Ok lots to digest here but just a simple observation for my body pre and post vsg, the theory 3500 cal = 1 pound gain/lose never and still does not apply. I have lost 114 lbs from 344 to 230 in six months. Up five lbs this morning due to eating salty meals and Snacks on a party weekend just gone, no alcohol, and never went over 1300 cal per day and still exercised. It will take me a week to get back to 230, hopefully 229 or 228, at 800 - 1000 cal days ( my normal).

So my question, is this my normal or a new normal due to surgery?

I believe that the calories in/out is not exactly true for me either, though to some extent it is. I think we are all unique, and there are other factors that influence how our bodies utilize calories and store fat. I just started a new job a month ago, and my weight loss came to a screeching halt. Nothing else in my life changed, and I'm still at a huge caloric deficit, but still no loss. Our metabolisms are probably super efficient, one of the things that led to obesity. One important observation I've learned is that it's what we do for the long haul, day in and day out, all those little individual food choices we make, that impacts weight loss. Being up five pounds over the weekend is probably all water - you didn't gain actual fat over night, and certainly not 5 pounds. I do weigh every day, but I really watch the trend over the weeks and months. You've done great so far, and obviously know what you need to do to get the weight off, congratulations!

Oh lordy, as a vet (3 years July) let me just pass on my 2 cents: don't get wrapped up in the world of calories in/calories out, it is certain misery that is just not helpful. Of course monitor your calories and carb etc. breakdown with a tracker, of course exercise for general health or certain goals, but playing the numbers game will just drive you batty and take your eye off the overarching purpose of greater health.

I hear what you are saying....I've given it alot of thought as well. I do think you have some extra water and as quickly as you put that"weight"on you will see it go but to see the scale go up so fast is unnerving to say the least. Great progress in six months!

Girl, if that calorie in vs. calorie out applied to my fat-saving body, I'd have looked like Twiggy years ago! I ate 800 cals a day for MONTHS and didn't lose anything.

But I agree, a lot of your 5 lbs sounds like Water weight from salty foods, not fat gain.

Thanks all and I'll see when I weigh next week. Maybe ill change my weigh in days to friday instead of mondays. Lol. Mondays, though, keep me accountable over the weekend.

Finally down to 229. Hopefully down from here again.