Hi everyone. I have what I can only describe as a heartbreaking situation with the scale right now. I was at 182.5 yesterday, and 185 today. This evening when I checked in (because I was freaking out) I saw 188.5 on the scale. I know, I know, it's insane to check so frequently, but I'm having a bit of a panic attack. How in God's name am I piling on weight like this?

I haven't started the exercise regimen yet because I had a lot of problems with energy and dehydration. I'm 8 weeks out as of this past Thursday.

Can anyone shed some light onto what is happening to me?

My calories are between 700-900 daily.

Also, I'm a social person and please don't crucify me for it, but I have a couple drinks now and then.

The past few days I've had trouble holding solids and some acid issues have returned as well. So really, not a lot of food intake. Hence the question: WHAT THE HECK IS HAPPENING HERE?

Thanks for any help, insight, etc.

I'm at rock bottom right now, I have to be honest.

Emily

Look. First of all, never, ever, ever EVER weigh at night.

If you must weigh, weigh once a day, first thing in the AM. I can "pack on" as much as six pounds throughout the day - it's Water, sodium, little muscle tears from exercise, whatever.

Second - the alcohol.

There's a line here.

For starters, it's not forbidden and it's not packing on pounds. It is, however, empty calories but so long as you log them and account for them in your diet it is not an issue - LATER ON. There is nothing wrong with a drink but you'll find yourself even more dehydrated and might find your mood isn't so great if this is where you're consuming a good number of your calories so far.

What can be an issue is transfer addiction, so please be mindful. Socially drinking at one year out has somehow turned into daily drinking for me three years out. I was enjoying just one beer, cider or wine an evening but have recently called it quits entirely. Alcoholism is very, very common post WLS, so just be aware of your consumption.

Finally: reassurance.

You already know that 3,500 calories make a pound. And you already know you didn't accidentally consume an additional 21,000 calories in the course of a few days. Lynda told you and it's true - it is physically impossible to gain that much, that fast.

Hormones play a role here, too. I gain four pounds every cycle. Stress makes me gain. Lack of sleep makes me gain. Too much sodium will make the scale bounce. If there were as many ways to lose as there are to gain, we'd all fly to goal in no time and hang there forever!

I had two nine week stalls. Stalls are normal and happen. Put that scale away - HatheryOHW is absolutely right because it's making you a bit crazy. If it depresses you and brings you down it's a problem. So weigh once a day, first thing and put it out of your mind. Do not expect to lose every time you step on the scale. You are only a handful of weeks out from surgery. Your body is still recovering. Give it some time. This happened to me a lot, too. It still does!! I bounce up and down on the scale or hold steady for weeks at a time. Then, all at once a few pounds fall off. Then I get to start the whole process again! I had months where I only lost in the tenths of a pound.

Relax. Get back on your PPI if you've not been taking it. Eating regular, small meals will help. Do not allow yourself to be dehydrated. At this point, your focus is still hydration, then Protein, then calorie count. And no, alcohol doesn't fit in there just yet, at least not regularly. It's more important to focus on building a solid foundation of good habits here before moving into the things we learn while transitioning to maintenance!

~Cheri

Wow, thank you for sharing this story and for your honesty. It inspires me to be honest with myself about my food habits. Just curious to hear how you are doing now?