:help: :help: :omg:

Okay, help I feel like a freak or a science project. i was baned on 4/27. As of approximately 1 week post-op i was down 15 pounds. Every morning I would get up and I would be a pound or two lighter. I started at 226 and at one time even saw 210. pop up on my scale. I was very weak during the clear liquid phase but stuck to it. I have since gone on to Protein Shakes and Soups. I have never exceeded 800 calories in a day, most days averaging around 600. Here is the problem. The last FOUR days I've gotten up and I have gained!!!!! Yes,it's true. Please don't run screaming from this message thinking that if you read it you might catch what I have. I need encouragement, help, scientific explanations on how this could be happening. I keep thinking it is Fluid but how many days will this continue? PLease don't tell me not to weigh myself, I can't help it I can't stop. First, I laughed not at all suprised by my bodies fear of losing weight (it has always been hard for my body to drop). but now I am starting to panic, what's the point of no food if I am still gaining f.....ng weight. I am really getting pissed. I AM NOT EATING!!! I feel like a science project that has gone way wrong. My scale says 214, now. Yesterday, after my 2.5 mile walk it even bumped up to 215.:angry Why am I not losing, and why am I putting it back on. I am starting to feel desperate and it isn't funny anymore. This makes me want to eat. Please help. Did I have the only band placed for weight gain? Should I call my doc and see if a horrible mistake has been made? Thanks, tina

Relax...I am guessing you hit it right with the fluid retention. Anywhere close to that TIM? And when you exercise, like in your walk, the muscles do retain fluid. But it is not forever. There are lots of people on here, who are VERY smart when it comes to these things, I am sure they will have lots of answers and advice for you. I just wanted you to know someone was here, and caring that you are having this problem. Have you checked the sodium content of the new things you are drinking? It will also cause fluid retention. And also remember, that as you build muscle, your weight may go up, but the inches will come off, muscle weighs more than fat. Hang in there, you will get it figured out!!

Kat

Well, first of all, this is normal. You aren't a freak of nature, and you aren't a science project.

You say you wont stop weighing. I didn't stop weighing either. It probably adds to frustration for a bit, but at the same time, I understand the 'need' to get on the scale.

Now... You've been on liquids, so your body probably dropped a whole bunch of Water, since it's getting plenty of water, it felt like it didn't need to hold on to quite so much. that's usually what the first 10 lbs or so are.. And, I bet you weren't getting in hardly any calories. Now that you are eating something, your body is basically saying "wow, there's the food! hold on to it!!". You need to probably be up around 1200 to 1500 calories. Some people say that is too much, but I believe that you should eat the most that you can and still lose weight, so you have room for adjustment later down the line when you hit a plateau or whatever. And then you say "But I just said I'm gaining weight, why are you telling me to eat more", your body is holding on to everything because it thinks you might starve it again. Not that you were starving per se, but I'm sure you get the idea. You MIGHT go up a little more, you might level out for a bit, but as long as you are eating healthy, and staying in a good calorie range, your body will catch up, and the scale will go down again.

Do your instructions from your doctor give you anything on how many calories you should be eating?

I do what you a describing every few weeks. As a matter of fact the scale showed a gain this morning. I react the same way every time.....I get mad, I rant and I rave (hey it burns calories I'm sure) and then I start thinking back....when was the last time I had a bowl movement...has it been awhile, are my rings tighter overnight?.....Did I do major workout the day before (it makes me retain Water sometimes)

I'll tell you now...don't get too concerned at this point...as long as you stay within a few pound range and you are still eating healthy. I know you are still going to be freaking out...and weighing daily, but don't let the scale win. (can you tell I've practiced telling myself this a few times)

You have a even better excuse...your body is still healing....weight lost now is all bonus. (yeah I didn't buy that one either...but eveyrone says its true)

Good luck, and don't get too stressed and defiently don't eat food you aren't suppouse to just to flip off the scale.

thanks for the replies. my dr. did not tell me what calorie range to stay in but did suggest 3 protein shakes a day and or soups. I just don't understand how I went back up nearly 4 pounds???? I was feeling so successful and now not so much. I am almost two weeks out and am down maybe 13 pounds!!! This is so frusterating. I thought this whole band thing would make it easier. Gaining weight when your not eating sucks!!!!

Amen, say it again!!!

I am here - in the petri cup next to you!!!

Up 3 pounds, and it SUCKS!

Hang in there, and don't eat as they are all correct when they say - this is the time when you were dieting that you would give in and cave, or cheat, then fail.

I am sticking with this. I get restricted next Thursday, and Lord help me, I hope I feel it like a rubberband around my wrist! LOL

Stop the Insanity by that crazy woman, Susan powders - is what keeps going through my head.

-Melanie

Hang in there, it will go the other way. Just remember to stay true to yourself and only eat what you are supposed to. When you fudge, two people already know that it happened, you and God. In my book that is two two many

Shortly after my surgery, I went from 255 to 259 like in one day. I was eating/drinking only 800 or so calories per day, too. I was, however, very near my period. A few days past my period, I woke up and weighed 251.

I also retained fluids from swelling--caused by the surgery.

Whatever you do, don't lose heart. The weight WILL start dropping again. I'm so, so, so sure it's just Water weight.

It does make you mad but really you didnt lose 16lb of fat in only a few weeks. Its physically impossible, it just doesnt happen that fast. Whenever you see a weight loss like that it consists of a bit of fat, a bit of lean body tissue and a lot of Water.

Your body is normalising its Fluid levels. Whatever fat you've lost will stay lost because you're doing the right things. But you cant keep that water away and you dont want to, you need to be hydrated.

The best thing is to stay away from the bloody scales, but that's way easier said than done.

I did the same thing right after I was banded. You are normal! Your scales will begin to go the other way again. I was told that your bowels are empty from being on liquids & as soon as you begin to bulk your diet up with mushies & other goodies, your bowels retain more solid waste. Face it, it weighs more! I know when I was on the clear liquids I was losing like crazy, but whenever I would drink my meal, I would be in the bathroom in a matter of minutes. The liquids go straight through you. The other goodies don't. Hang in there! It'll happen!!

glad to hear its normal because i lost around 16lbs right in the first week but after i started eating more foods the weight loss stopped, I haven't gained but for 2 weeks now I've been sitting at more or less the same weight. Hopefully this will get better soon.