids/soft diet for the first 4-5 weeks.

I realize also that it will take a lot for my body to starve! I guess I'm still thinking about that yo-yo dieting effect from losing weight, then gaining more back because your metabolism has slowed down. (Have you heard this theory before, or am I on crack?) I also realize that with the band, I (hopefully) won't be yo-yo'ing anymore. (Yipee! - although I'm saying it with hesitancy and near disbelief)

ebhmom1 · August 3, 2004

Sal- I love your 'picture'.

Just something to keep in mind- the more muscle mass you have to faster your metabolism works, so exercise- especially weight training will help keep your metabolism up to par. I would also concur with the advice you were given about not lower your calorie intake to much!