How low will I go?

[penman53 493]

I am 11 months out and I have lost 185 pounds. I went from 387 pounds down to 205 pounds. I am thrilled with my success but I am still only eating anywhere from 700 to 1100 calories a day. That is three meals, a mid morning and mid afternoon snack and a bedtime snack. I always get in my Protein at about 85 to 87 grams. I drink all the Water at least 8 glasses a day. So according to my fitness pal, If I keep this up I will weigh 187 pounds.

I don't want to weigh 187 but for the life of me I don't know what to do to stop losing weight. I passed my goal weight of 225 a long time ago and though I do not want to gain any weight I just think it is time for me to maintain. Does anyone out there have this situation and what are your suggestions.

Mark, Edmond Ok

[swimbikerun 1,038]

Yes. I had the same thing, eventually hospitalized for malnutrition but much closer out. Do you still have your gallbladder? The other is I am a bit further out than what you are. At the time I was 6 months out of surgery. Is your doctor monitoring you? I'm wondering because I was dropped at 16 months out and the deterioration is because I don't have any care that is appropriate to what is needed.

[marfar7 1,528]

My dr told me (looks as if I was misinformed) that one ur body gets to it's ideal weight, it would just stop losing, for most people. Very few people have to increase their calorie allotment by maybe 200-300 a day (a handful of nuts and 2 pcs of cheese).

I'm seeing more and more people with this problem of not being able to stop losing. Wish I were one of u. I still have those last 11 lbs that are holding on for dear life...

[marfar7 1,528]

Wow. Ur a 6'4" inch man and u eat between 700-1100 cals a day? Sounds like Ur starving. I would suggest u up ur calories a little, even just to maintain ur weight, not necessarily gain some.

Good luck!

[B-52 7,113]

I was told, that this is NOT a diet where I can turn it on or off....it is surgical intervention that has altered/changed the way I eat for the rest of my life.....since my food intake is restricted, it is up to me to eat the best I possible can....which I have...

I am amazed at people on this forum who want to blow their portions in something like pizza....where's the nutrition? The benefit?

I have lived an entire lifestyle of bad eating habits, bad unhealthy foods, and because of it my body went from normal to obese.....resulting in diabetes, high BP, clogged arteries resulting in a Heart Attack and Cardiac Surgery....

Now with surgery, I have a new lifestyle...NOT a diet, NO monthly challenges, and eventually my body will return to what it considers it to be normal...again it's my responsibility to feed it a high Protein nutritious food....(I have become a real health food nut)

And that is exactly what it did...it surpassed every goal I have made, and kept right on going...finally settling at a weight it feels is ideal....I have not gained or lost any weight in over 2 years now...and enjoy the foods - drink I choose to enjoy...

BMI chart would say I am still overweight...but a body fat analysis will show I have a very, very low body fat %, with everything being good lean muscle and bone mass.....(and water)

I'm 62 years old, and have more energy now than I did 30 years ago....

Malnutrition,....you are what you eat...and since I eat so little, I need to make the very best of it....NOT Pizza!

The only way I could stop this, if I wanted to, would be to get some Fluid taken out of my band...which I did a few weeks back...my Dr. thought I was nuts....don't need to fix what is not broken...but he did it anyway...

he was right...turned out to be a disaster. My hunger returned along with my appetite, and I was able to eat more with less restriction....

Did not like that change in lifestyle....went back 2 weeks later and got the Fluid put back in....my Dr.with that Laughing "I Told You So" Look, and here is where I'll stay for the rest of my life......

I cannot be happier and healthier....as 100% success.....No fear of ever gaining any weight back....he word DIET is no longer relevant in my life.....there is nothing left I can or need to do...(other than a little band maintenance every 6-8 weeks...) and stay active.

Edited June 9, 2014 by B-52

[Chelenka 827]

@@penman53 congratulations on your success! I think you should contact your surgeon or a medical professional to consult about whether you need to stop losing or should maintain. Are you physically unable to eat more calories or is your current calorie intake your choice? I am not sure how tall you are either but my brother is about 6'4" and weighs about 190. He is very active and physically fit. He is just a skinny guy and always has been. It seems to me that maintaining for you will mean eating more calories. You can get more calories by adding calorie dense foods that are healthy choices like nuts and nut butters, avocados, use some organic unsalted butter for flavor or cooking, or olive oil. You get the idea.

[swimbikerun 1,038]

In addition to the above excellent ideas, what about Medjool dates? I tried them. They are lots of Fiber and 66 calories each. You wouldn't know it by chewing on them though. They are a mildly almond flavored type of thing and I mean very very mild.

Tasty and do help with calories but natural sugar and Fiber.< /p>

[swimbikerun 1,038]

Agreed. I make the best of what I put in also, the only problem is that I have several GI issues that compound the problem.

[Andrew0929 1,101]

I am 11 months out and I have lost 185 pounds. I went from 387 pounds down to 205 pounds. I am thrilled with my success but I am still only eating anywhere from 700 to 1100 calories a day. That is three meals, a mid morning and mid afternoon snack and a bedtime snack. I always get in my Protein at about 85 to 87 grams. I drink all the Water at least 8 glasses a day. So according to my fitness pal, If I keep this up I will weigh 187 pounds. I don't want to weigh 187 but for the life of me I don't know what to do to stop losing weight. I passed my goal weight of 225 a long time ago and though I do not want to gain any weight I just think it is time for me to maintain. Does anyone out there have this situation and what are your suggestions. Mark, Edmond Ok

I have about 12 pounds left before reaching my goal and have the same concern. Surprisingly the weight has been falling off quickly as of late. I am going to my nut today to get some guidance on ceasing my weight loss soon. I'd like a way to do this in a healthy manner rather than re-introducing the junk foods that got me into this mess.

[Pat Gabel 4]

My sister had gastric bypass in 2002. She lost a lot of weight and feared she couldn't stop but then it seemed like she just "leveled off." She is slim and healthy. Don't be discouraged and try adding additional Protein. I am having a sleeve on June 23.

[Writerjennifer 107]

when we are at the wight you like... my nut explained that i would need to add 100 calories to my daily intake for a week, or two and if still losing, add another 100. Continuing 100 per week or two until the weight loss stops or I gain. If I gain, she said to drop by 100 calories and maintain there for a few weeks to see if that is the right number.

It's a balancing act. If you start working out more, (in maintenance level) you will might need to add a few calories, or if you stop, you might need to reduce by a few.

Good luck, and congratulations on your loss!

[swimbikerun 1,038]

What about avocado, those are healthy fats? Peanuts and nuts? Cherries? Dates are huge in calories.

[swimbikerun 1,038]

If you want me to give you a rundown on what it is like to have less calories and malnutrition, I can. It encompasses a lot. It doesn't help that the doctor didn't do anything about it or missed it when I was with him. No care now - this is why you always need to investigate your doctor and the staff, etc.

If you don't think malnutrition or losing too much is a problem, I'm happy to let someone be in my shoes. Its not fun guys. I've got more problems than when I was fat. I wouldn't change the surgery but the doctor is a different story. I got moved to him after I asked for another. I was uncomfortable with him at first, and I now understand why. Unfortunately, the insurance didn't give you a big choice as the place closest to me wasn't on the insurance list.