Should I eat more or less? what to do now?

[sherripark 3]

Hello all,

Firstly I will out and out tell you how proud of myself I am (although apparently not modest) I have lost 125lb since July 2014 (granted I was 410lbs so we all know that typically the more you weight the fast you lose initially) I have gone from a 6x to a 2 or 3x I am more active, happier and basically gotten emotional eating under control and am completely focused on my goals (current goal is to be 250lbs by my August Disney trip with the family) so here is my question for all you lovely sleevers:

I joined Curves recently and they suggest 1200 cal per day for their meal plan for 1 week then they up it to trick the metabolism and so forth and they don't really know what to suggest for me since I am generally eating 900-1000 cal a day (80 g protein) already....

Are there any suggestions for helping our metabolisms work better??? I am going to Curves 3-4 times a week and have a daily goal of 5,000 steps and 10 flights of stairs. I focus on Protein with only Breakfast being carb heavy (overnight oatmeal with chia seeds seem to work with my sensitive morning stomach and makes me feel great!) but I just find my weight loss has slowed down so drastically........I have lost 25lbs since Christmas

Also..... 3 months ago I stopped getting a period??? (multiple pregs test and all negative) and even hormonally I feel great, no mood swings, few cravings, really this part of life is a dream I almost hope I started early menopause (Iam 40, FYI my mom hit menopause at 43 with and end to her period no other issues, just it ended)

So any help would be greatly appreciated, I expect a trip to a nutritionist and a hormone blood test is in my future but the experience on these forums is invaluable!!! and I welcome any advice.

Smiles,
S

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

The needs of someone who is super morbidly obese and losing weight post WLS is outside the league of the people at Curves. Speak to your nutritionalist. I would not assume you need to eat more, but I really don't know.

I changed things up when my weight loss stalled. I increased exercise intensity, and reduced duration. I eliminated Protein bars and other sources of carbs. My weight loss returned to the 10+ pounds per month.

[sherripark 3]

Agreed, the people at Curves as nice as they are, have no idea how to deal with me as far as food goes.!!!

Thanks for your input

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

You should follow the calorie recommendations of your bariatric program, no Curves. Their program is based on a regular stomach, and is not designed for bariatric patients. I would continue to eat as you have been until you see your nutritionist.

As for your period extreme weight loss/gain can change your cycle, but since you have a family history of premature menopause that's another question best answered by professionals.

[Pac-woman 325]

I agree with @BLERDgirl. Go by what your nutrionist says. As for exercise, don't kill yourself. Start slow and work it up gradually. Anything you do will be more than what you did before with your old weight. Let your body appreciate the changes, losing weight slowly is safer and more permanent than shocking the body. It is a life style change, not a temporary weightloss fad. Just get used to eating the amt of calories they told you, watch what you eat (myfitnesspal app) and move more. Anything helps. 15 mins break at work, go for a walk. That will burn 60 + calories easy. Park further away. Have a dog? Go for longer walks, they will appreciate it.

What you eat? Protein, Protein, protein first....veggies second and grains (healthy ones) last..if it even fits.

Protein should be higher than your carb count when looking at labels. Watch for hidden sugars.

[beachgurl84 456]

I have no advice other than to second what everyone else has already said.

I just want to say WAY TO GO!!!!! Reading your post you sound happy and your success is an inspiration. Keep up the good work and good luck in finding your answers.