Dreaded Bounce Back

I do NOT think bounce back is inevitable, but I also think it depends on whether or not people "force" their bodies down to a weight that is lower than where it is comfortable (often just for the sake of reaching some completely arbitrary goal number).  I think people who intentionally drop extra weight to "cover" the bounce back often experience more of it because of the artificially low weight.

I had what might have been bounce back, but more likely was just my body being at an artificially low weight after my gallbladder surgery (because I dropped 6 pounds after pancreatitis and gallbladder removal, but bounced back up 4 pounds within 2 weeks of that "low" weight and have pretty much stayed there).  So I don't consider it bounce back since it is right where I started before the illness.

I know a number of the other vets here have not had any bounce back, either.  I think the difference is that, for most of us, when the weight starts to creep up, we take action so it never becomes more than just a couple of pounds.

My body is quite happy sitting at 143-146 pounds (on a 5'3" frame with large breasts and thighs). I can maintain that weight while still allowing small treats and without having to be extremely strict about what I eat (and not doing any formal exercise other than using a recumbent bike 3 times a week).  Other than following my two knee replacement surgeries, I have never let my weight creep up more than 5 pounds.  When my weight creeps up, I eliminate treats and all non-protein carbs (ok, with an occasional veggie) and try to increase fluids.  Usually within 2 weeks, those couple of pounds are gone again.

I have gained a few pounds more than that after both total knee replacement surgeries just because of being so incredibly inactive.  Never more than 8 pounds, though, and as soon as I have been able to go back to using my recumbent bike, I have worked to get it off.  I gained 8 pounds after my latest knee replacement in November (and during the very cold, snowy winter), and I have lost 4 pounds of it in the last month.

Lora

Thx Lora. I always like reading your responses. Very sound advice. My body is currently very happy but who knows what the future holds. I weigh and measure my food intake, use MFP to log everything, exercise daily, take all of my vitamins and weigh myself daily to hold myself accountable. So far, so good.