Question:
Why have I gained after drinking lots of water?

I am 18 months post op and have lost 100 lbs. I am very glad for this and would do this again in a heartbeat. Anyway, I have not lost any weight in about 4 months and I I read to increase water and more protien. I have done this for the last week and I have gained about 6 lbs. I don't feel bigger but I can't stand the thought of gaining weight and I am scared!!!! Is this normal? I had the VBG. I still can only eat a little, but it seem that I can eat more than what I used to. Thank You!!! I want to lose 30 more lbs.    — RobinH (posted on August 22, 2001)

August 22, 2001
I know this sounds perverse, but I think you actually have to drink MORE water. You don't say what you usual intake was, but if you just started piling on the water, you body may have been craving it and so it retained what it could thinking that you would slow down the water drinking again. Try to step it up even more, maybe an extra 8-16 oz. a day and you should get over the retention. Good luck.
   — [Anonymous]

August 22, 2001
I would agree, up your water (some of your weight gain my just be water), but provided you were getting adequate protein before your plateau, I don't buy into the adding more protein. Add it if your intake is too low, but if not, you are just adding calories. 4 calories per gram of protein. It is complicated though, because if you are taking in too few calories, your body will hold onto weight and then you may need those extra. Try to keep a record of what you eat and drink before you start changing things in your diet. If your diet was working before, you may just need patience. Keeping a record will help you to decide if you need to change and then later if that change had any effect. Good luck!
   — blank first name B.