Question:
Why would I all of a sudden gain 5 pounds in 1 week!?

I had my surgery this past march. I have never had a plateau. Three has only been one week that I didn't lose anything, have always lost something. Suddenly, this week, I gained 5 pounds since last week! I am really upset. I can understand the plateaus, but gaining???? I was on antibiotics for a week due to bronchitis, but I dance once a week and walk a lot at my job. Can someone let me know what may be going on here? I have lost 87 and want to lose 40 more. Thanks!    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 19, 2001)

October 19, 2001
Lots of things can make you gain weight rapidly.. Monthly cycle for one can put on as much as 10 pounds of fluid retention.. Also some antibiotics list as a side affect water retention.. Also you mentioned you go dancing once a a week GREAT exercise, I do that myself.. Watch the fluid intake though between dances :) that may be high calorie or hidden sugar laced such as mixed drinks with alcohol..
   — Victoria B.

October 20, 2001
I gain every month due to my cycle and that follows with a plateau that has lasted from 3-5 weeks or more. Depressing? YES! But I've STILL got down to less than my goal weight. Since I know it's coming every month and I know I'm not doing things I shouldn't, it's not too bad to talk to myself and assure myself it's my body's normal way. Just this past week I've gained and lost over 10 lbs with water! HUGS and chin up! you've done fantastic!
   — Jo (Part 2) C.

October 20, 2001
It's probally water retenion. Since '93 when I got butchered during a surgery I've had water retenion problems since. Plus I have to take testosterone with also causes more water retension, ect ect. So I HAVE to daily take fluid pills. Anyway yesterday I weighed 224. This morning I got up at 7 and weighed. (I have the same type of expensive scales they use in doctors offices with the weights you slide). I was 226! But I took my water pill as I always do early in the morning, then took countless trips to the throne. Then I weighed mid morning as usual (2.5 hours later) and I was down to 222. It is nothing for me to put on 10 pounds of water if I miss a couple days of my pills. Anyway, I'd bet it's water. And if you are a lady then it is probally a good bet it is. Just keep eating right. If it's water, it will pass.
   — Danmark

October 22, 2001
Hormones can make you retain fluids. Not enought protein will make you retain fluids. Salt, hidden salt in processed foods, cheese, crackers, lunch meat,carbs,etc will make you retain fluids. Believe it or not, not enough fluids will make your body retain more fluid. Not enough calories will make your body think its starving and it will retain what it can to keep you from starving. Go back to the basics at keeping record of what you put in your mouth, how many calories, protein, water and what exercise you do and what time of month it is. Read labels again for sodium,carb,protein,sugar& calories. You will probably be able to find that the weight gain is a temporary situation.
   — Helen B.

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