Weight fluctuation

Hi everyone. I am 6 months past my RNY (5/14/06 at UIHC) and comparatively speaking, don't seem to be losing at the same rate as many of the others I read about. That's not to say that I'm unhappy about my own loss, however, just perplexed. From May 14 to the end of August, I went from 257, my starting weight, to 200, Since then I've bounced back and forth. I've been down to 182, then back up to 196. Sometimes in a 24 hour period, I've fluctuated as much as 8 pounds. Has anyone else experienced that? Granted that happened during my period but still! My body does seems to be changing though because my clothing size gets smaller, but in September I thought I'd be in a 14 by now. From hearing other people talk, sometimes I feel like I'm not losing it fast enough. I'm 49 years old and going through menopause, so have had PMS but missed periods several times over the last several months, and am not sure how that plays into all this, or if it does. Any thoughts? Joy

I would just make sure you are following the "rules" meaning WEPN: Water -- at least 64 oz per day Exercise -- meaning try to get at least 20 minutes of cardio at least per day Protein -- minimum of 60 oz. per day and alwasys eat protein first, before other stuff. No snacking -- speaks for itself. if you are doing all of these things faithfully and are still having problems, i would consult my surgeon. I think the general idea is an average loss of 20 lbs per month in the first six months. Be honest as you assess how you are doing....are you following the rules? jean

We are at almost the same place in time, I had surgery on 5-8 with some complications. I started out at 300 lbs and am at 240 right now. I am really losing slow. I am 55 and still have not hit menopause yet. I seem to go down 3 lbs then back up 2 and stay that way for a week and then drop again. I have been struggling with the water and have to work at it every day. I have never been a good liquid person. Due to my blood pressure problems I take water pills without those I know that I could jump 5 lbs in a day. Do you have any swelling in your legs from water retention. Just a thought.

Thanks so much for replying. I'm really not unhappy with my weight loss until I hear from people who tell me I should be losing alot faster, but criminy! I know what you mean when you say your weight can jump 5 pounds in a day. My does that too. Yes it's true I eat alot differently than I did the first 3 months after the surgery; I think that's what supposed to happen though, right? I recognize that I need to incorporate some major lifestyle changes into my life as I'm still not exercising every day, and I'm working on it. It's definitely better than its been in the last 20 years! I haven't had water retention or swelling. Around my period I get bloated, although more and more frequently I have all the symptoms of a period, bloating cramps, PMS, and then no period. Weird. thanks again for writing. Let's keep in touch, Susan.

OK here is the secret. DONT LOOK AT SCALE PERIOD!!!!!!!!! I know its so exciting with how much weight you are losing, but you are driving yourself crazy with checking it. Check it ONCE A WEEK. Same time, same place, naked. (or as close to it as you ccan) Thats ALL! and you can be happy and say ... Oh, I lost 2 lbs this week. Not--I went up on Monday, down on Wednesday, back up on Thursday, and now on Friday I am back down. Everyones bodies fluctuate a lot. Good luck! I am 3 1/2 yrs post-op and been gaining back some and having troubles. I need to stick with that WEPN deal though. then I might be doing better.!!! Judi (was 375, lowest was 196 after tummy tuck, now back to 265!!) but still a success at losing over 100 + lbs and keeping it off!!