Hi, I have been at the gym 3 times this week and have gained 3lbs. Am a bit confused as am not eating more than 600-700 calories a day, at least 50g protein and trying to get around 40 ounces of water in a day too. What am I doing wrong? Is this normal? I am 7 weeks post surgery and have lost 35lbs so far.

Please help!

If you look at it rationally, there is no way you gained 3 pounds. A pound of fat is approx 3500 calories - you aren't getting that in a week!

Your body will hold on to Water for lots of reasons - if you're going to the gym, it could be that. Your muscles need water to recover. You would be holding on to it because a couple of days ago you had a little more Protein than usual - your body needs assistance from the water to process your protein. My weight fluctuates when I drink milk.

My suggestion is to weight once per week at the most - go a couple of weeks if you can. This early out the scale is not your friend. Your body is still healing and trying to figure out what you did to it 7 weeks ago and wondering why the calories have stopped coming in. It's trying to figure things out just as you are.

Rather than weigh, take your measurements and pictures of yourself. Those will help you when your stalled.

A lot of times if you are just starting exercise or adding in a lot more exercise, you will gain some weight temporarily because your body retains water to help repair the muscles you are straining.

It could also be something completely unrelated to your workouts - time of the month (if that is applicable to you), constipation, just some random blip on the scale. If you are following your program, don't worry - the scale won't go down in a smooth manner, you'll see randoms ups and downs and leveling off throughout the process - but the scale WILL go down over the long haul! I would suggest backing away from the scale for a bit. Just follow your program and relax. Stress isn't good for weight loss!

Thank you for replying- was getting worried as it should be going down not up! I guess I should be drinking more water and trying to get more protein in too! Really appreciate the help and responses- thanks again

40 oz isn't nearly enough even if you weren't working out. Aim for a minimum of 60oz plus more if you are working out.