Starvation mode

[gourmetone 394]

I use myfitnesspal as a lot of us do, the calorie allotment for me to lose 1-2pounds a week is 1240.

I'm 18 wks out and most days don't make that by about 200 calories. Due to fact I'm FULL. Its very discouraging when

this is the reason my weight loss is so slow. And since I'm exercising more its worse. I never would have thought I

would have this problem. Any suggestions?

[B-52 7,113]

If it works for you, then great...but I was once told these apps have very little in common with obese people on a weight loss program involving something as drastic as surgery....

I've even talked with NUTS at work...and when I asked what about people who have had WLS, their remarks were that is a whole different ball game and different set of rules....

But like I said...if it works for someone, the it works...and that's all that really matters...success.

Myself, I hit a wall when I was tracking everything with one of those apps....it was a breakthrough when I stopped worrying about that and concentrated on learning to live and listen to my band....

[catfish87 3,471]

Well, you asked for suggestions.....here's mine.

1. Keep up with your exercise. Awesome!

2. Track your calories, if this is something you desire to do. LESS was always better for me...

3. Get in adequate Protein....and LOTS of Water.

4. Pay little to no attention to any "starvation mode" theory....unless of course, you hear it from your DR/NUT.....

5. Enjoy the successs!

[gourmetone 394]

Thanks I have the sleeve, forgot to mention that.

[Globetrotter 1,340]

I am a 3+ yr sleeve vet and I second everything that catfish said ^. Also I would add, that you are in the prime time of your "honeymoon" and I would (hindsight being what it is) focus more on diet then exercise at this point - keep the calories low low low, keep the carbs looooowwww. If I had it to do over again, I would not have focused on exercise until I got 75% of my weight off.

[wcn1970 239]

Protein protein protein.... Your body doesn't count calories. Just knows if it has fuel or not to burn. Keep it fed with protein. Good lean protein.

[DLCoggin 1,788]

I use myfitnesspal as a lot of us do, the calorie allotment for me to lose 1-2pounds a week is 1240.

I'm 18 wks out and most days don't make that by about 200 calories. Due to fact I'm FULL. Its very discouraging when

this is the reason my weight loss is so slow. And since I'm exercising more its worse. I never would have thought I

would have this problem. Any suggestions?

Perhaps we can take just a minute and examine your expectations - your perspective if you will. You've lost 55 lbs in 18 weeks. An average of three pounds a week. You're currently at 223 lbs and your goal is 165 lbs. So you have 58 lbs to goal. So if you maintain an average loss of three lbs per week, you will be at your goal weight in 19 weeks. So let's fast forward 19 weeks.

Starting weight 278 lbs. "Current" weight 165 lbs. Weight lost = 113 lbs. In 37 weeks. In just over nine months, you've changed almost every aspect of your health and your life.

Slow weight loss? I'm thinking spectacular! You are half way to your goal in 18 weeks! Discouraged? I'm thinking ecstatic! Problem? What problem?

Stay positive, stay patient, continue to follow your plan regardless of what your weight is doing. Stop second guessing. Trust the process. Allow your body to find its own way in its own time. Do those things and the weight will take care of itself.

You are doing GREAT! Celebrate your success every day! You're gonna love the new you!!

[wcn1970 239]

Perhaps we can take just a minute and examine your expectations - your perspective if you will. You've lost 55 lbs in 18 weeks. An average of three pounds a week. You're currently at 223 lbs and your goal is 165 lbs. So you have 58 lbs to goal. So if you maintain an average loss of three lbs per week, you will be at your goal weight in 19 weeks. So let's fast forward 19 weeks. Starting weight 278 lbs. "Current" weight 165 lbs. Weight lost = 113 lbs. In 37 weeks. In just over nine months, you've changed almost every aspect of your health and your life. Slow weight loss? I'm thinking spectacular! You are half way to your goal in 18 weeks! Discouraged? I'm thinking ecstatic! Problem? What problem? Stay positive, stay patient, continue to follow your plan regardless of what your weight is doing. Stop second guessing. Trust the process. Allow your body to find its own way in its own time. Do those things and the weight will take care of itself. You are doing GREAT! Celebrate your success every day! You're gonna love the new you!!

Phenomenal post!!! So right you are. Thanks for putting the math to it DL. Put it ALL in perspective.

[gourmetone 394]

OMG I am in tears at the response of my post. I thank you all so very much and I feel the love,

I'm telling you all are awesome. I am so glad you are here. God bless everyone of you and happy success in your journey also this is all I needed to hear thanks again so very much.

[Febi135 23]

I am a 3+ yr sleeve vet and I second everything that catfish said ^. Also I would add, that you are in the prime time of your "honeymoon" and I would (hindsight being what it is) focus more on diet then exercise at this point - keep the calories low low low, keep the carbs looooowwww. If I had it to do over again, I would not have focused on exercise until I got 75% of my weight off.

Globetrotter, thanks for the note, I am going to focus on keeping my calories low, but I am very curious. Why would you have waited to focus on exercise after you lost 75% of your weight? Is it because it took away from your focus on food?

[scarlet333 386]

My surgeon also said to not pay attention to the little notes my fitness pal about "you are eating too few calories" and the amount of calories it says you have extra to eat because of exercise. He says this is not applicable to people with weight loss surgery. He is very strict and says basically under 1000 calories for weight loss. So far he has been right on the mark. Keep doing what you are doing you are doing amazing. Also pay attention to your grams of Protein and carbs, these are the key numbers. Good luck and keep up the great work.

[B-52 7,113]

I was at a support group once, and someone called this WLS a "Controlled Starvation"....I tend to agree. Ans speaking for myself, never had an issue with "Too Few Calories", and found the opposite to be true for me.

[DLCoggin 1,788]

I think of the surgery as "quantity control" and the all important lifestyle changes as "quality control". It's all about control, not denial.