I stopped counting calories, is that bad?

[Hellbent 32]

I have been reading so many threads, where people are concerned about the number of calories taken per day. I have been sleeved for three months and because of my weight loss, I am now extremely active.
Should I worry about counting calories even though I'm losing 2-3 pounds per week?

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Yup. Builds good habits once the weight loss slows.

[BeagleLover 1,020]

Heck no! Isn't that one of the benefits of having the surgery--- getting away from all that dieting shhhtuff! My NUT said, if you count anything, count Protein grams to make sure you're getting enough. I imagine, after you do that for a few months, you'd have it down & wouldn't even have to do that.

Congratulations on your continuing progress. It sounds like you're working hard.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

[Teachamy 1,042]

I find I don't really know what I am doing if I don't log. It's good for me, but I know there are others who don't seem to rely on it like I do. I do think it helps you recognize patterns as you go through different stages of weight loss, so don't rule it out completely.

[Andrew0929 1,101]

I've continued to log and monitor my calories, carbs, Protein, and other nutritional info. At 7.5 months out my appetite has increased noticeably and I'd definitely eat more if I weren't counting.

[thesuse2000 698]

For me it's just a great way to understand my patterns and learn to make better choices. For example I've noticed that on days I eat a Protein Bar - like Quest or think thin - instead of a real food meal, I eat more calories that day than usual. I guess they don't fill me up as much. I still eat them sometimes when needed, but I now know that it's something I should avoid. And various other things. I don't stress about meeting a certain daily goal, but I like maintaining that awareness. I know how easy it is to slide into habits without realizing their impact...

[Leepers 1,195]

I am counting calories for now and learning how to eat healthy. I don't plan on doing it forever. I'm thinking once I hit goal, I'll try to start trusting my choices.

[Mrs.RRn 2,111]

I never did count my calories. If you're eating the appropriate amounts and types of foods, calories counting is pointless.

[Kindle 8,667]

I never counted calories and never plan to. Like Beaglelover, I had surgery so I wouldn't have to do all that diet stuff ever again. I just get in my Protein, Vitamins and Water and eat smart.

But you need to find what works best for you in the long run....I'm just not a tracker/counter kind of gal.

[FairySleeve 297]

I never counted calories, it will stress me! As I only eat normal food, no Protein Shakes or any kind of supplementary diet, I just make sure that I eat enough Protein each day, no carb for dinner at all. It worked for me pre-op :-) Plus now I have my tiny pouch it's going well.

The choice of food is the key for me, low carb, no processed food, focus on simple protein and veggie!

[B-52 7,113]

First, I'm a lap bander....

One of the most liberating things I ever did after this surgery was to stop counting calories, measuring portion sizes, etc.

I also stopped using my apps like fitbit, MFP, etc...drove me crazy and I was not loosing as good as I hoped.

I simply learned to eat good, healthy nutritious foods, and let the band do it's magic....I eat when I'm hungry, and when I do I eat well, and stop when I do not want to continue, again when the band says stop.

I have friends who have never been fat a day in their life....yet they go out and enjoy things in life, go to parties, alcohol when they wish, etc, etc.

I observed their habits when it comes to food and so forth. Also their activity levels, always involved in something such as cycling, running, swimming....always into something as a past time.

My lifestyle is, and has been for a few years now the same as theirs, which I consider a normal lifestyle, that lead to a normal weight and good health.....I don't know if they have to work at it or not....

I know I can do it now because the band enables (forces) me to......before surgery, forget it...absolutely no self control around food, and not much in the activity department either....

This is a new lifestyle, a new day to day way of life....DIET is a four letter word, something I will NEVER have to do or worry about again....

Since I eat so little, less often, and there are foods I will never be able to eat again, I have become a real health nut when it comes to food....vegetarian, organic and natural when possible, and always Protein first and foremost.

Edited August 3, 2014 by B-52

[RNBSN786 206]

I think it's important to count calories and the Protein intake. If you are eating more than you need to, you won't lose weight. For me it works to program everything I eat on mfp. Even my nut and surgeon said to stay on 800-1000 calories a day and 60-80 grams of protein. And also have a diary so you can see what works and what doesn't. Also it makes you accountable and also helps you cut out your bad habits. Good luck!

[gowalking 10,790]

I also counted calories and entered everything I ate into myfitnesspal so I would really understand what I was eating and what would be better choices for me. It's not always intuitive and after a lifetime of bad habits, I needed the structure to help me change the pattern. I haven't counted calories in a long time...I no longer have to. But....I still weigh my food when I eat at home. I don't quite trust myself to not overeat. There are times when the 'satiety' doesn't kick in right away and I have to know when to stop. Once in a while, I eat too much and then I pay for it....I'm uncomfortable and my tummy feels bloated.

As you can see by the posts, everyone does what is right for them. There is no right or wrong answer...do what works for you.

[allielee 263]

I didn't when I had my lapband and I lost all my weight and I don't anymore that I have RNY I find for me counting calories was making me food obsessed. I find I am losing and doing awesome without counting anything. I feel great as well. I do track my weight on mfp which has been amazing for me to understand stalls and be able to see the progress I am making. Counting just made me constantly think of food. I don't really have hunger now and just make sure I eat 3 times a day. It's working for me