am I starving myself?

Are you eating a portion of your exercise calories back?

Definitely not starving yourself in reality, although with your body being used to a larger volume or calorie-dense type foods, it may feel like it sometimes. When I need to lose weight I drop my calorie intake by 25% and the first few weeks are a bit of an adjustment, then I not only get used to it but really get into a good groove with my cooking and food choices. The first 7-14 days will give me some rumbling in the tummy though, even though I KNOW I've eaten enough. I just don't give in to it too much and it always passes.

Based on your post, your doctor said 'if you can handle it', so he probably understands that it's a little bit lower than what might be 100% recommended, but he is probably hoping to make it a faster/smoother process for you in the long run. Just my two cents.

No, you are not starving yourself by eating still more than the average healthy weight woman does.

Personally, I would focus on increasing your exercise. Leslie Sansone has some great walking videos that I would highly recommend because most require no equipment and have simple moves. (You may be able to check out these or other workout videos from your local library.)

To answer your question, the tough thing is that your body doesn't burn calories for holding fat, only for lean body mass, which is why your calorie estimate may seem low to your boyfriend. You'll get a great calorie burn during your workouts though because your body works harder to exercise with the extra mass though!

If you're looking for MFP friends, feel free to add me. I started at 282+ pounds and am down to 225 after nine months. I don't do anything special; just try to eat reasonably, exercise, and have patience with the process.

Nope, you're not starving yourself at 1,800 calories a day. I used to eat at 2,000 calories a day (totally sedentary working in front of a computer 12 hours a day) and weighed almost 200 pounds. I'm now eating an average of 1400-1500, exercising at least 4X 30-40 minute sessions a week and closing in on my goal weight. Don't let anyone tell you you're starving yourself--that's just them feeling guilty that you're doing something and they're not. I'm not crazy about taking "diet pills" but that's your doctor's choice and your decision. Losing weight and keeping it off is a LIFEstyle change. You will never be the same if you are successful and neither will your life. Don't worry though, it's a good thing! Welcome to the new you.

You're fine. Bigger deficits are totally ok when you have a lot to lose. The good thing is you could probably stick to 1800 until you're 200 pounds, so it should be easy to get used to.

Just wanted to giggle at the way the OP's name is cut off on the topics list.

Also ditch the diet pill and you can probably eat more and still lose.

Definitely not starving yourself. Below 1200, maybe, but 1800 calories per day is more than enough for a healthy calorie deficit. As you lose weight and hit around 250lbs, you may need to decrease to keep losing fat, but at your size 1800 should work very well. Personally I'm losing about half to one pound per week on 1400 - 1500 per day, but I'm quite small. Good luck, and don't forget to exercise!

ILoveCockatiels77 wrote: »

I am 400 pounds. and so far in the last couple weeks I have lost a total of 8 pounds.
But I have also been working my butt off!
My doctor told me to eat 1800 calories a day if i can handle it.
and he gave me a diet pill as well. as well as having me see a dietitian.
MFP says I should eat 2170 calories per day.

my boyfriend says I'm starving myself for my size, is it true?

Follow your doctor's plan, not the one you found on the Internet. As someone who is active, big and eats little, I will stress that it is important to eat healthy (or try to make healthier choices) and make sure that you eat if you feel hungry. If you experience headaches, stomachaches, nausea, ect. eat a light snack and talk to your doctor about it. You are also likely to lose more than 2 pounds a week your first few weeks (which will also be the hardest ones!).