calories How many calories do you get in a day?

[LeanerLena5426 61]

I am just over 7 weeks post-op, and I have no more restrictions on my diet. I have no difficulty eating, I can pretty much eat anything (though I'm still being really careful and haven't tried anything like raw veggies, steak, Pasta, etc.). Portions are small, I always stick to my surgeon's recommendations (without any effort, I get full). But I can consume a good 800-900 calories in a day without even trying (more, sometimes), and I've read a lot of people talking about 500-600 calories, or losing massive amounts of weight in a short period of time. Just wondering, should I be trying to restrict my calories?

I'm torn, because on one hand I feel like going ultra-low cal puts the body in starvation mode, and causes all kinds of unhealthy consequences. I'm a yo-yo dieter and I've actually caused permanent nerve damage from a B12 deficiency (I lost a lot of weight really quickly, and my legs went numb below the knees!) It was a nightmare, and I never want to go down that road again. But on the other hand, I know that I'm making higher-calorie choices sometimes and could instead opt for the fat-free version. So this makes me worried that if I'm eating this many calories NOW, how many will I be able to eat in a year or two? And SHOULD I always be choosing fat-free, to fully commit to my new life? Is having a slice of full-fat cheese "cheating", even if my total calories are really low?

[belladona 153]

Look at your numbers. does it lok like your doing anything wrong? I dont think so. The one thing I learned on this site is everyone is different, everyones body looses different, I was one of those no carb 450- 500 calorie people and yeah it worked for a while then, the weight slowed down to a lb a week ughh that sucks! At my weight anyway well this week I did no strenous exercise just walked and upped my carbs to just under 60 and upped my calories to 700-900 and voila so far 4 lbs down.. hmm ya just never know. My best advice to you is do what works for you, dont worry about anyone else. Your doing great!

[AmyInOrlando 348]

I keep my calories to 600 because I'm short (5') and I will be 61 years old in a few weeks. I'm hypothyroid, so my metabolism is already compromised. I'm only 5 weeks out. Once I can increase my exercise significantly, I'll up my calories to 800. I'm still a slow loser. On my day of surgery I weighed 195. The more you have to lose, the quicker it comes off I've noticed. A "full fat slice of cheese" in my opinion isn't cheating, as long as it fits in with your overall nutritional goals. Always follow your Surgeon's instructions (or your Nutritionist's)... JMHO

[shewolf143 57]

I was concerned I wasn't eating enough although I have lost weight every single week since the surgery Sept. 12, 2012. I met with my Dr last week & told him I eat about 900 calories & was that enough. He said to keep doing what I am doing as it is working. I have 22 lbs to go to get to my goal & he said the last 20 are hard. My NUT recommended that I get about 1000-1100 calories on days that I exercise & then 800-900 on the other days. I eat both reduced fat cheese & regular, stay away from anything white (rice, bread, Pasta, sugar). I feel awesome!!!!! Keep up the good work everyone & we WILL get there!

[gamergirl 4,609]

I keep my calories to 600 because I'm short (5') and I will be 61 years old in a few weeks. I'm hypothyroid, so my metabolism is already compromised. I'm only 5 weeks out. Once I can increase my exercise significantly, I'll up my calories to 800. I'm still a slow loser. On my day of surgery I weighed 195. The more you have to lose, the quicker it comes off I've noticed. A "full fat slice of cheese" in my opinion isn't cheating, as long as it fits in with your overall nutritional goals. Always follow your Surgeon's instructions (or your Nutritionist's)... JMHO

Amy you're losing faster than I am so maybe you're not as slow as you think

[NtvTxn 1,262]

I am three years, three months out and I need 1300 to maintain. I've lost approx 85 total, give or take a few, depending on the day. I reached goal in six months, but 23 or the 85 I lost prior to surgery. I do not think I ever lost massive amounts of weight, but it was nice and steady, up and down, up and down. The last month, when i reached goal is the first month I started getting in between 700 - 800 calories. I averaged 450 - 600 mid-way and the first couple of months I was getting 300 - 375, and that was doing good. I felt good, my labs were good, doctor said I was fine, so I never worried about it.

It does freak me out that I can eat 'as much as I do' now, although, it really isn't that much. I still have very good restriction and had to add in three mini meals or Snacks to attain 1300 calories, no way can I do it with three meals. I love eating like we do after surgery.....I hope it never changes.

[LeanerLena5426 61]

Thanks so much, everyone! You made me feel better.