Calorie guides?

[crazyplantlady 70]

So I've been looking through a bunch of these posts, and I see a lot of people mention their daily calorie limits, and how those limits change based on their current weight.

My doctor and NUT have tons of patients, they have 40 new patients every week, so I'm guessing that's why my NUT hasn't replied to my email asking this very question.

How do I gauge my daily calorie limits? I know my Protein and liquid requirements and I have been meeting them, but I have no idea how many calories are too much or too little. I know that eating too little calories can prolong or start a stall, and I want to do what is best for my health.

Currently I weigh 180 lbs, and so far have lost 18 pounds since my surgery 4 weeks ago.

Can anyone help me out with a sort of guide for min/max calories at my current weight, and how to adjust those numbers as I continue to lose weight?

Thank you!

[Bufflehead 6,358]

I would suggest calling rather than emailing your team if your email isn't getting a response. Sure, email is easier for the sender, but in my experience, many medical practices rarely check or answer their emails. You're much more likely to get a response if you call.

There is growing evidence that the kind of food you eat and the type of macronutrients you take in are important in weight loss -- possibly more so than going strictly by calories. I am personally a firm believer in eating low carb, high Protein, moderate fat. When I was 4 weeks out of surgery I was eating in the 500 - 700 calories per day range, minimum of 75 grams of protein and max 60 carbs per day, and completely avoiding grains, fruit, and starchy veggies (potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, etc.). But this was the plan for me from my team, it might not be your team's plan for you.

btw "eating too little calories will stop weight loss" is a myth according to lots of people -- if it were true, no mammal would ever die of starvation and sadly we know that is not the case.

[katanne 215]

First of all congrats on the 18 pounds in one month - that is terrific!

I second the suggestion to call your team. A lot of us have been told to eat and track to a certain Protein target and fill up with Protein first, and the rest falls into place, more or less (at least until we hit the dreaded stall). See what your dietitian and/or surgeon suggest.

[Pillar2butterfly 391]

Call instead of email...I agree with the others.

I'm now 7 months post, down 88 lbs....My NUT and Dr's rules were very simple for me. No counting calories for me.

Its the 64 rule....minimum 64 oz Water and minimum 64 oz Protein. Keep food intake at less than 10 grams of fat and carbs per serving. Other suggestions eat Protein first, then veggies, then fruit, then carbs. After the protein, there is only a little room left for anything else though...but I am able to squeeze some veggies in. I eat Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner every day...it's working well for me.

[ProudMomof2 51]

Pillars butterfly did you work out? Less than 10g of fat and 10g of carbs per food serving? I'm going to try this.