So frustrated.
michellinademarco
Posts: 18 Member
So my mother is 50 years old with Hashimotos (hypothyroid). She started seeing a weight loss specializing doctor who placed her on a half liquid half food regiment. She would drink the center for weight loss or Optifast shakes for breakfast and lunch then a small meal for dinner consisting of 4 oz protein and non starchy veggies. She's lost about 50 pounds and consistently loses 1-4 pounds per week. She is EXTREMELY lax with the diet. Sometimes drinks the shakes, sometimes eats small meals instead, doesn't weigh her food, doesn't know caloric values of anything. Barely drinks any water, Doesn't work out.
I started seeing the doctor a few weeks ago. She put me on the same plan. It was expensive as all hell but I was determined! I dilligently weighed and logged everything, kept active every day, worked out a few days a week, made sure to drink enough water. She even prescribed me Aldactone to help with water weight and cravings. The first week I stayed the same. The second week I lost 4 oz. The third week.. I gained 2 pounds! I will say this: I am a type 1 juvenile diabetic, hypothyroid, I have poly cystic ovarian syndrome and colitis. I had to stop drinking the shakes because my colitis couldn't tolerate them. I just don't know what to do. I promise I've monitored every single calorie I consumed over the past three weeks to an almost obsessive degree. I'm told my metabolism burns 1400 - 1600 calories a day, I don't know if that's good or bad? I'm just so frustrated! Any advice would help tremendously!
I started seeing the doctor a few weeks ago. She put me on the same plan. It was expensive as all hell but I was determined! I dilligently weighed and logged everything, kept active every day, worked out a few days a week, made sure to drink enough water. She even prescribed me Aldactone to help with water weight and cravings. The first week I stayed the same. The second week I lost 4 oz. The third week.. I gained 2 pounds! I will say this: I am a type 1 juvenile diabetic, hypothyroid, I have poly cystic ovarian syndrome and colitis. I had to stop drinking the shakes because my colitis couldn't tolerate them. I just don't know what to do. I promise I've monitored every single calorie I consumed over the past three weeks to an almost obsessive degree. I'm told my metabolism burns 1400 - 1600 calories a day, I don't know if that's good or bad? I'm just so frustrated! Any advice would help tremendously!
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Replies
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So is this week four, then? A bit of a lag in weight loss is normal, so I wouldn't throw the towel in just yet. Water weight and the like can really impact the results on the scale (I don't know how the medication you mention affects that though).
Not that I don't trust you regarding calorie monitoring, but if you open your diary so we can take a peek, we might notice some common errors that may lead to inaccurate estimates.
Also, how many calories are you eating per day, and what are your weight loss goals?0 -
Weight and height? Are you eating a plan for Type I diabetics?0
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First, you can't compare yourself to anyone else when it comes to weight loss. I am the perfect example for this as I am the only person who is overweight in my entire family. So no, you can't expect the same outcome for your mom and you.
Second, weight loss is a slow process even for a person without medical issues. Nor is weight loss linear. You don't lose weight everyday or week ect. And yes sometimes you gain.
I would express your concerns to your doctor and work with her to help you get results. It may be a sloooooow process but any weight lost is a success in my book.
Good luck.
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Thank you for the reply! Yes, this is starting week 4. The doctor said most people lose at least 3 pounds their first week and def lose SOMETHING week to week but "everyones different".
The Dr never gave me a caloric restriction before yesterday. The original plan was to have a shake for breakfast, lunch, and mid day snack (each 160 cal) followed by a dinner of 4 oz protein and unlimited non starchy veggies and to "watch how much oil I use in the dressing". I could eat 1 serving of fruit after dinner if I was hungry or craving. That's all the guidelines I was given.
Yesterday when I was very upset in her office, she gave me a calorie plan with no shakes. She said 1100 calories per day, yogurt and fruit for breakfast, 109 cal almonds mid morning, 3 oz protein and veggies for lunch, mid day snack of apple with pb or a cheese stick, dinner 4-5 oz protein with veggies, fruit if I was craving and had calories left for the day.
Currently I am 5 foot 6 and weigh 176. I want to get to about 140.0 -
You mention you have PCOS, which is notorious for making weight loss really difficult. I highly recommend finding one of the PCOS groups on here, or even elsewhere on the Internet. You would be amazed how many young women in the groups have very similar accompanying health concerns, and they will have a lot of great advice and encouragement that applies more specifically to you personally (and a lot of personal experience on how different0
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Thank you all for such great responses! I'm new here but I will definitely scour the forums and support groups!!0
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Another thing - don't rely on the scale as your only metric. Take regular body measurements. Although normal, the scale fluctuations are scary and frustrating for some people, so your measurements can reassure you as you progress. MPF has a place to log them. Good luck!0
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michellinademarco wrote: »Thank you for the reply! Yes, this is starting week 4. The doctor said most people lose at least 3 pounds their first week and def lose SOMETHING week to week but "everyones different".
The Dr never gave me a caloric restriction before yesterday. The original plan was to have a shake for breakfast, lunch, and mid day snack (each 160 cal) followed by a dinner of 4 oz protein and unlimited non starchy veggies and to "watch how much oil I use in the dressing". I could eat 1 serving of fruit after dinner if I was hungry or craving. That's all the guidelines I was given.
Yesterday when I was very upset in her office, she gave me a calorie plan with no shakes. She said 1100 calories per day, yogurt and fruit for breakfast, 109 cal almonds mid morning, 3 oz protein and veggies for lunch, mid day snack of apple with pb or a cheese stick, dinner 4-5 oz protein with veggies, fruit if I was craving and had calories left for the day.
Currently I am 5 foot 6 and weigh 176. I want to get to about 140.
Hmmm. This is really making me question the qualifications of this doctor.
First, the “guidance” provided is far too formulaic and restrictive, in my opinion. If you read the sticky threads in this category, you’ll see that MFP is all about maintaining a caloric deficit, regardless of what you eat or when you eat it, with some focus on meeting specific macros i.e. getting enough protein. I’d look into seeing someone qualified to provide nutritional advice based on your medical conditions instead.
Second, 1100 calories per day is completely silly at your height and weight, especially as you don’t have much to lose. The general recommendation for women is to stay above 1200, as it’s more difficult to get proper nutrition at lower intake levels.
I’d highly recommend you use the IIFYM calculator here to see how much energy your body uses up every day just by existing (your total daily energy expenditure or TDEE). Without exercise, you use up about 1880 calories every day. If you maintain a 500 calorie deficit (i.e. eat 1380 calories/day), you’ll loose a pound per week (it takes a 3500 calorie deficit to lose a pound). If you are active 3 times a week, that gives you a bunch more calories to eat.
Honestly, I’m just blown away at the “advice” given by this presumed doctor. I really hope it didn’t cost you too much money. All you have to do is maintain a caloric deficit. I wouldn’t want to lose more than 1-1.5lbs/week if I were you, because you don’t have much to lose. To help hold on to muscle mass, make sure you eat enough protein and do some resistance training (e.g. heavy lifting using programs like Stronglifts, Strong Curves, Starting Strength). That’s all there is to it.0 -
Wait a min... is the Dr selling you and your mom this "weight loss plan"?0
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strong_curves wrote: »Wait a min... is the Dr selling you and your mom this "weight loss plan"?
Yeah, I’m really suspicious at this point.0 -
michellinademarco wrote: »So my mother is 50 years old with Hashimotos (hypothyroid). She started seeing a weight loss specializing doctor who placed her on a half liquid half food regiment. She would drink the center for weight loss or Optifast shakes for breakfast and lunch then a small meal for dinner consisting of 4 oz protein and non starchy veggies. She's lost about 50 pounds and consistently loses 1-4 pounds per week. She is EXTREMELY lax with the diet. Sometimes drinks the shakes, sometimes eats small meals instead, doesn't weigh her food, doesn't know caloric values of anything. Barely drinks any water, Doesn't work out.
I started seeing the doctor a few weeks ago. She put me on the same plan. It was expensive as all hell but I was determined! I dilligently weighed and logged everything, kept active every day, worked out a few days a week, made sure to drink enough water. She even prescribed me Aldactone to help with water weight and cravings. The first week I stayed the same. The second week I lost 4 oz. The third week.. I gained 2 pounds! I will say this: I am a type 1 juvenile diabetic, hypothyroid, I have poly cystic ovarian syndrome and colitis. I had to stop drinking the shakes because my colitis couldn't tolerate them. I just don't know what to do. I promise I've monitored every single calorie I consumed over the past three weeks to an almost obsessive degree. I'm told my metabolism burns 1400 - 1600 calories a day, I don't know if that's good or bad? I'm just so frustrated! Any advice would help tremendously!
What does your endocrinologist say about this diet?
How many and what kind of carbs are you consuming?0 -
strong_curves wrote: »Wait a min... is the Dr selling you and your mom this "weight loss plan"?
Yes. She's an internist/MD and she does medical dieting. Some people do all liquid shakes they purchase through her (3.50 each) some do shakes and nutrition plan, some do only nutrition. She offers vitamin b shots and supplements for sale as well. It's a co pay to see her, 20 bucks for the shot, 20 bucks to step on her scale, and the price of food and supplements. She does weekly or bi weekly weigh ins.
It helped my mom tremendously (nothing had ever worked for her before) so I figured it could help me lose the weight I have never been able to lose. It's cost me about 400 dollar, 3 weeks of being ill ( my colitis could NOT handle the shakes) and I gained 2 pounds. She also prescribes things like phentermine, topamax, and Aldactone (for craving help and water weight. I've stopped taking it because it's made me an emotional wreck.)
I did paleo a couple months ago and I lost a couple pounds and felt great. I told this doctor that and she told me it would be temporary and Id gain weight eventually. I feel so unlike myself bc I've never bought into doctors before and this changed it all. Ugh!0 -
azulvioleta6 wrote: »
How many and what kind of carbs are you consuming?
My Endo said he feels the calories are strict but will help bc my weight loss is so stubborn. He isn't very involved and I have lowered all my insulin pump levels to accommodate my drop in carbs. I try to stay as low carb as possible. I'm at 69 grams per day / 25%... I put that ratio in place myself as the doctor gave me no real guidlines besides types and amounts of foods to eat and When to eat them.0 -
michellinademarco wrote: »strong_curves wrote: »Wait a min... is the Dr selling you and your mom this "weight loss plan"?
Yes. She's an internist/MD and she does medical dieting. Some people do all liquid shakes they purchase through her (3.50 each) some do shakes and nutrition plan, some do only nutrition. She offers vitamin b shots and supplements for sale as well. It's a co pay to see her, 20 bucks for the shot, 20 bucks to step on her scale, and the price of food and supplements. She does weekly or bi weekly weigh ins.
It helped my mom tremendously (nothing had ever worked for her before) so I figured it could help me lose the weight I have never been able to lose. It's cost me about 400 dollar, 3 weeks of being ill ( my colitis could NOT handle the shakes) and I gained 2 pounds. She also prescribes things like phentermine, topamax, and Aldactone (for craving help and water weight. I've stopped taking it because it's made me an emotional wreck.)
I did paleo a couple months ago and I lost a couple pounds and felt great. I told this doctor that and she told me it would be temporary and Id gain weight eventually. I feel so unlike myself bc I've never bought into doctors before and this changed it all. Ugh!
Could the flare up in colitis cause the gain? It it an inflammatory response.
I would say this is something you don't want to do.
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Hmmm. This is really making me question the qualifications of this doctor.
First, the “guidance” provided is far too formulaic and restrictive, in my opinion. If you read the sticky threads in this category, you’ll see that MFP is all about maintaining a caloric deficit, regardless of what you eat or when you eat it, with some focus on meeting specific macros i.e. getting enough protein. I’d look into seeing someone qualified to provide nutritional advice based on your medical conditions instead.
Second, 1100 calories per day is completely silly at your height and weight, especially as you don’t have much to lose. The general recommendation for women is to stay above 1200, as it’s more difficult to get proper nutrition at lower intake levels.
I’d highly recommend you use the IIFYM calculator here to see how much energy your body uses up every day just by existing (your total daily energy expenditure or TDEE). Without exercise, you use up about 1880 calories every day. If you maintain a 500 calorie deficit (i.e. eat 1380 calories/day), you’ll loose a pound per week (it takes a 3500 calorie deficit to lose a pound). If you are active 3 times a week, that gives you a bunch more calories to eat.
Honestly, I’m just blown away at the “advice” given by this presumed doctor. I really hope it didn’t cost you too much money. All you have to do is maintain a caloric deficit. I wouldn’t want to lose more than 1-1.5lbs/week if I were you, because you don’t have much to lose. To help hold on to muscle mass, make sure you eat enough protein and do some resistance training (e.g. heavy lifting using programs like Stronglifts, Strong Curves, Starting Strength). That’s all there is to it.
So I did the calculator.. And I'm confused about the results?
My bmr 1493 and my tdee is 2053... It says my calorie intake for "reckless weight loss" is 1500 cal a day.. Am I reading that correctly?! I've been starving myself at 1100 calories a day eating 3 oz of protein and lettuce..0 -
Could the flare up in colitis cause the gain? It it an inflammatory response.
I would say this is something you don't want to do.
The flare ups usually cause weight loss from water loss and recent 6-10 per day bathroom trips.. If ya catch my drift lol
No, totally.. I've stopped the shakes and aldactone completely.
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michellinademarco wrote: »
Could the flare up in colitis cause the gain? It it an inflammatory response.
I would say this is something you don't want to do.
The flare ups usually cause weight loss from water loss and recent 6-10 per day bathroom trips.. If ya catch my drift lol
No, totally.. I've stopped the shakes and aldactone completely.
That makes sense. My husband has ulcerative colitis, so I understand. I hope things start going better.
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Once you said the shakes were Optifast I became concerned.
Optifast is a very low calorie diet (VLCD) and it is only meant to be used by people who are severely obese. IMO it is not at all appropriate for someone who is 17 years old. I imagine the doctor (who I want to have a long talk with) put you on an elevated calorie program than the adults who are using this VLCD. Yep, that's right....the 1100 calories is an elevated diet in comparison.
I would talk to your doctors and find something that may be more workable. From what you have described this is not the plan for you. I also think that you should look for small goals. Losing 3 lbs a week is not something that is advisable for someone your age. You need to be feeding your growing body while at the same time losing slowly some excess weight.
I also agree that the flare up could be a cause for the gain. I can't see how the gain could be fat given what you have been eating.
Thank you for your response! Does it say Im 17?? I'm sorry, I'm actually 25! I'm in shock hearing that 1100 calories is so little.. She said it would be ideal to eat even less as long as it was throughout the day and I could expect 1-2 lb loss per day. I told her 1100 is the least Id go. Wow!0 -
I've read the best diet for pcos is very low carb diet. It sounds like your new plan is on point! Good luck!0
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michellinademarco wrote: »Once you said the shakes were Optifast I became concerned.
Optifast is a very low calorie diet (VLCD) and it is only meant to be used by people who are severely obese. IMO it is not at all appropriate for someone who is 17 years old. I imagine the doctor (who I want to have a long talk with) put you on an elevated calorie program than the adults who are using this VLCD. Yep, that's right....the 1100 calories is an elevated diet in comparison.
I would talk to your doctors and find something that may be more workable. From what you have described this is not the plan for you. I also think that you should look for small goals. Losing 3 lbs a week is not something that is advisable for someone your age. You need to be feeding your growing body while at the same time losing slowly some excess weight.
I also agree that the flare up could be a cause for the gain. I can't see how the gain could be fat given what you have been eating.
Thank you for your response! Does it say Im 17?? I'm sorry, I'm actually 25! I'm in shock hearing that 1100 calories is so little.. She said it would be ideal to eat even less as long as it was throughout the day and I could expect 1-2 lb loss per day. I told her 1100 is the least Id go. Wow!
oO
That doctor ... did she win her credentials in a lottery or something?0 -
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michellinademarco wrote: »Thank you for the reply! Yes, this is starting week 4. The doctor said most people lose at least 3 pounds their first week and def lose SOMETHING week to week but "everyones different".
The Dr never gave me a caloric restriction before yesterday. The original plan was to have a shake for breakfast, lunch, and mid day snack (each 160 cal) followed by a dinner of 4 oz protein and unlimited non starchy veggies and to "watch how much oil I use in the dressing". I could eat 1 serving of fruit after dinner if I was hungry or craving. That's all the guidelines I was given.
Yesterday when I was very upset in her office, she gave me a calorie plan with no shakes. She said 1100 calories per day, yogurt and fruit for breakfast, 109 cal almonds mid morning, 3 oz protein and veggies for lunch, mid day snack of apple with pb or a cheese stick, dinner 4-5 oz protein with veggies, fruit if I was craving and had calories left for the day.
Currently I am 5 foot 6 and weigh 176. I want to get to about 140.
Hmmm. This is really making me question the qualifications of this doctor.
First, the “guidance” provided is far too formulaic and restrictive, in my opinion. If you read the sticky threads in this category, you’ll see that MFP is all about maintaining a caloric deficit, regardless of what you eat or when you eat it, with some focus on meeting specific macros i.e. getting enough protein. I’d look into seeing someone qualified to provide nutritional advice based on your medical conditions instead.
Second, 1100 calories per day is completely silly at your height and weight, especially as you don’t have much to lose. The general recommendation for women is to stay above 1200, as it’s more difficult to get proper nutrition at lower intake levels.
I’d highly recommend you use the IIFYM calculator here to see how much energy your body uses up every day just by existing (your total daily energy expenditure or TDEE). Without exercise, you use up about 1880 calories every day. If you maintain a 500 calorie deficit (i.e. eat 1380 calories/day), you’ll loose a pound per week (it takes a 3500 calorie deficit to lose a pound). If you are active 3 times a week, that gives you a bunch more calories to eat.
Honestly, I’m just blown away at the “advice” given by this presumed doctor. I really hope it didn’t cost you too much money. All you have to do is maintain a caloric deficit. I wouldn’t want to lose more than 1-1.5lbs/week if I were you, because you don’t have much to lose. To help hold on to muscle mass, make sure you eat enough protein and do some resistance training (e.g. heavy lifting using programs like Stronglifts, Strong Curves, Starting Strength). That’s all there is to it.
If she only burns 1400-1600 per day, as she stated, then 1100 is not too low...it's only a 300-500 deficit. It needs to be that low to lose anything. If two different doctors, who are unrelated to each other and one of which is an endocrinologist, are okay with 1100 calories, then that overrides what some generic Internet calculator that ASSUMES everybody at a given age and weight is exactly the same spits out.0 -
MoiAussi93 wrote: »michellinademarco wrote: »Thank you for the reply! Yes, this is starting week 4. The doctor said most people lose at least 3 pounds their first week and def lose SOMETHING week to week but "everyones different".
The Dr never gave me a caloric restriction before yesterday. The original plan was to have a shake for breakfast, lunch, and mid day snack (each 160 cal) followed by a dinner of 4 oz protein and unlimited non starchy veggies and to "watch how much oil I use in the dressing". I could eat 1 serving of fruit after dinner if I was hungry or craving. That's all the guidelines I was given.
Yesterday when I was very upset in her office, she gave me a calorie plan with no shakes. She said 1100 calories per day, yogurt and fruit for breakfast, 109 cal almonds mid morning, 3 oz protein and veggies for lunch, mid day snack of apple with pb or a cheese stick, dinner 4-5 oz protein with veggies, fruit if I was craving and had calories left for the day.
Currently I am 5 foot 6 and weigh 176. I want to get to about 140.
Hmmm. This is really making me question the qualifications of this doctor.
First, the “guidance” provided is far too formulaic and restrictive, in my opinion. If you read the sticky threads in this category, you’ll see that MFP is all about maintaining a caloric deficit, regardless of what you eat or when you eat it, with some focus on meeting specific macros i.e. getting enough protein. I’d look into seeing someone qualified to provide nutritional advice based on your medical conditions instead.
Second, 1100 calories per day is completely silly at your height and weight, especially as you don’t have much to lose. The general recommendation for women is to stay above 1200, as it’s more difficult to get proper nutrition at lower intake levels.
I’d highly recommend you use the IIFYM calculator here to see how much energy your body uses up every day just by existing (your total daily energy expenditure or TDEE). Without exercise, you use up about 1880 calories every day. If you maintain a 500 calorie deficit (i.e. eat 1380 calories/day), you’ll loose a pound per week (it takes a 3500 calorie deficit to lose a pound). If you are active 3 times a week, that gives you a bunch more calories to eat.
Honestly, I’m just blown away at the “advice” given by this presumed doctor. I really hope it didn’t cost you too much money. All you have to do is maintain a caloric deficit. I wouldn’t want to lose more than 1-1.5lbs/week if I were you, because you don’t have much to lose. To help hold on to muscle mass, make sure you eat enough protein and do some resistance training (e.g. heavy lifting using programs like Stronglifts, Strong Curves, Starting Strength). That’s all there is to it.
If she only burns 1400-1600 per day, as she stated, then 1100 is not too low...it's only a 300-500 deficit. It needs to be that low to lose anything. If two different doctors, who are unrelated to each other and one of which is an endocrinologist, are okay with 1100 calories, then that overrides what some generic Internet calculator that ASSUMES everybody at a given age and weight is exactly the same spits out.
She may be talking about BMR or resting metabolism, and not TDEE.
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MoiAussi93 wrote: »michellinademarco wrote: »Thank you for the reply! Yes, this is starting week 4. The doctor said most people lose at least 3 pounds their first week and def lose SOMETHING week to week but "everyones different".
The Dr never gave me a caloric restriction before yesterday. The original plan was to have a shake for breakfast, lunch, and mid day snack (each 160 cal) followed by a dinner of 4 oz protein and unlimited non starchy veggies and to "watch how much oil I use in the dressing". I could eat 1 serving of fruit after dinner if I was hungry or craving. That's all the guidelines I was given.
Yesterday when I was very upset in her office, she gave me a calorie plan with no shakes. She said 1100 calories per day, yogurt and fruit for breakfast, 109 cal almonds mid morning, 3 oz protein and veggies for lunch, mid day snack of apple with pb or a cheese stick, dinner 4-5 oz protein with veggies, fruit if I was craving and had calories left for the day.
Currently I am 5 foot 6 and weigh 176. I want to get to about 140.
Hmmm. This is really making me question the qualifications of this doctor.
First, the “guidance” provided is far too formulaic and restrictive, in my opinion. If you read the sticky threads in this category, you’ll see that MFP is all about maintaining a caloric deficit, regardless of what you eat or when you eat it, with some focus on meeting specific macros i.e. getting enough protein. I’d look into seeing someone qualified to provide nutritional advice based on your medical conditions instead.
Second, 1100 calories per day is completely silly at your height and weight, especially as you don’t have much to lose. The general recommendation for women is to stay above 1200, as it’s more difficult to get proper nutrition at lower intake levels.
I’d highly recommend you use the IIFYM calculator here to see how much energy your body uses up every day just by existing (your total daily energy expenditure or TDEE). Without exercise, you use up about 1880 calories every day. If you maintain a 500 calorie deficit (i.e. eat 1380 calories/day), you’ll loose a pound per week (it takes a 3500 calorie deficit to lose a pound). If you are active 3 times a week, that gives you a bunch more calories to eat.
Honestly, I’m just blown away at the “advice” given by this presumed doctor. I really hope it didn’t cost you too much money. All you have to do is maintain a caloric deficit. I wouldn’t want to lose more than 1-1.5lbs/week if I were you, because you don’t have much to lose. To help hold on to muscle mass, make sure you eat enough protein and do some resistance training (e.g. heavy lifting using programs like Stronglifts, Strong Curves, Starting Strength). That’s all there is to it.
If she only burns 1400-1600 per day, as she stated, then 1100 is not too low...it's only a 300-500 deficit. It needs to be that low to lose anything. If two different doctors, who are unrelated to each other and one of which is an endocrinologist, are okay with 1100 calories, then that overrides what some generic Internet calculator that ASSUMES everybody at a given age and weight is exactly the same spits out.
The advice of the Endo is a lot more reliable, in my opinion, than that of an internist who also happens to sell weight loss products. I don’t know enough about the OP’s conditions to speak to how they affect their TDEE, but a 500 calorie difference between the IIFYM calculator and the estimate given by the doctor (not sure if the endo or internist) is pretty significant. Even so, if the OP feels like she’s starving herself, 1100 calories/day is not a sustainable plan.
OP, I have to restate that I’m not a doctor equipped to give proper advice, but what I can say is that you should find a lifestyle that doesn’t feel like torture, and I would really question anything you were told by the internist. Maybe the Endo said such a low cal diet is okay because you haven’t had success in the past, and maybe you haven’t had success in the past because you didn’t track your intake with complete accuracy: using of a food scale for all solids, for instance. Don’t be discouraged - I know you can find a way to make weight loss work for you!
I invoke @mamapeach910 , because she’s a smart lady who knows a lot more about metabolic conditions (I think - sorry for calling you out!). Maybe she can be of more help 0 -
MoiAussi93 wrote: »michellinademarco wrote: »Thank you for the reply! Yes, this is starting week 4. The doctor said most people lose at least 3 pounds their first week and def lose SOMETHING week to week but "everyones different".
The Dr never gave me a caloric restriction before yesterday. The original plan was to have a shake for breakfast, lunch, and mid day snack (each 160 cal) followed by a dinner of 4 oz protein and unlimited non starchy veggies and to "watch how much oil I use in the dressing". I could eat 1 serving of fruit after dinner if I was hungry or craving. That's all the guidelines I was given.
Yesterday when I was very upset in her office, she gave me a calorie plan with no shakes. She said 1100 calories per day, yogurt and fruit for breakfast, 109 cal almonds mid morning, 3 oz protein and veggies for lunch, mid day snack of apple with pb or a cheese stick, dinner 4-5 oz protein with veggies, fruit if I was craving and had calories left for the day.
Currently I am 5 foot 6 and weigh 176. I want to get to about 140.
Hmmm. This is really making me question the qualifications of this doctor.
First, the “guidance” provided is far too formulaic and restrictive, in my opinion. If you read the sticky threads in this category, you’ll see that MFP is all about maintaining a caloric deficit, regardless of what you eat or when you eat it, with some focus on meeting specific macros i.e. getting enough protein. I’d look into seeing someone qualified to provide nutritional advice based on your medical conditions instead.
Second, 1100 calories per day is completely silly at your height and weight, especially as you don’t have much to lose. The general recommendation for women is to stay above 1200, as it’s more difficult to get proper nutrition at lower intake levels.
I’d highly recommend you use the IIFYM calculator here to see how much energy your body uses up every day just by existing (your total daily energy expenditure or TDEE). Without exercise, you use up about 1880 calories every day. If you maintain a 500 calorie deficit (i.e. eat 1380 calories/day), you’ll loose a pound per week (it takes a 3500 calorie deficit to lose a pound). If you are active 3 times a week, that gives you a bunch more calories to eat.
Honestly, I’m just blown away at the “advice” given by this presumed doctor. I really hope it didn’t cost you too much money. All you have to do is maintain a caloric deficit. I wouldn’t want to lose more than 1-1.5lbs/week if I were you, because you don’t have much to lose. To help hold on to muscle mass, make sure you eat enough protein and do some resistance training (e.g. heavy lifting using programs like Stronglifts, Strong Curves, Starting Strength). That’s all there is to it.
If she only burns 1400-1600 per day, as she stated, then 1100 is not too low...it's only a 300-500 deficit. It needs to be that low to lose anything. If two different doctors, who are unrelated to each other and one of which is an endocrinologist, are okay with 1100 calories, then that overrides what some generic Internet calculator that ASSUMES everybody at a given age and weight is exactly the same spits out.
To be fair, my endocrinologist is pretty uninvolved and was unhappy with the calorie restriction in the new diet, just said he'd help me to not run so many low blood sugars while I did it if I insisted. The other doctor told me I burn 1400-1600 a day based on a scale I stepped on. She had essentially the same info that I entered into the calculator.
I'm just so confused0 -
MoiAussi93 wrote: »michellinademarco wrote: »Thank you for the reply! Yes, this is starting week 4. The doctor said most people lose at least 3 pounds their first week and def lose SOMETHING week to week but "everyones different".
The Dr never gave me a caloric restriction before yesterday. The original plan was to have a shake for breakfast, lunch, and mid day snack (each 160 cal) followed by a dinner of 4 oz protein and unlimited non starchy veggies and to "watch how much oil I use in the dressing". I could eat 1 serving of fruit after dinner if I was hungry or craving. That's all the guidelines I was given.
Yesterday when I was very upset in her office, she gave me a calorie plan with no shakes. She said 1100 calories per day, yogurt and fruit for breakfast, 109 cal almonds mid morning, 3 oz protein and veggies for lunch, mid day snack of apple with pb or a cheese stick, dinner 4-5 oz protein with veggies, fruit if I was craving and had calories left for the day.
Currently I am 5 foot 6 and weigh 176. I want to get to about 140.
Hmmm. This is really making me question the qualifications of this doctor.
First, the “guidance” provided is far too formulaic and restrictive, in my opinion. If you read the sticky threads in this category, you’ll see that MFP is all about maintaining a caloric deficit, regardless of what you eat or when you eat it, with some focus on meeting specific macros i.e. getting enough protein. I’d look into seeing someone qualified to provide nutritional advice based on your medical conditions instead.
Second, 1100 calories per day is completely silly at your height and weight, especially as you don’t have much to lose. The general recommendation for women is to stay above 1200, as it’s more difficult to get proper nutrition at lower intake levels.
I’d highly recommend you use the IIFYM calculator here to see how much energy your body uses up every day just by existing (your total daily energy expenditure or TDEE). Without exercise, you use up about 1880 calories every day. If you maintain a 500 calorie deficit (i.e. eat 1380 calories/day), you’ll loose a pound per week (it takes a 3500 calorie deficit to lose a pound). If you are active 3 times a week, that gives you a bunch more calories to eat.
Honestly, I’m just blown away at the “advice” given by this presumed doctor. I really hope it didn’t cost you too much money. All you have to do is maintain a caloric deficit. I wouldn’t want to lose more than 1-1.5lbs/week if I were you, because you don’t have much to lose. To help hold on to muscle mass, make sure you eat enough protein and do some resistance training (e.g. heavy lifting using programs like Stronglifts, Strong Curves, Starting Strength). That’s all there is to it.
If she only burns 1400-1600 per day, as she stated, then 1100 is not too low...it's only a 300-500 deficit. It needs to be that low to lose anything. If two different doctors, who are unrelated to each other and one of which is an endocrinologist, are okay with 1100 calories, then that overrides what some generic Internet calculator that ASSUMES everybody at a given age and weight is exactly the same spits out.
To be fair, my endocrinologist is pretty uninvolved and was unhappy with the calorie restriction in the new diet, just said he'd help me to not run so many low blood sugars while I did it if I insisted. The other doctor told me I burn 1400-1600 a day based on a scale I stepped on. She had essentially the same info that I entered into the calculator.
I'm just so confused0 -
I had an aunt who did Optifast, she did lose weight while she was on it. Once she got down to her goal weight and stopped doing Optifast she gained all the weight back and even more. From what I've seen of it, it's not the route I would have taken. Optifast didn't teach her about portion control, nor how to control her weight once she got off to Optifast.0
-
michellinademarco wrote: »MoiAussi93 wrote: »michellinademarco wrote: »Thank you for the reply! Yes, this is starting week 4. The doctor said most people lose at least 3 pounds their first week and def lose SOMETHING week to week but "everyones different".
The Dr never gave me a caloric restriction before yesterday. The original plan was to have a shake for breakfast, lunch, and mid day snack (each 160 cal) followed by a dinner of 4 oz protein and unlimited non starchy veggies and to "watch how much oil I use in the dressing". I could eat 1 serving of fruit after dinner if I was hungry or craving. That's all the guidelines I was given.
Yesterday when I was very upset in her office, she gave me a calorie plan with no shakes. She said 1100 calories per day, yogurt and fruit for breakfast, 109 cal almonds mid morning, 3 oz protein and veggies for lunch, mid day snack of apple with pb or a cheese stick, dinner 4-5 oz protein with veggies, fruit if I was craving and had calories left for the day.
Currently I am 5 foot 6 and weigh 176. I want to get to about 140.
Hmmm. This is really making me question the qualifications of this doctor.
First, the “guidance” provided is far too formulaic and restrictive, in my opinion. If you read the sticky threads in this category, you’ll see that MFP is all about maintaining a caloric deficit, regardless of what you eat or when you eat it, with some focus on meeting specific macros i.e. getting enough protein. I’d look into seeing someone qualified to provide nutritional advice based on your medical conditions instead.
Second, 1100 calories per day is completely silly at your height and weight, especially as you don’t have much to lose. The general recommendation for women is to stay above 1200, as it’s more difficult to get proper nutrition at lower intake levels.
I’d highly recommend you use the IIFYM calculator here to see how much energy your body uses up every day just by existing (your total daily energy expenditure or TDEE). Without exercise, you use up about 1880 calories every day. If you maintain a 500 calorie deficit (i.e. eat 1380 calories/day), you’ll loose a pound per week (it takes a 3500 calorie deficit to lose a pound). If you are active 3 times a week, that gives you a bunch more calories to eat.
Honestly, I’m just blown away at the “advice” given by this presumed doctor. I really hope it didn’t cost you too much money. All you have to do is maintain a caloric deficit. I wouldn’t want to lose more than 1-1.5lbs/week if I were you, because you don’t have much to lose. To help hold on to muscle mass, make sure you eat enough protein and do some resistance training (e.g. heavy lifting using programs like Stronglifts, Strong Curves, Starting Strength). That’s all there is to it.
If she only burns 1400-1600 per day, as she stated, then 1100 is not too low...it's only a 300-500 deficit. It needs to be that low to lose anything. If two different doctors, who are unrelated to each other and one of which is an endocrinologist, are okay with 1100 calories, then that overrides what some generic Internet calculator that ASSUMES everybody at a given age and weight is exactly the same spits out.
To be fair, my endocrinologist is pretty uninvolved and was unhappy with the calorie restriction in the new diet, just said he'd help me to not run so many low blood sugars while I did it if I insisted. The other doctor told me I burn 1400-1600 a day based on a scale I stepped on. She had essentially the same info that I entered into the calculator.
I'm just so confused
Based on a scale?? That sounds legit. /sarcasm Notwithstanding medical conditions, the IIFYM calculator is a good guideline for people, and I’d be really surprised if the difference between your actual and estimated TDEE was that big, despite of any medical condition. There are loads of people here who have PCOS / Hashi / etc and they lose weight without going on 1100/day diets.0 -
strong_curves wrote: »I had an aunt who did Optifast, she did lose weight while she was on it. Once she got down to her goal weight and stopped doing Optifast she gained all the weight back and even more. From what I've seen of it, it's not the route I would have taken. Optifast didn't teach her about portion control, nor how to control her weight once she got off to Optifast.
Agreed. What’s best, in my view, is to develop eating habits that are sustainable, non-painful, and can easily adapt into maintenance once you reach your goal weight. Weight loss due to “diets” is seldom sustainable because, once they lose weight, people go back to eating the exact some way they did when they gained the weight.0
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