:DI haven't seen any info or posts on this question - if our bodies need 1200 calories (for women - more for men) bare minimum to survive on, and more if we're exercising - does the band let in this minimum so we don't head into "starvation mode"?

I do understand that we eat Proteins & veggies before more "empty" calories, but I worry about getting less then the minimum calories once banded.

I guess since I've seen no info about it it's not an issue. The goal is slow weight loss, right - one or two pounds per week optimally.

Okay maybe I've talked myself through this one. Thanks for listening.

Cheers!

huh?

I think I had stored up a lot of energy to live on.

edie:scared:

My nutritionist told me that based on my height and pre-op weight, I would need to get 800 calories max per day. That is what I am shooting for. I am only 5 days post-op and just barely getting that amount - I have been using unflavored whey protein powder to jump start the protein intake to between 50 and 60 grams a day.

Best of luck to you.

I think 800 max per day sounds a bit extreme, but I guess that would be optimal for fast weight loss. Doesn't your body need about 800 / day just to perform all it's functions? I can see having days where you keep it to 800 but every single day would be hard. KRidder, after you heal a bit the hunger will come back. I'm guessing you will be looking back and thinking, "I can't believe I could barely get 800 calories in!" LOL! Enjoy it while you can. I'm healed and had one fill but need more restriction. My appetite hasn't been horrible, though.

Ginger, my doctor's office likes to see their patients eat about 1200 / day. I told them I probably would not lose weight, eating that amount. We'll see. I'm probably between 800-1000 per day right now. My doctor's office does not like to see people go into ketosis. They like to see a healthy calorie level and a loss of 5-8 lbs per month.

I don't think 1200 is the "bare minimum" to survive, though, especially for those of us with a bunch of stored calories (fat). Like Edie said, we can live off it for a while. LOL!

I suggest speaking with your nutritionist and doctor. They will be able to tell you what is best for you.

There's just little to no agreement on this to be had I dont think. It seems in America the ideals are very extreme, very low calories, very low Protein. And obviously that works for people by and large. In Australia, there's no such extremes, you get banded, you eat a normal healthy varied diet in smaller quanities - carbs arent banned, protein isnt pushed and THAT works too by and large.

I think you have to fine tune it to your own body and beliefs. I never found it necessary to dip below 1500 calories a day to get to my goal weight, but I chose to be very active and still am. I dont believe its possible unless you are literally a perfect eater who never strays to get what you need on 800 calories per day long term. Nor do I believe that protein is the magic ingredient, cut carbs and you lose weight sure, because you're cutting out an entire food group.

So I do what suits me. I may be right, I may be wrong but I've lost weight so who cares? I feel happy and comfortable in my choices and as long as you do too, they're right for you. I dont really believe in following a "plan" or a "diet" and nor do I believe relying totally on another person, albeit a nutritionist, to tell me what to eat, I think for long term weight maintenance, those choices need to be mine, they need to be good ones, and they need to suit my lifestyle.

When it comes right down to tin tacks, eat less and move more and you will lose weight.

There's just little to no agreement on this to be had I dont think. It seems in America the ideals are very extreme, very low calories, very low Protein. And obviously that works for people by and large. In Australia, there's no such extremes, you get banded, you eat a normal healthy varied diet in smaller quanities - carbs arent banned, protein isnt pushed and THAT works too by and large.

I think you have to fine tune it to your own body and beliefs. I never found it necessary to dip below 1500 calories a day to get to my goal weight, but I chose to be very active and still am. I dont believe its possible unless you are literally a perfect eater who never strays to get what you need on 800 calories per day long term. Nor do I believe that protein is the magic ingredient, cut carbs and you lose weight sure, because you're cutting out an entire food group.

So I do what suits me. I may be right, I may be wrong but I've lost weight so who cares? I feel happy and comfortable in my choices and as long as you do too, they're right for you. I dont really believe in following a "plan" or a "diet" and nor do I believe relying totally on another person, albeit a nutritionist, to tell me what to eat, I think for long term weight maintenance, those choices need to be mine, they need to be good ones, and they need to suit my lifestyle.

When it comes right down to tin tacks, eat less and move more and you will lose weight.

So you have never had a problem getting 1500 calories in? I can't possibly get in 1500 calories, I am not hungry. I would have to force myself to eat. Its really not a thought most of the time. Now this is a new predicament for me, I got my last fill on May 9th and I think I am at my sweet spot. I can eat just about everything but in tiny quantities. Which was my goal when I was banded. I was hoping that I wouldn't have foods that I coundn't eat. I have not eaten bread however. I am just uninterested. Will I losen up and be able to eat more eventually? I am on my 4th fill and was banded 1/12.

What Jachut said.

Well because I choose to run an hour five times a week or so, I've never had to find my *sweet spot*, I've been able to keep my band looser and still lose weight. I'm also 5ft 10 tall, and pretty active in day to day life apart from exercising so I have higher energy needs than someone 5ft 4 and working a desk job would - therefore I havent had to go as tight and restrict calories as much - thank goodness, lol, its nice not having the PB and food sticking issues so often and to be able to eat out, enjoy life as normal, just with less emphasis on large amounts of food.

Someone much tinier than me would never be able to lose on 1500 calories a day but they also wouldnt necessarily have the same nutrient needs that I do to suit my larger bodyframe.

That's why its necessary to fine tune it for yourself. When I say I cant imagine how you'd get what you need on 800 calories a day I'm talking as a tall, active, hard exercising female of 39, not as a five ft tall 65 year old.

Does that make sense?

In Australia, there's no such extremes, you get banded, you eat a normal healthy varied diet in smaller quanities - carbs arent banned, Protein isnt pushed and THAT works too by and large.

I know everyone has a different opinion, but this seems so smart, from a common sense and basic health perspective. This seems to be my surgeon's approach as well, though they do encourage protein. (I am in the U.S.)

Well because I choose to run an hour five times a week or so, I've never had to find my *sweet spot*, I've been able to keep my band looser and still lose weight. I'm also 5ft 10 tall, and pretty active in day to day life apart from exercising so I have higher energy needs than someone 5ft 4 and working a desk job would - therefore I havent had to go as tight and restrict calories as much - thank goodness, lol, its nice not having the PB and food sticking issues so often and to be able to eat out, enjoy life as normal, just with less emphasis on large amounts of food.

Someone much tinier than me would never be able to lose on 1500 calories a day but they also wouldnt necessarily have the same nutrient needs that I do to suit my larger bodyframe.

That's why its necessary to fine tune it for yourself. When I say I cant imagine how you'd get what you need on 800 calories a day I'm talking as a tall, active, hard exercising female of 39, not as a five ft tall 65 year old.

Does that make sense?

It does make sense and I wish I could lose weight that way. I have a desk job but when I am not here at work I am pretty active. I was working out for an hour a day before my surgery. Since then I have not been able to get back to that level for long periods of time. Part of it is my kids' schedule, part of its me. I need a wife to take over my household responsibilities so that I can spend the time on myself that I need. I have been pretty agressive with my fills in order to find my sweet spot and I wonder should I maybe have worked out harder instead of using the band to do alot of the work. I guess this fill will losen and I can try it both ways to see which one works best. Thanks

Hi, Ginger--

Since you are banded, you may have some difficulty getting 1200 cal/day if you are eating what you are suppossed to eat. Pay attention to what you are eating---you should have a certain amount of every food group to round out your nutritional needs. Since you are physically restricted, you need to be sure to get in the Protein and veggies and fruit. But I eat Beans, too---mainly because they have protein while also having a huge amount of Fiber. And you also need to look at what Jacqui said related to exercise---if you are sedentary, you don't need much more than 1000 calories daily--- 50 grams of protein/day is also fine.

Try to get past thinking like a dieter, because you aren't one of those anymore. You will lose weight simply because you can't eat very much. You have to be smart about what you eat just so you will meet your nutritional needs. Drink your Water. That is the secret to success.

Good luck

dede