Hi everyone!

I am really confused right now. I am two years post op and I have lost a total of 140 lbs. I am very happy about that (ecstatic!) but I am trying to get those last pesky pounds off. I 'fell off the wagon' for awhile and I am trying to get back on track. I lost all the weight practically without trying (other than focusing on walking and getting my Protein in) I have a Caribbean vacation coming up in 8 months and I want to wear a bikini comfortably.

My question: What should my caloric intake be? After calculating my BMI with my base metabolic rate it says that I should be eating about 1450 calories a day to burn fat, I should also work out 3-5x/week (Cardio and weights) and eat back half the calories I expend. (Just seems like a lot of food to eat, I'm not used to being told to eat more lol)

I was eating about 1000-1150 calories/day but I feel weak and tired, trying to get my Water in too and protein. My weight didn't budge at all after three weeks and I was exercising about 3-4 week (cardio, kettlebells and yoga) my muscles were burning and I wanted to sleep

Should I be looking at eating 1300 calories/day? Is this right for post op weight loss patients that are 20 lbs from their goal weight? Am I eating too few calories and causing my body to stall out and go into 'starvation mode'?

Any ideas would be great thank you!

Janelle

It is a delicate balance finding the right levels of Protein, Water and calories after surgery and after you have gone into maintenance mode. I am 9 months post surgery and eat 1100 - 1200 calories per day, that was driving a 2 pound per week weight loss, but I have been stalled for the past month.

I would experiment with different calorie levels to see where you feel best - you didn't mention what level you were eating when you were in maintenance mode. Focus on getting in the full 60 grams of protein and 64 oz of water and a consistent exercise level. If you really don't think you are making progress then maybe it is time to revisit the surgeon or nutritionist.

Sometimes when your body gets to the weight it wants to be you can starve yourself and it's not going to budge. You have had a dramatic weight loss and it probably is going to take some doing to get the rest off.

Thank you so much for your comments I am sure I left out a lot of important information. Between feb 2013-December 2013 was a 'screw it' phase. I lost most of my weight by January 2013 and shortly afterwards I hit a family crisis, had a job that stressed me out to the point I got strep and I was eating all high calorie junk food to combat the extreme fatigue and lack of exercise. I would estimate I would eat around 1300-2000 calories a day in junk food, that's really embarrassing to say and other days I would have maybe two meals. I'm lucky I haven't harmed myself more than I have.

Working hard to the better future I deserve just trying to figure out what is the best plan.

After reading you post I would suggest food logs. By keeping a food log there is no guessing you know exactly what you put in your mouth. After logging for a while you will be able to have control over if you gain or lose weight for the week. When eating make sure you are filling up on protein. Protein gives us so many benefits - energy is one of them. Usually by increasing your protein it will jump start a stall. If you are fairly active you need to increase your protein as well.

My doctor does not have us worry about calories. He feels that if we are following his guidelines and eat lean and clean everything will fall into place.

After reading you post I would suggest food logs. By keeping a food log there is no guessing you know exactly what you put in your mouth. After logging for a while you will be able to have control over if you gain or lose weight for the week. When eating make sure you are filling up on Protein. Protein gives us so many benefits - energy is one of them. Usually by increasing your protein it will jump start a stall. If you are fairly active you need to increase your protein as well.

My doctor does not have us worry about calories. He feels that if we are following his guidelines and eat lean and clean everything will fall into place.

I think a food log is important and I am going to start today. I don't realize what or how much in calories I am taking in. I don't get enough orotein or Water. I take about 22-25pilks a day now and some are weight gainers . I'm post op 6 months and I've lost 30 lbs. My doc doesn't seem to be worried. I had 1st fill at 5 months and I think...I know I need another bc I am remaining hungry or eating too much to stave off the hunger. What is anyone suggesting to get in that much protein. w/o too many caks? I do need help . I am going up and down on a regular basis. I start silver sneakers at a nearby gym and I know that will help but intake of protein and water is a problem. Help!!!

I think a food log is important and I am going to start today. I don't realize what or how much in calories I am taking in. I don't get enough orotein or water. I take about 22-25pilks a day now and some are weight gainers . I'm post op 6 months and I've lost 30 lbs. My doc doesn't seem to be worried. I had 1st fill at 5 months and I think...I know I need another bc I am remaining hungry or eating too much to stave off the hunger. What is anyone suggesting to get in that much protein. w/o too many caks? I do need help . I am going up and down on a regular basis. I start silver sneakers at a nearby gym and I know that will help but intake of protein and water is a problem. Help!!!

Too many calories....lol can't type either.

Watch your junk food intake. You indicated that you were eating a lot of that. Have you seen your bariatric team, doctor, nutritionist, etc lately? That would be a good place to start. best wishes,Karen

After reading you post I would suggest food logs. By keeping a food log there is no guessing you know exactly what you put in your mouth. After logging for a while you will be able to have control over if you gain or lose weight for the week. When eating make sure you are filling up on Protein. Protein gives us so many benefits - energy is one of them. Usually by increasing your protein it will jump start a stall. If you are fairly active you need to increase your protein as well.

My doctor does not have us worry about calories. He feels that if we are following his guidelines and eat lean and clean everything will fall into place.

I think a food log is important and I am going to start today. I don't realize what or how much in calories I am taking in. I don't get enough orotein or Water. I take about 22-25pilks a day now and some are weight gainers . I'm post op 6 months and I've lost 30 lbs. My doc doesn't seem to be worried. I had 1st fill at 5 months and I think...I know I need another bc I am remaining hungry or eating too much to stave off the hunger. What is anyone suggesting to get in that much protein. w/o too many caks? I do need help . I am going up and down on a regular basis. I start silver sneakers at a nearby gym and I know that will help but intake of protein and water is a problem. Help!!!

Well there are good calories associated with protein sources. There are about 4 calories for every gram of protein. So if you are aiming to get 60 grams of protein in you will be taking in 240 calories for that, but they are good calories.

Maintenance was a topic a few days ago: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/299148-maintenance-what-does-it-look-like/

Next month I will be 2 yrs post op and I am 20 lbs short of my goal weight. When I tell my surgeon he told me not to focus on the numbers but how I feel. I am a slow loser, run 5 miles a day, get my heart rate up to fat burning mode, eat right, get my Protein and Water in..... etc. etc. I have accepted my weight, I feel great, look good and my blood work is perfect. Sometimes we have done everything in our power to lose and your body is happy where its at.