Couple questions...Need opinions.

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3/4/13 6:36 A

All excellent replies and I would stress you go back to your doctor and asked to see a registered nutritionalist as it is about finding the correct balance of food for your specific body and its situation.

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3/3/13 11:02 P

Starvation mode isn't really about calories; it's about nutrients. It's pretty much impossible for an adult woman to get enough calcium, fiber, protein, vitamins, etc from any combination of foods adding up to less than 1200 calories. Your health will likely suffer more if you're eating too little, because you'll probably add (more) nutrient deficiencies to the issues you have already. There's also some evidence suggesting that obese people who eat very poorly may stay obese on fewer calories than they "should." When the body is missing important nutrients, it thinks it's starving regardless of how many calories it gets. I've known obese people who probably didn't eat more than 1500-2000 calories, but it was all junk food with very little nutritional value.

As for gastric bypass patients, they lose very quickly at first. They usually hit a wall, though, right around the border between obese and overweight. Originally, you could only have the surgery if you were literally morbidly obese-- that is, if you were so likely to die soon from obesity-related disease that it was worth the risk of malnutrition to get the weight down fast. Nutrient deficiencies were a side effect, and you only risk side effects if the main effect is urgent.

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3/3/13 9:14 P

Phat - I have so been where you are! Have you spoken to your rheumatologist? I have destroyed my metabolism from going too low in calories, then going off a diet, eating normal or too many then back on a diet again. My metabolism is almost at shut down mode. I literally HAVE TO work out in order to get weight off. Not only that but I cannot go too low in calories.
I too have fibro and arthritis. Here is some information that may help. Your eating or lack of eating adds to your joint pain and being tired.

Your body needs a certain amount of calories to carry out vital functions. If it does not get those calories from the diet, it can start to break down its own tissues for energy. To figure out how many calories you need per day, multiply your ideal weight by 12 if you are not very active or 15 if you are active. To lose weight, aim to eat around 500 fewer calories per day than your body needs to maintain your weight. Eating less than that will lead to side effects.

Some side effects are minor in comparison to others and transitory. They can become more pronounced depending on how much you restrict your calories. Some symptoms of severe calorie restriction are weakness, fatigue, cold intolerance, irregular menstrual periods, dizziness, constipation and swelling of the hands and feet.

Gallstones are caused by going on a severe calorie-restricted diet and losing weight too quickly. Often, you will need to have surgery to remove your gallbladder if this happens. (Had mine removed) Gout, or a painful inflammation of the joints caused by high uric acid in the blood, can start or become worse from low-calorie dieting. Since you are not taking in the proper amounts of vitamins, proteins and electrolytes, you are at risk for malnutrition disorders and electrolyte imbalances. Sudden death is a very rare but possible side effect from extremely low-calorie dieting.

Low-calorie diets force your body to take energy from other sources. You are more likely to burn muscle than fat because your body needs protein. This lowers your metabolic rate and makes it more difficult to lose weight. You are also not likely to stay on this type of eating plan for long, and you will eventually go back to your normal eating patterns. All the weight will come back. Furthermore, the electrolyte imbalances will cause your body to leach calcium from your bones, potentially weakening them and leading to osteoporosis.

Hope this helps.


Edited by: -BENI- at: 3/3/2013 (21:15)

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3/3/13 8:51 P

My opinion is to yell at your doctor for not referring you to a registered dietitian, pronto! The help you need should come from a professional who meets you and sees you, reads your medical records and gets to know you, one on one.

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3/3/13 8:04 P

Hi PHAT ~ sorry you are having these problems. Here are my "opinions".

1. I think it's average calorie intake over days and weeks. The every 2 hour thing is to uphold metabolism.
2. I believe I saw a show about gastric bypass and there are hormonal and metabolic changes in a body after the surgery. That would be part of the weight loss.
3. You are NOT terrible. You have different issues than others. I do know that movement can give relief to the arthritis thing. Have you tried some simple stretches? Do it to some soothing Zen music. You'd be surprised how it can affect your well being.

Take care my dear. And keep moving.

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3/3/13 8:00 P

1200 calories is the minimum you should cut down to in order to keep your body functioning properly. Going lower than that can cause dizziness, fatique, weakness, or worse (gallstones, gout, death). Long term affects of eating too few calories can lead to osteoporosis.
Your body can actually get use to 1200 calories and slow your metabolism down (plateau) causing "starvation mode" and you are unable to lose weight. This is wear I am at right now, so I've actually had to up my calories to start losing weight again.
People who have had gastric bypass and have restricted calories are under a doctors supervision through out their weight loss. Their doctor constantly monitors their body, vitals, etc.
Hope this helps and good luck!

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3/3/13 7:34 P

First question I have is...
1.) How can your body go into starvation mode, when you eat 200 calories every 2 hours, but can only manage to take in 1,000 calories a day? Plus drinking a minimum of 60 oz a water a day.

2.) So if indeed your body goes into starvation mode, then please tell me how gastric bypass patients can consume about 500 calories a day to start with but still lose weight- Rapidly. Is it because of the new "wiring" or is it because your body doesnt go into starvation mood when you're obese?

3.) Why is it so "terrible" for someone who has degenerative bones disease ( such as myself) to only eat 1,000 calories a day and do very little exercise? I have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia too. So...With that said I KNOW exercise is extremely important but when I can barely get myself out of my bed, how am I expected to exercise? We are talking WHOLE body pain- yes, even sometimes my face. I am inbetween medications right now and have nothing to ease the pain, but believe as soon as I can feel "decent" I will be doing exercises. Even if its walking around the block a few times to start.

Any input? Im just curious... I do not eat 1,000 calories a day, I try to always get in at least 1,200. But it is very hard when Im eating healthy and mainly fruits and vegetables and lean meats. Fruits and vegetables are low calorie, so getting in 1,200 is usually hard to do.

Everyone has their own opinion, Im looking for those opinnions. :)

Anyways, thanks for reading.

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