calorie needs confusing

You don't want to lose more than that.

What is your height/weight/activity level? How much do you want to lose? MFP is set up at a maximum of 2/wk so you can lose weight in a healthy way while allowing you to get in the calories and macros you need. If you lack in these areas, you'll feel like crap generally.

My first week, I lost about 5 lbs. most of it was water weight. After that, the weight came off slower, but it's also coming off consistently. Consistency is key!

Weight wasn't put on in a couple weeks, it won't come off in that time, either. Good luck .