I wanted to forward to you guys something that the RN that runs the lap band support group I am on:
//What level of calories are we supposed to stay under? No one has really said yet// That depends on your gender, how tall you are, how heavy you were to begin with, and what's your goal. For most women 1200 calories is a good level. Although while you're still heavy you might be able to eat a bit more. If you're real short 1000 might be enough. I almost never recommend less than 1000 calories a day. Men and people who are very active can eat more.
Here's the deal:
IF YOU ARE NOT LOSING WEIGHT YOU ARE EATING TOO MANY CALORIES.
So eat 1500 calories and see if you can lose 1 or 2 pounds a week on that. If not losing drop to 1200. If losing 3 or 4 pounds a week maybe you could eat a little bit more.
I found a note I wrote (from Terry Simpson, MD I think). It says, when people are not losing weight ask:
"What is the thing you do not want to give up?"
Personally, I always said I was willing to give up anything to lose weight. Then I had to prove it.
I really like being able to get full on a small amount. I never try to see how much I can eat. I know I can eat more than I should. I try to see how little I can get by on.
It's just a different mindset.
I'm glad I don't have to eat a bunch of food to feel satisfied. I have so many other sources of satisfaction in my life now.
Another thought: The reason lettuce doesn't have many calories is because there's no nutrition in there. It's mostly water. I can find more nutritious things to eat.
Besides, as the designated fat girl, I spent way too many years ordering salad (the fat girl should eat salad, right?) and paying $30 for a bowl of lettuce instead of ordering what I really wanted.
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Interesting, huh? I really like the part about getting by with eating as little instead of eating until I am full. And like Jessie said above: It is just a different mindset. I think this whole diet thing is all about our mind and how we think about food, exercise and behavior.
Hmmm...interesting!
Missy