How many calories a day?

[Rubyjade 2]

I was just wondering how many calories a day people were told by their doctor to consume.

I wasn't really given a target calorie amount, just told to eat good food and get full on that and that was pretty much it. I have lost 140 pounds since being banded over 4 years ago but have been pretty much at the same weight for the last 18 months or so by eating what I want. Obviously this isn't the best thing for my weight loss but for the most part I am happy. I am ready to just get rid of the rest of my weight now though and want some guidelines. I've looked at daily food diaries to get an idea of what you guys are eating but do you count calories too? I exercise every day also, sometimes more intense than other days so not sure if that affects the caloric intake.

I was 360 and now weigh 220. My goal weight is 160 so to just get rid of the last 60 pounds, any pointers?!! Thanks much. :crying:

[Liz1531 3]

I wasn't given a target either. I am following Weight Watchers so my goal is 24 points per day. I'm losing VERY slowly doing this. It's taken me six months to lose 20lb.

[Daisalana 33]

I was told something like under 1,200 a day.

I'll tell you though, I am 6'0 and started at 333lb. I didn't get a good fill till 6 months out, and if I just stayed under 2,500 calories for the first couple months I was losing. Then I had to go under 2,000. Now it seems to be under 1,500 for me to keep losing.. and I am able to keep it under 1,000. But starting out, without a good fill, it felt impossible, so I was happy to see 2,500 calories was able to do it for a while. You can experiment, keep a food journal and see what your weight is doing.

For your size, try 1,200 or 1,000... see what happens, adjust as needed. Maybe up exercising?

[Rubyjade 2]

Yeah i have done ww with the band too. If I follow core it is WAY faster than flex. I think its because due to our restriction, we eat many 'empty calorie' foods to try to meet the points target. I was eating high calorie stuff just to get all my points in. Kind of defeats the purpose really, doesn't it?!!

[Rubyjade 2]

I was told something like under 1,200 a day.

I'll tell you though, I am 6'0 and started at 333lb. I didn't get a good fill till 6 months out, and if I just stayed under 2,500 calories for the first couple months I was losing. Then I had to go under 2,000. Now it seems to be under 1,500 for me to keep losing.. and I am able to keep it under 1,000. But starting out, without a good fill, it felt impossible, so I was happy to see 2,500 calories was able to do it for a while. You can experiment, keep a food journal and see what your weight is doing.

Thanks for your post!! I sure am going to start keeping a food journal now. It's like day one for me all over again, time to get serious about it. I read your blog the other day, by the way, I LOVED it!! Thanks for the entertainment, I think you are awesome :crying:

[Jachut 487]

I've lost down to a healthy weight not counting anything, apart from mentally toting up - I usually eat around 1500 to 1800 a day. But I'd like to lose another 15lb or so, and I can tell you that after a big weight loss and being an already healthy weight, after mucking around with wanting to lose that for about 8 months, its going to take proper calorie counting and sticking at around 1000 to 1200 a day, despite the fact that I run long distances regularly. The body just doesnt like to let go of that last bit.

[MerryHearted 20]

Mine told me to try 1000-1200 per day. I'm losing well in that range.

[Luscious 1]

I was given 1200 as a guideline - making sure I have around 60 grams of Protein as well as 5 serves veges a day (made up with vegetable Soup or V8 juice as necessary) and 2 serves of fruit.< /p>

[jamzny 0]

1200 calories seems REALLY low to me!! I would say I take in 2000 per day and I have still lost over 3 lbs per week (81 lbs lost / 25 weeks post op = 3.24 lbs per week). My thought is this, if you exercise, eat nutritionally well, and are naturally eating a lot less calories than before, than you shouldn't really be too worried about calories consumed. Enjoy losing weight and all of the great things that come with it and don't stress too much about the calories!!!

Best of luck to all!

[Joaquin 0]

I was told to eat from 1000-1200 calories a day and I have consistanly loss every week since having my surgery. Some days I have a hard time getting to 1000 especially when I eat fish.