Losing Weight and Calories... HELP!

OK I feel really stupid posting this question but…  I am 4 1/2 out, I have gained about 15 lbs. over the last year and am really having a hard time taking it off!  Now I know, protein, protein, water and exercise, and that's what I've been doing but it is slow or non-exisent.  So here's my question, I always assumed calories don't matter as long as we are eating protein and fat doesn't count.  But is that really true?  I'm starting to doubt it.  I mean I eat all of my protein because shakes and bars do not agree with me, and sometimes I'll eat a lot, but because its protein I assume its OK.  I also eat bacon, cold cuts, etc. which I know have a high salt content, but I've never had an issue with salt.  I've been eating this way for 4 1/2 years and been OK but suddenly I've gained this weight and can't get it off.  Do we need to limit our calories?  Any insight?

Bounceback weight gain is normal, and really should be expected around 15-20% of ewl.  That's why it's best to maximize your honeymoon period to get as low as possible so your bounceback  lands you in a good place.  Your body is settling into a comfortable place.  You can fight it tooth and nail, or suck it up and buy some new clothes.  Keep up your proper eating, though.  It keeps you in good practices.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!  That's not what I wanted to hear but I think you may be right.  I only gained a few pounds over the years, but this weight, I can't get it off.  I'm still one zillion percent better, so I'll deal.  Thanks for the insight.

What really sucks is that only 15 lbs means a couple of clothing sizes when we're at normal sizes.  I was so delighted to get my clothing size into a single digit, but have settled right between sizes 10 and 12 with my bounceback.  Fighting it did me no good either.

Counting calories won't do much for you.  But you might want to try keeping a 100% accurate record of everything you do eat for 2 weeks or so.  That way you will know for sure carbs have not been creeping into your diet.  Unless you are swelling or having other issues, no reason to worry about the salt either.

Bounceback is a fact.  The truth of the matter is that our bodies do adapt and absorb more over time.  We never lose all the malabsorbtion like the RNY people do but we do lose some.

Yes, there are things you can try:

1)  No carb.  Meat and eggs only.  Aim for 120 gr protein and that's all.

2)  The no science behind it but it works mint tea.  Drink a gallon a day, 1 week on, 1 week off.

3)  The reset diet.  No carb meal replacement shakes ONLY for 2 weeks.  The meal replacement thing is very important.  YOU CAN NOT USE A PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT AS YOUR ONLY FOOD SOURCE!!!!!!  Supplements do not have the salts you need to survive.  No, they won't agree with you and you won't like them.

4)  Step up the exercise.  If you walk, start running.  If you run, move up to HIIT.  Whatever you do today, step it up a notch or 2.

The DS didn't make us Wonder Women but it did level the playing field.  Now you get to be 'normal'.  Just like 99% of the women on the planet, you want to lose weight.

Thanks, I needed that!  I've been blaming myself (old habits are hard to break) but you're right.  I need to keep up the good work and not be so hard on myself!  Thanks.

My experience has been that counting calories is the only thing that works for me.  I track with My Fitness Pal and I weigh daily.  If I gain weight, then I cut calories until it is gone.  I eat 1400 calories a day to maintain at 136.  If I cut by 250 calories a day, I will go down half pound a week.  When I cut out 500 calories a day, I see one pound a week in loss.

I don't do all protein anymore.  If I want 200 calories from bread, chips, cookies, candy or fruit that is what I eat.  But the total calories is what matters most for me.  If I did not count calories, I know I would weigh a lot more.  It is what I chose to do, because I never want to be overweight again.