Question:
In the last month have gained 5 lbs. Why?? Help me, I need encouragement.

I had lap RNY on 4-02-01, lost 31 lbs. by the 27th of April, have not lost any since. Went to see my PCP on the 17th. of April and he changed my blood pressure medication which now doesn't include a diarectic. My ankles and hands feel swollen. I have been eating protein and drinking about 40 oz of water--all I can get in. This is what I ate yesterday. 2 eggs scrambled and a piece of cheese melted with it. 2 hours later 1 l6.9 fl. oz water. An hour after water I ate 2 pieces of deli ham and 2 pieces of cheese on my way to physical therapy. 2 hours after that I drank another 16.9 fl. oz. water. Waited an hour, then had a cracker with peanut butter to chew with my vitamin. Dinner was a few bites of chicken and a few bites of steak, a very small salad with lettuce,red cabbage and cauliflower. I have been up all nite stressing about this weight thing, thought I would drink some water, so I drank half a bottle of water and am so full I am miserable. It is 6:00 in the morning and I doubt if I will be able to eat by 8:00. I feel like crying. At 8:00 I am calling my PCP. I think I still need the diarectic part of my blood pressure meds. I probably have been eating too much salt and when the weather gets hotter I have a tendency to swell. I can not do much exercise as my knees are in sad shape, hoping to start riding my bike soon and it will help. Please give me some words of encouragement.    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 30, 2001)

May 29, 2001
Sounds like your body is adjusting to not having that diuretic. Unfortunately usually you need to increase those fluids even more. Definetly speak with your Dr. I know adding lemon/lemon juice to the water is also a diuretic. Maybe that will help instead of changing the meds back. Anyway, it's good for the Dr. to know what's going on. I'm sorry this is such a frustrating time for you. Just know this isn't forever and it will pass. Your body will let go when it's ready. Maybe(I understand if you can't)you can even get 8oz more in and that will work. I'm sorry I have no wonderful words to remove the anguish and frustration but know that we're here and we understand and we want to encourage. However small that may be.
   — Linda M.

May 29, 2001
I had RNY on 4/16. I am also on a BP med w/diuretic and I know if I miss a day my weight can go up as much as 5 lbs which I assume to be water weight. So if you gained the 5 lbs after switching meds that is probably what it is. I too have considered switching meds but decided to just wait thru the summer and hopefully I will have lost enough weight to try and discontinue it by then. The other respondant is correct, one of the best things to do is to increase the amount of water/fluid you drink. Ironically the more you drink the less you retain. Try sipping constantly throughout the day - never be without a bottle of water. Good Luck. Karen
   — Karen F.

May 30, 2001
I know that it is hard gaining weight. I stress when I don't lose enough by my stands in a week. I know for me, since the surgery any pork products or foods that I added salt to made me retain water even worse than before the surgery. As for your exersize, if you lay flat on your back and put your legs in the air and do the bike riding motion, that is great exersize for your tummy.
   — Tracy C.

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