So I had a two week period where I wasn't losing anything which I know is normal. I thought it was a stall and I spoke to my surgeon about it (I'm 3 weeks post op, week 2 and 3, no losses) and he stated that I had the thickest set of musculature he's ever cut through. He stated based on my muscle mass I need 1200-1700 calories a day to lose weight. So basically I was starving myself at 800 calories. So I tried his way and lost 4lbs in two days from eating more. My question is, has anyone else had to significantly increase their calorie content? It's incredibly hard to do 3 weeks out, I have to constantly eat something. Not that I want to just add empty calories but I can only eat mushy foods right now. Ideas of calorie denser food? Basically I've just been adding real peanut butter each day since it's 250 calories per packet.

I don't have WLS experience in this but have experienced this with other diets. Many times during a stall I've added calories and the weight would come off. Lucky you to be able to follow your plan and doctors instructions and still eat 1200 to 1700 calories a day. Not sure how to add healthy mushy calories. Hopefully a veteran will answer this. Good Luck!

I didn't really lose anything week 1-2 and have not been a fast loser in general but there is something to upping calories to achieve weight loss. I lost way better once I hit week 4 and could add real food, thereby also increasing my calories. Doesn't work for everyone, but I definitely lose better when I hit 850-950 calories. Unless you're a giant or workout very hardcore I don't know that I'd aim for 12-1700 a day until you're farther out towards maintenance.

It's not that I workout hardcore but I do have a job where I walk literally all day or am doing something semi active for 8-10 hours. Right now he said to try and get to 1000-1200 but not to be shocked if I required a lot more based on my job, muscle mass etc. I don't really WANT to do that many calories cause I am really scared I will stretch out my sleeve and then it will be a worthless tool. This whole experience has really shown me how many calories I must have eaten to get here though! I guess I'll just keep adding the peanut butter to my protein shakes.

I am trying to slow down my weight loss, but really can't eat more than I already am, so I am trying to add more healthy fat and carb calories. Here's some things you may try in your mushy stage....

Eat regular cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, not low fat. Make your shakes with whole milk. Eat avacodos and mashed sweet potatoes. Drink organic juices, instead of crystal light or other SF drinks. Add a banana or other fruit to your Protein shakes.

So I had a two week period where I wasn't losing anything which I know is normal. I thought it was a stall and I spoke to my surgeon about it (I'm 3 weeks post op, week 2 and 3, no losses) and he stated that I had the thickest set of musculature he's ever cut through. He stated based on my muscle mass I need 1200-1700 calories a day to lose weight. So basically I was starving myself at 800 calories. So I tried his way and lost 4lbs in two days from eating more. My question is, has anyone else had to significantly increase their calorie content? It's incredibly hard to do 3 weeks out, I have to constantly eat something. Not that I want to just add empty calories but I can only eat mushy foods right now. Ideas of calorie denser food? Basically I've just been adding real Peanut Butter each day since it's 250 calories per packet.

Yes! The more I eat the better I lose for sure. But even at 9 months post op, its tough for me...so I know how hard it is on you!

Just do the best you can. Maybe add in a few Quest bars. They are filling with Fiber and Protein.

Avocados or bananas added to shakes can help add high quality calories. Once you can do crunchy, power crunch bars taste good and have 200 calories\15g Protein a pop. I also make the protein ice cream from theworldaccordingtoeggface, (with 2% milk) which can be a decent boost without being complete crap.

I also ate a lot of cheese sticks\baby bells early on as Snacks. High protein, nutrient dense, portable and small enough not to make me feel stuffed.

Edited July 1, 201412 yr by bikrchk