Can't Get Enough Calories

[BetsyB 9]

I guess I stand corrected but it makes absolutely no sense to me.

I am not a doctor and don't even play one on the internet (contrary to wacky Janet's opinion). From everything I have read; starvation mode is real and can keep you from losing weight. I have seen nothing about actually gaining weight.

How much energy were you expending and were you exhausted much of the time?

It does seem to be senseless, but for many of us, there is more at play than simply energy in/energy out.

Starvation mode is heatedly debated in the medical community. Many believe in it, and just as many do not. There is no dispute that metabolism slows during starvation. But few of us are really starving. Most of us are experiencing the normal and expected slowdown of metabolism that occurs as a function of decreasing body size. A smaller body burns fewer calories. Some people confuse the need to eat less as they lose with some sort of metabolic failure when, in fact, it's just the way things are supposed to be.

That said, some of us really do have bodies that are particularly disposed to cling to every kilocalorie of energy stored as fat as they possibly can! (They say this is an evolutionary advantage...phhht. I'd rather devolve, thank you very much!)

One issue I experienced that really influenced my ability to lose was Vitamin D deficiency. When my levels got to a good point, then I no longer gained at 1200 calories (with 7 miles of walking 3.5 mph/day plus alternate days of weightlifting). I also did not lose; losing required me to drop down to 800-1000 calories/day. And 800 calories is right about where I'm doing well right now, post-op (and pre-restriction--can you hear my stomach growl? :confused:) I am exercising (not lifting weights yet; I hopefully will be cleared for that at the end of next week), taking Vitamins, drinking tons of Fluid, and getting a HUGE amount of Protein (my surgeon's plan is very low carb)---and feel terrific as I lose at this level.

The one thing I know for sure, though, is that right when I have it figured out, it will change!

That's where the band comes in. Stubborn bodies that demand no more intake than the typical picky preschooler eats really benefit nicely from the restriction it provides! (I can't wait to reach that point!)

[HiMow 0]

Here is quote from this article:

When he starts talking about his "Maker" anything he says is conjecture and not scientific fact.

Don't read just the articles. Check out real fat people's blogs. They speak from experience not conjecture.

I am a fat people. Pretty lame to discredit an article based on an opinion stated to elucidate fact. thanks for the "help":rolleyes:

[HiMow 0]

BTW, did you ever get your band date?

[btrieger 21]

BTW, did you ever get your band date?

Called surgeon's office today and they said probably March 1 or 2 but the girl I have been dealing with is new and I am beginning to think, clueless. I am still optimistic about February.

I wouldn't totally discredit the article for his one slip but like I said, I have a lot more faith in real world experience than some guy doing a study with people of all different sizes.

Some of the other links that say starvation mode does not exist refer back to studies done in the early seventies. They didn't even put nutritional facts on packaging back then.

[HiMow 0]

GOOD FOR YOU! my dr. office was so lame, I had to be on them constantly. they kept saying they didn't have papers that I had faxed them twice, etc. It took me over a year. Be persistent!!

[sue in ne 1]

Howdy Booth, Do increase liquids, esp Water to at least 8 C/day. When I don't drink or exerxise enough, even at 800 Calories, i don't lose weight. Do up your Protein, try smaller meals. And increase/change your exercise .

[howdybooth 4]

sue n me - thank you very much for your response. No - I was not getting enough Water. I only drink one cup of coffee per day and the rest Water, but not nearly enough!!! I've gone back to being more aware of my water intake and have now lost 2 pounds since I first posted my question.

I've also become much better at what I can and can't eat.....I think my two biggest problems have been getting used to the new restriction (I did have an agressive one) and not drinking enough. I'm feeling much, much better and more in control of my eating!

PS: Started adding the WII fit to my work out regimen and it's really a lot of fun! Boxing gives you a great work out!