Questions About Calories

[Jellyfish 17]

So I started the pre-op diet three days ago and so far it hasn't been as horrid as I thought it would be (let's see if I say that next week). I want to get up and exercise as soon as possible after surgery, so I decided to start now along with the diet. I've been doing 30-60 minutes of exercise every single day, mostly walking and swimming, and I'm only taking in around 500-600 calories a day. I'm logging everything on Myfitnesspal, and here's where I get confused. If I eat 500 calories but do half an hour of walking and burn 100 calories, MFP tells me that my 'net' calories are only 400 and that I should consume another 100 calories for the day, bringing my total in to 600. So I assume if I burned 600 calories that day through exercise, it would tell me to eat another 600 then my total calorie intake would be 1200.

I don't understand this. If I need to go eat more calories to replace what I lost exercising, then what was the point of working out in the first place? Don't get me wrong, I know that exercise has a ton of benefits on top of weight loss and I want to be in better shape so I'm going to do it. But as far as losing weight goes, does this mean that I could lose just as fast by just dieting and exercising as I could by just eating smaller meals and not doing any exercise at all? I'm hoping that's not the case, but I've heard so many different things I don't know what to believe any more.

Is this a quick/setting with the app itself? Or does it only apply to people who are already at their healthy weight? What gives?

[bets70 5]

I think it's the app itself and I ignore it! I'm suppose to take in 1000cal and excercise according to my lapband program so I use my fitness pal to keep a good diary but don't listen to its "suggestions"! Good luck!

[sarawray 44]

It just shows me that with excercise I can eat more if I choose,and stay under my calories for the day. I only use it if I splurge. Otherwise I just ignore it.

[Jellyfish 17]

Good that's a relief... I just wanted to make sure my calorie intake wouldn't be TOO low after the exercise. Thanks!

[honk 780]

As long as you are not getting dizzy/passing out I would ignore it's request for you to eat more.

[Jellyfish 17]

Days 1-2 I was doing great. Days 3-4 were rougher, I wouldn't say I'm light headed but I've been feeling gross and just wanting to sleep or lie on the couch all day. I did still drag myself up to exercise but I had to do it right after I ate (managed to get in an hour a day), I didn't have the energy before. I've also had a constant Migraine and I've had to take Excedrin like crazy which I know is bad... I'm practically giving up coffee at the same time so the headaches are probably more from the lack of caffeine, I expect them to go away in a few days. I hate feeling so tired though and it's going to be rough if it's not any better by Monday when I have to go back to work. I have an hour long commute there and back, I'm a little concerned. Gonna call the doctor Monday to see exactly how many calories I can take in, but until then any suggestions?

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

So I started the pre-op diet three days ago and so far it hasn't been as horrid as I thought it would be (let's see if I say that next week). I want to get up and exercise as soon as possible after surgery, so I decided to start now along with the diet. I've been doing 30-60 minutes of exercise every single day, mostly walking and swimming, and I'm only taking in around 500-600 calories a day. I'm logging everything on Myfitnesspal, and here's where I get confused. If I eat 500 calories but do half an hour of walking and burn 100 calories, MFP tells me that my 'net' calories are only 400 and that I should consume another 100 calories for the day, bringing my total in to 600. So I assume if I burned 600 calories that day through exercise, it would tell me to eat another 600 then my total calorie intake would be 1200.

I don't understand this. If I need to go eat more calories to replace what I lost exercising, then what was the point of working out in the first place? Don't get me wrong, I know that exercise has a ton of benefits on top of weight loss and I want to be in better shape so I'm going to do it. But as far as losing weight goes, does this mean that I could lose just as fast by just dieting and exercising as I could by just eating smaller meals and not doing any exercise at all? I'm hoping that's not the case, but I've heard so many different things I don't know what to believe any more.

Is this a quick/setting with the app itself? Or does it only apply to people who are already at their healthy weight? What gives?

you are doing great with your pre op. i dont think your cal intake is (a huge deal) right now as you are pre paring your liver for surgery. on my pre and post op liquid diets (4 weeks liquids), there was not a calorie limit though in my mind, i know 3500 cals is a pound.

id ask your dr on you cal questions if you are concerned, hang in there and all the best.