Question:
Has anyone GAINED weight on a plateau?
Some background...I had surgery almost four months ago and had complications that kept me hospitalized for 2 1/2 months including two weeks in ICU on a respirator. During that time I lost 44 lbs. During the next month after I was released I lost another nine lbs. During the last week or so I have watched my weight climb up to a six lb. gain. Now I did start my period for the first time since hospitalized a week ago Monday but it only lasted two days. In the past I have gained my period weight right before my period but this started climbing several days after I started. I guess what I am wanting to know is do you think I am having a plateau combined with water retention? I have been home for almost two months and only lost an additional three lbs. I was 246 and 5'4" when I started. Is this a normal time for a plateau? Another possibility...I did lose muscle while in the hospital because I was so sick I couldn't walk. I had to learn to do that over again. I am not really exercising much now because I get too winded due to the ARDS I developed. That is why I was on the respirator. I am able to do housework and shop etc. Do you think this weight might be from gaining back some of the muscle I lost. I had so much go wrong while I was hospitalized that I am now fearful that the surgery isn't going to work for me as well as I want it to. I could handle a plateau but the weight gain is making me nervous. Can anyone offer some insight? I apologize if this question is confusing. My thoughts are just rambling all over the place. — Erin N. (posted on June 22, 2004)
June 22, 2004
I am sorry to hear that you had such a rough start on your journey. I
wouldn't worry about the weight gain. Early on I plateaued monthly, I
sometimes even gained a pound or two then the next week I would drop 5-6.
As long as you are eating properly, drinking plenty of water and moving as
much as you can, you will continue to loose. Don't worry it will happen for
you. Good luck! Penny 243/123/120
— Penny D.
June 22, 2004
hi, I wouldn't worry, it is probably water retention due to your mthly
cycle, and even maybe since u had so many fluids when u were in the
hospital, your body is retaing some extra water that way too, so I am sure
it will come off soon, I even gain a pound here and there or don't lose any
for a mth , even two now since I am 17 mths post op, but then after awhile
I lose a pound or two,but just very slowly now, but plateaus will happen
though all thru out your loss it just happens our bodies just need time to
adjust to the loss, but as for the gain like I said don't worry it is
probably just water retention, try to uptake on the water that will help
the kidney's and then you should lose that 5#. Take Care!
— Melodee S.
June 23, 2004
Erin...I don't know if this will help you or not, but I gained 6.5 pounds
not once, but twice and each time it was in the space of 2 days. I no
longer have cycles as I had a complete hysterectomy at age 32. I wasn't
eating anything high in sodium content and do not use salt at all. It was
very depressing for me and scary also. I know we all had to reach a
certain point before undertaking this HUGE lifestyle change and any weight
gain or slow weight loss is worrisome. It took me 3 full months to finally
realize I would lose at my own rate, which is about 3 pounds per week.
I've had several plateaus where I don't lose anything for a couple of weeks
and then slowly begin to lose at the same rate again. During the time I
gained the 6.5 pounds, I called my dietician and after speaking with her
and outlining all I'd eaten, she told me to watch my scale and if I didn't
start losing within a week to call my surgeon as I may be retaining some
fluid. But luckily for me, I began to lose weight again after just a few
days. I'm so sorry you had such complications. Talk with your surgeon or
his staff and also with your dietician. Most likely they will be able to
tell you something that can help. Good luck and God bless.
— Katherine F.
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