Alright, I'm kinda new around here and I just recently got filled so that I'm finally losing weight. In the last 3 and a half weeks I'm down almost 18 pounds (liquids, blenderized, soft, etc) and I've changed nothing in the way that I'm eating over the weekend. But now the scale went up 6 pounds since Friday. Now, could this huge weight increase be because I'm supposed to "start" pretty soon or what? I'm keeping track of all of my foods/calories/protein like I should be. I'm getting 1200 - 1500 cal. per day and 60 - 70 grams of protein a day. I'm only drinking water like I should be and I'm walking, like I should be. But it's just frustrating that after weeks of losing I started to gain some this weekend and of course, I go back to my doctor tomorrow. Could starting your period really cause that much of a weight (water, more than likely) increase? What can you do to help it along as well? Thanks!

Hi Jennifer!

I can tell you that I fluctuate by 5 pounds easy when I'm getting my period. As a general rule I consider my weight to be within a range of 5 lbs (hence the "ish" in my sig) and that's perfectly normal for me. If you've eaten anything salty recently you could be retaining Water for that reason as well.

Just be patient and I'm sure those pounds will come back off if not tomorrow, then within a week or so. Not to worry!!

I always gain any where from 3 - 5 pounds when I am on or about to start my period!

Jennifer, As women our weight fluctuates because of water retention during our cycles. I really wouldn't worry about it. Sounds like you're doing great. Keep up the good work!!!