Does Calorie Switching work? Plateau again

SanDiegoPhotog · July 13, 2008

I was banded June 4, 2008, and I lost a lot on my pre-authorization diet, pre-op liquid diet, and post-op liquid diet. Then, I started mushies and naturally, things slowed down. I also realized I had gone into starvation mode and was only eating 600-700 calories, so I upped it to 1100 and lost 2 pounds.

Now, I am FAITHFULLY eating about 1100 calories a day and walking for at least 60 minutes a day at anywhere from a 2.5-3.5 mph pace (depending on my energy level for that particular day). For some reason, though, I cannot break out of this plateau. I haven't had my first fill yet, but I keep my calories low and I have been tracking them on thedailyplate.com.

How long can I continue not losing weight at that calorie level and exercise level? Perhaps I am retaining Water due to my monthly cycle? I don't know.

I was thinking of giving calorie switching a try. Have you tried it? Does it really work? Does it really trick you metabolism?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Maybe I'm just being impatient.

c5711 · July 13, 2008

I am gonna watch this thread as I was banded June 17 and have no fill either. I am exact where you are. I walk 1 hour and I walk interval so lots of down then hills and feel like I hit a Plateau!

I do not count calories but they are way less than what I normally would eat!!!!

Northwest_Nance · July 13, 2008

I was banded May 15th and had very similar circumstances, including realizing I wasn't getting enough calories and upping them to around 1000. But what finally got the scale moving for me was cutting back on the carbs. I am trying not to be too extreme about my diet -- I want to eat everything in moderation -- but I keep carbs in mind as I plan each day's menu, and try to keep them at around 15% or less, of my daily calories.

SanDiegoPhotog · July 13, 2008

You know what, Nance . . . I had a feeling that was going to be the case. Darn it all . . . . that mushy stage just had me eating too many carbs, I think. I had a really difficult time cutting them out during that stage. And I *know* I'm one of those people that just does not tolerate carbs well. I've just never been able to restrict myself to such low calories before like I am able to with this band (even unfilled), so I thought the low calories would be enough.

I am going to try cutting out some carbs this week.

I'm also waiting for that blasted time of the month and I'm hoping it will help me release all of this Water I seem to be retaining, too.

SanDiegoPhotog · July 13, 2008

Nance, How tall are you? I'm noticing that our "numbers" are kind of similar. I am 5'7", I started out at 263. Got to 247 for the day of surgery and am now down to 228. My goal is 150. I'd be happy there, but if I got down to 135 I'd probably throw myself a parade I'd be so thrilled (but that's a dream).

Northwest_Nance · July 13, 2008

Nance, How tall are you? I'm noticing that our "numbers" are kind of similar. I am 5'7", I started out at 263. Got to 247 for the day of surgery and am now down to 228. My goal is 150. I'd be happy there, but if I got down to 135 I'd probably throw myself a parade I'd be so thrilled (but that's a dream).

Oh I'm short.... 5'1"!! So I must be just a bit chubbier than you are, lol. Anyway that explains my lower goal weight, although I anticipate that when I get to around 150 I'm going to have to have patience, and work very hard to drop that last 20 pounds. I'm pretty comfortable at 150 but my doctor agrees that 130 is a reasonable and realistic goal, and at my height 130 would be healthier and look better. :party: