Listened to my doctor and lost

**suzn358** · 09-03-2014 07:50 AM

Hi All - I'm a little past my 3 month point and I've lost 56-1/2 pounds including the pre-op diet. My weight loss was slowing down the past month to about 1 pound a week and I wasn't happy with that. I spoke to my doctor and she said I needed to eat more calories, at least 1000-1200 calories a day. That sounded like a lot to me but thought I'd give it a try. This past week I didn't have a day under 1100 calories and I lost 3.8 lbs! She was right! She said that if you continue to eat under 1000 calories a day your body doesn't want to part with the fat and holds onto the fat. Who knew!

**PITSTOP** · 09-03-2014 08:25 AM

Congrats Susan! Its amazing what 3 months can do. Your so close to onederland!!!! I dont have my surgery for another couple of months but thanks for the info on the calories. I'll keep that in mind when I start to stall. Good luck on your weight loss and becoming a healthier you!

**NewMeBy50** · 09-03-2014 08:33 AM

I am SO struggling with eating more calories. I've been tracking my daily food intake at myfitnesspal.com and every day, the site tells me I'm not getting enough calories (I eat around 800 calories a day, but do get in 70 grams of protein). Yet, when I increase my calories, I feel like I'm blowing it. I am still losing weight, but I'm only 2 months out from surgery. Maybe I just need to get out of my own way and listen to those who know better! Ok, I'm going to shoot for 1000 - 1100 calories per day. Thanks for posting about this!

**suzn358** · 09-03-2014 08:48 AM

Ellen - I added the extra calories by adding things to my meal. Breakfast I have either cottage cheese or yogurt so I added ground flaxseed and walnuts to get more calories in. I didn't add a lot of food volume, but added more calories. Good luck.

Originally Posted by NewMeBy50

I am SO struggling with eating more calories. I've been tracking my daily food intake at myfitnesspal.com and every day, the site tells me I'm not getting enough calories (I eat around 800 calories a day, but do get in 70 grams of protein). Yet, when I increase my calories, I feel like I'm blowing it. I am still losing weight, but I'm only 2 months out from surgery. Maybe I just need to get out of my own way and listen to those who know better! Ok, I'm going to shoot for 1000 - 1100 calories per day. Thanks for posting about this!

**bikrchk** · 09-03-2014 08:51 AM

I was advised early on by my doc that I was eating too few calories and needed to add snacks if I couldn't "fit" more in at meal time. BEST ADVICE EVER! I had more energy, (enough to start and keep up with a real exercise routine) and lost steadily on 1000-1200 calories per day for 9 months until I hit my goal range. I feel like I've "reset" my metabolism in a very manageable place for maintenance. Today, I have to focus to get enough (quality) calories to meet my BMR + exercise overage, but I'm maintaining pretty well. Just a bit under goal. I may allow myself to drop another 7-8 pounds to hit an even 100 and land me firmly in the middle of the healthy BMI zone, (rather than a bit to the right of center). Today, I monitor my protein intake at at least 72g per day and maintain on about 1600-1700 calories per day, (which seems like a lot)! But I don't have to feel like I'm on a "diet" with that kind of intake which is the best gift EVER!

**Granna1965** · 09-03-2014 09:04 AM

Congrats to you! Thank you for sharing! Something I needed to know since I am almost a year out and starting over. I wished I had known this at my 3 month mark when I gave up. I am back on track now, but only have been for 1 1/2 weeks. I am seeing my dr. today. Thanks for posting. I think this will help me.