I am so confused!! I know “we” play by different rules when it comes to diet but.... if 1 pound is 3,600 calories and a normal intake is 1,500 - 2,000 per day and “we” only take in 500-700 wouldn’t we lose a significant weight no matter what? Then why is it so hard and some don’t? Water, protein, and work outs aside and only looking at the straight caloric intake. I just can’t wrap my head around it. Why do we lose quicker in the pre-diet than we do after surgery? Anyone else confused?

It is not that simple as calories in, calories out, some experts even debunk the whole calorie thing. And we don't lose in a linear fashion. You are healing, you have to get the gut bacteria to normal, there are some intetesting theories on gut bacteria, how it regulates hunger and metabolism. The body reacts to reduced calories by conserving energy so you won't perish. It is a mix of factors, genetics, the macros you are consuming, etc. Do some reading on gut bacteria and metabolism, leaky gut, etc...interesting stuff.

In the meantime, relax and figure out what works for your body, it is a long journey.

Thank you!!! I can wrap my head around that. :)

The body is really an amazing thing, isnt't it. Self preservation!

I agree with Sosewsue61 about the gut..having suffered for years with gut issues. Well worth reading about.

I think if we focus on getting the body as healthy and inline as we can before we go into surgery, this will help to make the whole process easier to handle and allow our bodies to focus on healing after surgery and after that, re-aligning to the reduced eating.

@Sosewsue61 what a great answer. I just figured it was because of metabolism and the body healing. Hadn't given any thought to the other things you mentioned. Thanks for the info.