649lbs and 3790 calories
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JeromeBarry1 wrote: »Stay engaged in using this site. It's just tenuous connection to people but you're real and we're real. This community is the best resource in the world for you.
Yes!4 -
spagano8888 wrote: »I've tried the 2000 from the hospital. I was losing 3-5 a day and after 5 days I got so clammy at the store I felt the 2000 wasn't enough. So I stopped.
I'm all for going with a professional's recommendation, but I think your own body is telling you that 2000 is way too low at the moment. (When the book and the bird disagree, believe the bird.)spagano8888 wrote: »Mfp, I'm 4 days on it and I've lost 9 so far. I think
I'm going to start with the 3790 and work my way down like suggested. The way I look at it it's better then not tracking / watching what I eat at all.
This sounds tremendously sensible. Keep logging and tracking, and pay attention to how your body's reacting. Small consistent steps will take you a lot further than trying to make huge changes all at once. And I echo cmriverside above -- please let us know how you're doing.
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VintageFeline wrote: »In any case, your doctor's 2500 eating plan would put you at a deficit that would have you on track to lose about 4 to 5lbs in a week...
No, it would not.
Setting bad expectations is not helpful. At OP's size, sedentary TDEE is only about 2500 calories a day, because he's at around 70% body fat.
Umm? I'm not so sure. 2500 calories to maintain 600lbs? That's what I needed to maintain 220lbs and outside of 45 minutes 3-6 times a week I'm sedentary. Now it's more like 2000. A 160lb female.
BMR does not scale well with weight once a body has hit obesity levels.
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spagano8888 wrote: »I've tried the 2000 from the hospital. I was losing 3-5 a day and after 5 days I got so clammy at the store I felt the 2000 wasn't enough. So I stopped.
Bariatric dr mentioned 2500 but no calculations behind it. She told me to follow up with a nutritionist and unfortunately I had to reschedule with them because I didn't have the money for it.
Mfp, I'm 4 days on it and I've lost 9 so far. I think
I'm going to start with the 3790 and work my way down like suggested. The way I look at it it's better then not tracking / watching what I eat at all.
Sounds like a good plan. You are more then 3X my weight and - 2500 cal is a good number for me to maintain
- Eastcoast Jim3 -
If the doctor recommends 2,500 definitely go with it. It sounds like the doctor wants the weight to come off quickly in order to stop any life threatening health effectsspagano8888 wrote: »Had went to a hospital they said 2000. Went to doctor I believe she said 2500 calories... but she didn't calculate anything.... mfp says 3790, of course I like the higher number. I just don't know what number to use! They all say different things.
The deficit you are able to do, and be happy, is the right number. It will change over time, but the main thing is to focus on the process (tracking calories well) eating good foods, and the weight will take care of itself. If 3790 is working in two weeks, stick with it.
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Search the success stories forum for this title:
From 511 to 175: a 336 lb loss over 5 years3 -
Follow the doctor's advice. If you don't like her opinion or method for arriving at it, seek a second opinion, but from another doctor, not MFP.spagano8888 wrote: »Had went to a hospital they said 2000. Went to doctor I believe she said 2500 calories... but she didn't calculate anything.... mfp says 3790, of course I like the higher number. I just don't know what number to use! They all say different things.
This.See a Doc. We are not qualified to safely advise you.
Get a doctor's advice, then use MFP as a tool to help you follow it. But I certainly wouldn't let an app like MFP replace a doctor.
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you could always pick a number between doctor and map--2500 and 3790. i would go with 3200 calories and work hard at staying under 3000 for 3 weeks. If no loss, bring it to 3000 for another 3 weeks. That's what I would do. The 3790 sounds high because it is over a pound (3500), but Michael Phelps said he ate 12,000 calories a day!! You are great for figuring this out! That's all you have to know!!1
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spagano8888 wrote: »I've tried the 2000 from the hospital. I was losing 3-5 a day and after 5 days I got so clammy at the store I felt the 2000 wasn't enough. So I stopped.
Bariatric dr mentioned 2500 but no calculations behind it. She told me to follow up with a nutritionist and unfortunately I had to reschedule with them because I didn't have the money for it.
Mfp, I'm 4 days on it and I've lost 9 so far. I think
I'm going to start with the 3790 and work my way down like suggested. The way I look at it it's better then not tracking / watching what I eat at all.
Well done on the start!
Keep at it, and get those habits ingrained for the long haul - the things you're doing right now can set you up for a much healthier future.
Please do keep us posted on your progress. If you don't want to have to come on the boards and post all the time, fire out a few friend invites to people whose posts you liked, and they'll see your timeline and diary etc, so can give you a bit of a cheer every now and then!1 -
I do have a little background in losing weight I was on ww between 2012-2014 and lost 350lbs. 601 (highest at the time) and got down to 249, unfortunately the wrong job and the wrong friends, I gained all 350 + 50 more back. Made it on the news a couple times and one time back at heaviest.3
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Interesting. So have you poked around in your head a little bit to figure out why a job and "friends" could cause you to over eat so drastically? Most obsessions are anxiety based, so getting to the bottom of it will give you long-term success.4
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cmriverside wrote: »Interesting. So have you poked around in your head a little bit to figure out why a job and "friends" could cause you to over eat so drastically? Most obsessions are anxiety based, so getting to the bottom of it will give you long-term success.
Maybe fear of losing friendships... we all worked together, and they all wanted me to go out "clubbing" with them and drink and I wasn't a drinker and late night eating and everything was out of my norm. I got rid of the toxic ones. I also no longer work for the grocery store I did work at. Smelling fried food and hourly breaks were not good!7 -
spagano8888 wrote: »cmriverside wrote: »Interesting. So have you poked around in your head a little bit to figure out why a job and "friends" could cause you to over eat so drastically? Most obsessions are anxiety based, so getting to the bottom of it will give you long-term success.
Maybe fear of losing friendships... we all worked together, and they all wanted me to go out "clubbing" with them and drink and I wasn't a drinker and late night eating and everything was out of my norm. I got rid of the toxic ones. I also no longer work for the grocery store I did work at. Smelling fried food and hourly breaks were not good!
the thing is, there is easy access to food pretty much everywhere these days... i just walked into the kitchen at work and there is a sponge cake on a table next to a note saying 'help yourself'... i didn't because it doesn't fit into my calories and macros for the day, but there is always 'temptation' around if you look at it that way.3 -
TavistockToad wrote: »
the thing is, there is easy access to food pretty much everywhere these days... i just walked into the kitchen at work and there is a sponge cake on a table next to a note saying 'help yourself'... i didn't because it doesn't fit into my calories and macros for the day, but there is always 'temptation' around if you look at it that way.
It's all mindset and mine hasn't been the best. Every time lately when I go off I say to myself I don't want to be on a diet I want to eat this, and then I do.
I'm on my 5th day and lost another 3. Down 12lbs. I know I shouldn't be weighing myself everyday but it feels like trial and error this week
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spagano8888 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »
the thing is, there is easy access to food pretty much everywhere these days... i just walked into the kitchen at work and there is a sponge cake on a table next to a note saying 'help yourself'... i didn't because it doesn't fit into my calories and macros for the day, but there is always 'temptation' around if you look at it that way.
It's all mindset and mine hasn't been the best. Every time lately when I go off I say to myself I don't want to be on a diet I want to eat this, and then I do.
I'm on my 5th day and lost another 3. Down 12lbs. I know I shouldn't be weighing myself everyday but it feels like trial and error this week
weighing every day is fine, just don't be surprised/worried if it goes up sometimes too. a weight trending app might be helpful.6 -
Okay, I'll buy the good-smelling fried food and the grocery not being easy - but there is always going to be food on offer.
I worked at a TGI Fridays for many years. Free food (mostly) and they even offered a free cocktail with every shift. I started to get into that lifestyle a bit and then had to pull back. I worked there for 15 years and didn't sit at the bar more than a handful of times because I knew it was dangerous territory if I wanted to stay sober and at a healthy weight.
Then I went to a company which kept the kitchen full of delightful baked goods and there was a bowl of candy right on my desk (I was at the front.)
I get it, I do. But to get to 600 pounds, there is a significant disconnect in your brain between a normal amount of food and an obsessive, anxiety based behavior. Just give it some thought.6 -
spagano8888 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »
the thing is, there is easy access to food pretty much everywhere these days... i just walked into the kitchen at work and there is a sponge cake on a table next to a note saying 'help yourself'... i didn't because it doesn't fit into my calories and macros for the day, but there is always 'temptation' around if you look at it that way.
It's all mindset and mine hasn't been the best. Every time lately when I go off I say to myself I don't want to be on a diet I want to eat this, and then I do.
I'm on my 5th day and lost another 3. Down 12lbs. I know I shouldn't be weighing myself everyday but it feels like trial and error this week
I'd focus more on the calorie tracking than the scale to get started, but I weigh daily and have for most of the 100 lbs I've lost. Just use some kind of trending app instead of focusing on today's number. I use trendweight.com6 -
spagano8888 wrote: »Had went to a hospital they said 2000. Went to doctor I believe she said 2500 calories... but she didn't calculate anything.... mfp says 3790, of course I like the higher number. I just don't know what number to use! They all say different things.
First, I want to congratulate you for coming here and making your health a priority. It is brave of you to share your goals and seek assistance. You should really be working with a specialist to get on track immediately. If I were you, I would drop everything and make an appointment to set a plan in place. Your health considerations absolutely justify the time, expense and effort of expert consultation.5 -
@spagano8888 I'm so glad you're here man!! I would start at 3700 for 3 weeks, then weigh in. Weigh yourself every 3 weeks and update your calorie goals after each weigh in. Put yourself as sedentary and whatever MFP gives you, reduce it to the lowest 0 (So if you re-weigh and MFP gives you 3459 you would do 3400) YOU'RE A ROCKSTAR!! Don't give up and log everything you eat!2
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cmriverside wrote: »I get it, I do. But to get to 600 pounds, there is a significant disconnect in your brain between a normal amount of food and an obsessive, anxiety based behavior. Just give it some thought.
I also culpulsively eat. I eat and I don't stop, even when full. I don't know why I do it.
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Nothing to add. Just want to wish you all the best from way over here in New Zealand. You can do this!!4
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Congrats on your first steps on becoming healthy. Take it one day at a time.3
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spagano8888 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »
the thing is, there is easy access to food pretty much everywhere these days... i just walked into the kitchen at work and there is a sponge cake on a table next to a note saying 'help yourself'... i didn't because it doesn't fit into my calories and macros for the day, but there is always 'temptation' around if you look at it that way.
It's all mindset and mine hasn't been the best. Every time lately when I go off I say to myself I don't want to be on a diet I want to eat this, and then I do.
I'm on my 5th day and lost another 3. Down 12lbs. I know I shouldn't be weighing myself everyday but it feels like trial and error this week
People who weigh themselves every day are more likely to stay on track. It's one habit that is easy, sets the tone and your focus for the day.4 -
@spagano8888 first and foremost congratulations on your first step towards a healthier you. IMHO, the MFP system works. Like you, I have a lot of weight to lose. I've been at it for 4 months and am down 58 lbs. When I started this journey, the goal that MFP set for me was 3270. This is based on all my individual factors. In this timeframe, I've exceeded that number, 5 days. What is great about this lifestyle is that even if you have a rough day, it's easier to get back on track the next day. The biggest thing that I noticed is that I rarely would come close to eating the goal. My average daily intake is approximately 2,000-2,500 per day. And I am completely satiated. I changed 3 simple things from my lifestyle. I eliminated soda(Coca Cola) and desserts(ice cream, cake, cookies etc). I reduced the amount of bread that I consume. I replaced desserts with fresh fruit. What this system made me realize, is that I was eating a lot of empty calories. I find that sugar is like a drug for me. The more I eat the more I want. I also find that as long as I budget for it with my caloric intake, it's OK. When you have large calorie goals, like ours, you can be flexible in what you eat. I had a pizza craving the other day. I enjoyed my pizza. I had my birthday a couple of months ago. I had my slice of cake (380 calories ouch). It's ok. It's also important to get moving. Some folks say just walk. If you're having trouble moving, that may not be so easy. I found that I enjoy swimming. Much easier on the joints. And there are specific exercises that will help you strengthen your legs which will help your back and knees. There's also you tube videos on chair exercises with stretch bands etc. Get a tracker like Fitbit if you can. I wear mine all the time. This will help you see things like daily steps, calories burned, resting heart rate. It will integrate with MFP. Lastly become a tracking monster. Get the food scale out. Track everything that goes in your mouth. Good or bad.
I don't know you as well as your physician. I am not a health professional either. I am just sharing some of my experiences on my similar path.
Good luck to you on your journey!! And well done on your recent success!!7 -
spagano8888 wrote: »cmriverside wrote: »I get it, I do. But to get to 600 pounds, there is a significant disconnect in your brain between a normal amount of food and an obsessive, anxiety based behavior. Just give it some thought.
I also culpulsively eat. I eat and I don't stop, even when full. I don't know why I do it.
I can relate to this. I was almost 400 lbs and the first thing I did when I realized it was do or die time was start therapy because I felt there was nothing "normal" about engaging in behavior that would lead me to being almost 400 lbs. I felt that I had to deal with my emotional health as well as my physical health and it was one of the best choices I ever made.8 -
spagano8888 wrote: »Does 3790 calories for a day seem like too much for a person of my size?
394lbs when i started my "life style" changes...ice cream and a pizza, yes, a pizza were my usual meals.
When i got the ap i tried to eat the calories alotted for me and could never eat enough...
I was always in a calorie deficit...
Got stuck at 366lbs for awhile...
Started lifting weights...cut cardio down to 20mins 2 days a week.
Lost 6 more lbs in 30 days...
So...
I asked everyone...read everything...
Found the keto diet...now down to 301 at last weigh in...Monday is my scheduled weight in...but
Weight is not my worry anymore. I have been concentrating on measurements
58 waist down to 44...way more definition in my upper body and legs...yes my gut is down but not where i want it.
And i finally did 3 pull ups...and 10 dips...
Have not been able to do that in a long long time.
On keto i get to eat eggs and bacon!...lol
And getting results...
So i hope this helps...its not gonna happen over night and you wont notice a difference in youself for a long time...but...girls come talk to me at the gym now lol.
So do guys..
Ask me questions...
Anyway...thats when you know its working...
Lol4 -
@spagano8888 lean on the MFP community for help and support! As you can see from the above, we don't always agree with each other -- but we are consistent in our support and in helping others find their way. I'm looking forward to following your progress.4
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spagano8888 wrote: »cmriverside wrote: »I get it, I do. But to get to 600 pounds, there is a significant disconnect in your brain between a normal amount of food and an obsessive, anxiety based behavior. Just give it some thought.
I also culpulsively eat. I eat and I don't stop, even when full. I don't know why I do it.
I understand this. I used to compulsively eat, too. For me food was a friend, and way to deal with the stresses of every day life. Sugar and breads and chips and cookies and ice cream and pie were like kryptonite for me. I had to stop buying the things I would binge/compulsively eat.
These days I make my decisions at the store.
I used to go to the kitchen any time I had any stress whatsoever. Guess where the stress came from? Inside my own head. Like @garber6th said, I knew it wasn't right, so I set out to figure out what was bothering me.
One thing you said earlier was that you were afraid to lose friends so you just went along with them on the drinking and eating escapades (or something to that effect.) I had to get to the point where I was not concerned with other people at all as far as how I looked at my food and alcohol intake. It doesn't matter how much food is in front of me, I still have to monitor my own intake. I stopped hanging around with people who tried to influence me to eat/drink in a way that made me uncomfortable. I put myself first in every situation. What people think of me is none of my business. My health is my business.
You've gotten some really insightful replies on this post. Keep it going! We're on your team.
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It sounds to me like you are on a good track. Modify as needed and carry on!
So glad you are here!
Aggie
SW 431
CW 381
GW 230ish2 -
Just chiming in with everyone else to cheer you on. I vote for starting with the doctor's calorie advice and modifying it upward if you feel it's unsustainable to eat that low. You'd probably lose weight on both--just a matter of how quickly it would come off. You might have other health risks your doctor is trying to avoid by having you lose faster than the MFP recommendation.
In my not-so-expert opinion, I'm of the mind that the early part of weight loss is simply building the habits of planning and managing your eating and understanding the calorie deficit. Focus on making progress, not perfection. Those eating habits are so hard to change and there are so many feelings baked in to why we overeat. On paper, weight loss is easy because it's just math. In real life, we all know it's much, much harder than that.
I wish you the best and hope to see you around!4
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