Hey guys,

Maybe I am way too early to be complaining about this but, why has my weight loss stopped??

When I returned home from surgery, I had dropped an amazing 11 pounds. Then from that day, I lost an average of 1 pound a day until the scale read 217. I was like, "wow"!

However, I came on my period and I have gained back 3 pounds. I am so confused because I am barely eating anything and don't see how I can gain back an ounce (I mean, I JUST started eating cream of wheat)! I know stalls happen but do they happen this early? And does it include gaining weight?! My friend suggested I put the scale away and stop being obsessed with it, but it is scary to think I have invested in this complete lifestyle change and my body just refuses to take off the weight.

I am an eternal optimist but this has thrown me for a loop. What am I doing wrong?

It's probably water retention from being on your period. Your friend is right...put the scale away. It will drive you crazy! I try to force myself to weigh only once a week...yeah but what ends up happening is that as long as the scale's moving I get on it everyday..when it stops moving I stop getting on it and week for my weekly weigh in. LOL The mind games I play with myself! SHEEEESH!

Stalls are very frustrating...I didn't lose anything between weeks 3 and 4 and then I didn't lose anything between weeks 6 and 8 either. But yesterday the scale moved and today it moved again.

Hang in there...it'll move. I promise!

You're not doing anything wrong.

12 days ago, you're body endured something traumatic, your system is in shock, and is confused. It's more than likely water weight, and I promise if you stick to your program, drink your fluids, walk, and get your protein in, you'll lose again.

Your hormones are all over the map right now. Estrogen is shooting through you like torpedoes and your body is just pissed off.

Breathe, now breathe a little deeper. Don't get down, and you didn't invest in something that is going to fail you.

In maintenance currently, I bounce up and down 2-4 pounds on a daily basis. If it was a 10lb gain, you could freak out. 3lbs is a couple days of urinating and sweating some when you walk.

I was obsessed with the scale. It's what worked for me. It kept me accountable, but I never hit a true stall (no loss for 14 days straight) so I can not empathize on those feelings. I hit a bit of a stall close to goal, but it didn't last 2 weeks. If you think it'll help, put the scale away. If you need to keep on getting on it daily, do it. You have to do what is right for you, and the mental part of the journey.

Thanks Tiffykins and Goodlife, I feel very reassured. I put the scale up high in my shoe closet; I will try to stick to a once a week schedule...and definitely not until my period is over!