To few or to many calories

[Chezlee 0]

Hi, I've had the lap band for almost 2 years and my weight loss has been pretty slow. I started at 350 and am down to 270. I lost weight easier in the beginning but after I broke the 300 mark I had to fight to get off every pound. I am desperately looking for a reason and a way to help me get the weight off. I am very active and work out vigorously at least 5 days a week and on days that my band does not rebel I consume 600-900 calories. On bad days I get 300 or less. I drink lots of Water. I don't know what I am doing wrong it doesn't make sense that I am not losing weight and some weeks I gain a few pounds. Is starvation mode a real thing? If anyone has any tips or has experienced the same thing please let me know!

[Bdoll 1]

Your calories do seem a little too low. How many carbs, fat, and Protein do you get each day? These can be just as important as calories.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

It's a fine line...just think of a fire. Too much wood can smother it, or not enough wood and it doesn't burn well. Our bodies are like that...we need enough food/energy to get the old metabolism engine running but not so much that it doesn't turn to our stores of fat when needed. I'd think 300 cal a day isn't enough, esp with your exercising. Your engine isn't running smooth.

On those low days, I'd add in Protein shakes or some type of food supplement, and if you are so tight you can't drink liquid, get a slight unfill.

I am NOT a weight loss pro (although I am a pro at almost any diet, done them all LOL) but this I know...you have got to give the furnace fuel to burn.

[Gus-Gus 0]

Your calorie count is very low. I have been keeping my calories anywhere from 1000 to 1200 and on some days I am able to get up to 1400 calories and some days like you, I am lucky to get in 300. My nutritionist told me 1000 is a good mark and go up or down 200 either way to shake things up a bit. On your low days, you want to really up those Protein shakes to keep you Protein count up to at least 60 grams a day.

Good luck to you and congrats on what you've already accomplished.

[TopTier 0]

I know it seems counter-intuitive, but the previous posters are correct. Too few calories will actually sabotage your metabolic process and cause your body to stop burning properly and try to start storing fat again.

It is a fine line. And everyone is a tad different, but the 1000-1200 rule of thumb is a pretty standard one.

Any lower than that and you're going to get stuck.

But you've done a great job so far! I'm sure you're very proud of yourself!

[Lopez1978 0]

Yes I had the same problem and hit a major plateau, so I upped my calorie intake and made sure I ate very high Protein foods. Protein is very important to your weight loss. Good Luck to you!!

[paisleypea 1]

thanks for the great word picture Restless - the fire with wood is a perfect analogy. I am just 8 days post-op but have been wondering myself just how much I am supposed to eat calorie wise. I think it is different in this healing phase right now??? but I wanted the info for when I am a "normal bander". LOL

I will use the fire/wood image to help me balance.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Sure...happy I could help you! yes, in the healing phase all bets are off. It seems your doc moves you through the stages fairly quickly though, so it won't be long for you! Good luck!