cynda's Journal, 06 July 2017

It's normal to be tired all the time with that extra weight. maybe aim for 1900 calories in the beginning... I truly believe in baby steps and working your way up. 800 cal when you're doing over 2000 cal is quite a dramatic request. Have you looked into an operation, or Overeaters Anonymous? I'm sure some outside help could make a difference. They would not just ask an anorexic to heal herself without any professional help. Well, I think what you're experiencing is only the flip side of the same coin. IMHO. Take care. There is a way out, you just need to find it. Medically, there are now some techniques to help in bariatrics. just don't give up.  

Eating more leafy veggies will help you feel full and stay within the range plus a gallon of water day 

Do u love fruits? Eat more fresh fruits and veggies, more raw veggies on the plate leaves u feeling full. I find that carbs or sugary foods leave me feeling sluggish and miserable. Remember if u starve yourself during the day you can end up binge eating at nights. 

don't give up dear, but listen to your body. Make small incremental changes so you have time to adjust and integrate them into habits. Journal or log your changes so a few months from now you can look at what you've done and feel good about your accomplishments. Weight is just a number reflecting your relationship with our planner's gravity. How you feel is more important. if you feel tired all the time, try eating more proteins which take longer to digest and are longer lasting fuel for your body. If you got to have some sweets, eat them after a meal so you avoid a slug of Sugar into your system. This way your body doesn't overcompensate and give you low blood sugar, a classic perpetrator of low energy. It will take some time for your body to get fitter, and when it does, movement and exercise will feel good. I'm rooting for you!  

800 does sound very low... I don't know all the details, but it might be worth getting a second opinion. 800 calories sounds like less than a doctor should be recommending. The above advice of starting at 1900 and working down bit by bit certainly seems like a healthier option. 

Hi food is fuel to your body just like gas is to a car. The more intake of vegetables and fruit the better your body will be. Food made from fresh and made at home is the best to eat. Packaged and canned foods are processed and the most unhealthy for all of us. Try one day at a time and you will get the weight off. Good Luck. 

Wow under 800! I would be in bed all day I need food for fuel. I try to keep it at 1200 calories and all healthy fruits and meats. Vegs don't agree with me. 

If I get a sugar craving natural honey just a bit then drink water and my craving is taken care of with a benefit of Water which Im trying to drink more of.  

You CAN control what you eat. We all make the decision what to put into our mouths, chew, and swallow. Many of us joined this site because we've made poor choices in the past and want to improve for health or appearance reasons. Right? One hint: Throw away all those "temptation" foods you have at home and replace them with something a little healthier. Baby steps...baby steps...baby steps.  

P.S. Kudos for exercising! 

I agree with others saying 800 calories sounds very low, but I don't know all the details either. Have you had WLS? I was on a diet of 400-800 calories after my VSG 6 years ago, but it isn't a sustainable amount long-term. I wish you the best of luck on your weight loss journey! You can do it :) 

Sweetie, my heart goes out to you. I havent had bariatric surgery like you but, once my doctor clears me after major spine surgery in little more than 2 weeks, it will be the route I intend to take. I've been dieting my whole life and have been thin to even more morbidly obese than I am now. I've been dieting on my own for the past month and have lost just under 12lbs. I may not reach my goal of losing 20 lbs before my surgery, but I have will power like You can't believe and I'm going to do my best. All anyone can expect of You is to do your best. I believe a lot of what is stunting your progress are old habits and too many people with differing opinions. That being said.. You can eat a ton of food for 800 calories. It is the choices you make that will insure your success. If you spend your whole 800 calories on that chocolate cake then that's your choice. Please just keep in mind that the sugars and carbs in the cake are going to make you die to eat more. They will weaken your resolve and make you feel bad about yourself because you made a poor choice and blew a day!.So, here's the skinny on me. I weighed 233.8 at the start of my diet. I weigh 222.0 this morning. I eat a ton of veggies breakfast, lunch and dinner. I add in lean protein to add flavor and texture. At most meals, I have 2 even 3 servings of veggies to fill me up. I steer clear of "white" carbs and carb laden foods in general. This app, if you use it regularly, can help your diet by making you more food aware. The most important thing I do and I can't stress enough is to drink water. Many times people think they're hungry when their bodies are just used to getting fluid from food. Your body says hunger when it is deep thirst. You need to work your way up to 4 bottled waters a day minimum. I hated it at first too but then my skin began to glow and I started to have more energy. I even had the healthy floaty poops prized by diet Drs and nutritionists. Mama it works and will work for you too. First give yourself a break! For a larger person 800 calories is extremely difficult to attain. Start with 1200 to 1300. and as your hunger is curbed by your veggies and water you will be able slowly lower your calories to 800 if you wish. Today do a house cleaning.. destroy and throw away all the goodies, breads, rice, potatoes. Make hard cooked eggs and don't be afraid to stuff one in your mouth when you are hunger crazed. This is a body builders trick for when they're training for a competition. Don't worry about the cholesterol. The other food changes you make and stick to will balance it out. Don't eat a dozen. I'm talking one or two at most, and only after a bottle of water has not worked. Soon you will be able to discern when it's real hunger or just thirst by the result after about 15-20 minutes. Look, we all know how to eat healthy and if youre not sure, you can look it up on the internet. Bottom line is that this diet and everything it entails are a choice you make for yourself. To make your back stop hurting (me), or to get into those special clothes you want to wear, or to make your social interactions and relationships better because you will want to do more. Know that all the times you're hungry, were all hungry too. It's a process and a journey and were all on it with you! You are more than a food craving! You are stronger than your weakest moments. Feel them. Remind yourself this is the beginning of your new, healthy, happiness and love filled life! There is no one better than you! Godspeed and good luck on your journey! 

Have you tried LCHF? I hear great things. www.dietdoctor.com 

I agree, www.dietdoctor.com has helped me and you can find meal plans and recipes there that might help. Don't give up, take one day at a time. I am eating around 900 - 1100 calories a day and some day are more difficult that others so I just look at one day at a time. 

I have never heard a doctor recommending any less than a 1200 calorie daily intake. Remember, with CALORIES that LOW, your food DENSITY needs to be HIGH - high quality foods with critical macronutrients. Ask your doctor for a consult with a nutritionist that has experience helping patients at your stage... one who recognizes and respects the psychological component of changing our way of eating. 

An 800 calorie diet menu is going to consist of clear liquids or full liquids or meal replacement supplements. This should be prescribed by your physician, so that you are getting the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients your body needs to survive. It is not unusual to lose three to five pounds a week on an 800 calorie diet menu. While you can find these diet menus online, it is advisable to have your doctor look at it and follow your progress before beginning it. When you begin eating from an 800 calorie diet menu, there may be some side effects. The most common ones include nausea, fatigue, diarrhea and constipation.  

I eat between 700 and 1100 an the average and I use protein powders and fruits and vegtables to help keep my strength and health where it needs to be. Yet I am still only losing 1-2 lbs a months. I am 5' 3 " and weight 129 and my goal is 123 and I have been stuck at 129 for 2 weeks now... even though I have surgery! I agree I have never heard of a doctor rec. 800 calories a day or anything less than 1200. 

I never had and can't have any stomach surgery.. i have a heart murmur, my 02 sat is bad I'm on oxygen 24/7.. and I can't walk because I was in the hospital for three months not able to move, the last of that 3nd months I learn to sat up, stand up, and use a walker.. I was told to eat 800 cals. Cause I can't move around like I use too.. I Almost Die because of bad oxygen.. . I have a heart  

Cynda, I wish my sis was on here. She had a heart attack and stints put in a few years ago. Around that time, she also had to start using a C-PAP machine bc she stops breathing in her sleep. She went on LCHF 3 weeks ago (no calorie counting) and has lost 21 of her 300 lbs. so far. She has actually been out doing a little walking, and a little work in the garden for the past few days which she hasn't been able to do for years bc of her breathing. Shd is so thrilled at how much better she feels. I share her story with you, bc your situation kinda reminds me of her's. No matter what you decide to do, something is better than nothing. Much luck to you on your journey in figuring out what works for YOU and YOUR body! You've got this! (((HUGS)))