Feeling discouraged. Sleeve surgery 7/20 and lost 30lbs by 8/3. Started having chest pains and neck pains- turns out to be pancreatitis. Admitted to the hospital 8/7 and got out on 8/13. While in the hospital, I gained 24lbs back in fluid weight because I was NPO for a week so that’s all I could have. I lost 4lbs the first day I came home then about 10 more in the last couple of days and now I’ve gained 6lbs. I haven’t changed anything except added more protein and eating more soft foods instead of liquids, so why am I gaining weight now?

I was so excited to see the weight loss but now I’m discouraged because I saw a BIG gain in a weeks time. I spoke with my PA and Dr and both agreed to let me start taking Lasix again but a smaller dose to see if it helps get more weight off because I’m swelling something terrible in my feet and legs. I try to keep my sugar below 10g a day because I think sugar is the culprit but I haven’t had much and the only other thing I can think of is my sodium intake. Any suggestions?

Any pieces of advice to keep my head up? It’s so hard because I saw such a quick drop in weight and now I’ve gained 6lbs quickly ?

Edited August 21, 20224 yr by bethannmills

you mentioned bad swelling in your feet and legs - sounds like water retention. That can definitely cause weight fluctuations.

If it’s because if fluids and swelling that will fluctuate until you get the issue sorted. I know it’s hard to do but if you are truly sticking to your plan it’s not a real weight gain, Try to ignore fluctuations like that.

I think you may be being to hard on yourself. I say this because you know it's water weight, but you still find that discouraging. This is why lots of people encourage those on this journey to use additional tools like BIA scales & body measurements in addition to just tracking pounds. Weight alone is not an accurate representation of health, or even of how much fat you're carrying.

If it's actually water weight (and it sounds like it is) then stay off the scale until everything is sorted out. You know it's not actual weight, but the numbers on the scale are messing with you. You're going back on the Lasix, and that will help. If you think sodium intake may also be the problem, cut it way down, eliminate salt, etc... And just be patient with yourself. This kind of thing takes time to get better, but it WILL get better. Just remind yourself it's not actual weight, and it will go away, and stay off the scale for a while.

Yep, sounds like water gain to me. If I eat too many pickles (salt), I easily gain 5 lbs water overnight and for a second I think distorted self-defeating thoughts. We are all so good at distorting reality. Over generalization, all or nothingb thinking, discounting the positive accomplishments so far... Etc.

Anytime your head starts telling you those negative automatic thoughts, just say "stop", and think of the alternative rational/realistic thoughts. I know it can be frustrating but you've done well. Hang in there

It is very likely water weight, happens to everyone on different level. I retain water like CRAZY! I can easily gain 5 or more lbs from morning to evening. Then, by the next morning it is gone.

1 cup of luke warm water with 1/8 of a lemon squeezed into it. Drink it, it is a natural diuretic. You will pee that water out before you know it. It works wonders and everyone I have ever suggested it to agrees.

Also, better than taking another pill.

On 8/21/2022 at 8:21 AM, bethannmills said:

While in the hospital, I gained 24lbs back in Fluid weight ….., so why am I gaining weight now?

hate you are going through that …. pancreatitis can cause bad fluid retention and takes a while to get back to homeostasis… don’t worry about the scale too much because your body is trying to heal… just keep on and follow your doctors advice and before you know it the water will shed…