I could do with some help

goatelope

Hello all, I am 38 years old and have put on a lot of weight since a knee injury in October which I have just had surgery for. I am planning to consume about 1200 calories a day, maybe 1000 this week whilst I am literally sat on the couch unable to move. I weigh 18O lbs now and I really want to lose 4o lbs or so, maybe more. Does this calorie goal sound like it will work? I’ve had no more than 1200 per day for a week but I feel like there’s no difference at all. Getting a bit desperate.

quiksylver296

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1

apullum

No, that calorie goal will not work for long term health. If you are female, you should not be eating below 1200 calories per day.

One week is not enough time to evaluate whether or not any weight loss plan is working. In this specific case, for example, your body is likely holding onto additional water weight due to inflammation from your surgery.

While you are recovering from surgery, you should consider eating at maintenance so your body has proper nutrition for recovery. You can go back into a deficit when you're well.

goatelope

Thanks. I don’t even know what maintenance would be! I am so distressed by my weight gain. Before Christmas I was relatively slim but I just gained and gained over November - April. I’m now 180lbs

apullum

On the MFP website, go to My Home -> Goals -> View Guided Setup. Enter your stats, choose Sedentary (assuming you are doing very little activity due to your surgery), and choose Maintain my current weight.

When you want to go into a deficit, do the Goals setup again and choose whatever activity level you do in your normal daily routine not counting exercise (MFP has you log that separately). Then choose Lose 1 pound per week.