"Gaining" during losing phase and "freak outs" about stalling

Been seeing this a LOT lately. I feel you guys. I really do, but I promise, it's temporary. A LOT of people lose in a stair step pattern. They lose a few pounds and then "stall" for a week, lose a few pounds, "stall" for a week.

Me? I lose 1-6 pounds, gain 2-5, "stall", lose those and then lose 1-6 pounds, gain 2-5, "stall", lose those... etc etc. That started when I got under 250, I think?

Everyone's body is different. I do weigh daily because I like to see the trends and I'm a data girl, but it doesn't freak me out, it's all just information. If it's going to freak you out or send you down some weird path (like going back to all liquids) or doing something crazy, then just stay off the scale and only weigh twice a month or something.

And chill out. Stress doesn't help.

Perfect example... I hit 177 on Monday, an all time low. Wednesday, I was 182. Today, I'm at 179. So, I'm moving back down again, might stall at some point, but I'll hit 177 again where I might stall or might not and then eventually the scale will move again.

Does it make me crazy? Sometimes, but I have to remember that this is NORMAL. I'm SO close to goal right now and it helps that I know this pattern because it's not making me completely out of my mind. Yeah, it'd be nice to say "goal" but I also know it all comes in it's own time.

I don't update my ticker when things go up and down because it's jus****er. It's not real weight. It will come back off. It's just body readjusting. It is COMPLETELY normal. I don't count a gain unless it sticks around for more than 2 weeks. That my rule. So far, that's never happened. Even when I gained TEN pounds from going away for a week - major salt and retention. LOL. Even that came off within a week.

Great post! I do this in maintenance. I was 172.5 on Thursday morning. Was up to 175.5 yesterday. Believe me I did not eat 11,000 calories on Thanksgiving to cause a 3 pound gain! LOL! For some reason I'm one of those whose body likes to bounce around within a 5 pound range. As long as I'm stable week to week and my jeans fit all is well.

Yup, five pounds seems to be my "swing around" weight as well. I just kind of go with it. It helps to know it's normal but I still sometimes have that moment of "OMG, what..." and then remember to breathe. *laughing*

Thank you for posting this.  In my head I know this!  I told my husband this morning that the scale was broken and we need a new one!!! lol  I am on plan.  I am exercising 3x a week most of the time.  So, the weight will come off.  I lost 6.8 recently then paused.  I lost 5.1 and now I'm paused; up and down and then the big drop will happen.  So, it's all a matter of being patient and positive self talk during these times; playing the game:). 

Thanks, Candy...I enjoying reading your posts!

Lesa

What a relief Sleevegirl!

Thank you for that info, because it does seem people get very stressed over slight weight gains.  Just wondering though what your exercise regimen is, my goal is to maintain 175-180lbs. Thank you, Missymellie33

I used to work out five days per week. Then I had neck fusion surgery in April and it took many months to recover. Then I went back a few times before I hit with severe apathy/depression. I blame therapy because it's starting to get hard. *laughing*

Right now, I walk now and then or ride my bike or whatever, but really I'm not doing anything. I joined KoKo FitClub, but I'm just having a hard time getting myself to go. I WANT to go, I just can't get there for some reason.

That's the honest answer. I'd probably be losing faster if I was doing something steady again, but right now I have to take care of my mental health and for whatever reason I'm having my little tantrum about not going so I'm just going to let it ride for a little while longer.

LOL! Hate it when therapy gets hard....

Thank you for the info... I peeked at your wls journey in numbers and I just wanted to say WAY TO GO! You have done an excellent job.  I hope my journey goes similarly as I am starting out at about the same weight.  I am planning to exercise 5 days a week for sure. (only a block or two away from the community center ) 

Truly understand about the mental health thing, but I hope you are patting yourself on the back you have come so far!

Kind regards,

Missymellie33

You'll do just fine. Some folks lose really quickly and others have to be in it for the long haul. Obviously, I'm in it for the long haul, but I'm still losing at a good clip (7 pounds in month 17, I'll take it!).

And thanks. It's hard, but I'm getting there!

Thank you for this post, I just started dealing with this as I am a few pounds from onederland!  I appreciate you all taking care of us newbies with all your info!!