I am confused

Ok, so I had to put this update in. I am getting so frustrated at my weight loss. Yes, I know I should be greatful that I have had the chance to have surgery. Yes, I know I should be happy about the almost 80lbs I have lost. But, for some reason I am starting to gain a little back. What have I been doing, or not been doing you might ask?? The only thing different with my life here lately is that I have not been working out. Week before last, I did something to my back. So, I felt the best thing to do was to stay away from working out until I got things together with my back. I am not eating more calories, I am not taking in more carbs, sugars, or anything like that. I have been trying to make sure that I am getting in all my protein. I do know how important that is. But, other than this nothing has changed. Earlier last week, I was down to 278lbs. Then tonight I am back up to 281. What in the heck is going on? I have heard of people loosing weight and then putting it back on, but I never thought it would happen to me. I do not know what to do. Melissa

That sounds really frustrating, Melissa. Is it possible the weight gain is being caused by something else....like, are you pre-menstrual and retaining water? Lisa L.

You know Melissa, these things happen...Think about it, you have been watching that scale continually drop down, fully not expecting a jump upwards. When I reached about 7 months out, I stopped hopping on the scale everyday. I vowed to only weigh myself once a week. Not so disappointing that way...your weight will start to naturally flucuate (sp?) especially for us gals when we are premenstrual. Also, mabye your cycle and how it affects your body is changing. Prior to surgery, I NEVER got bloated or gassy before my period...now I can visually see when I get bloated--everything has changed. Have heart, things will continue to drop. You also might be hitting a small plateau. Just keep on keeping on with what you are doing and you will be fine. Take care! -Cheri

We just talked about this last night at my support group, a woman there described your situation to a T. If you stopped working out then you need to lessen calories. You may not be eatting anymore, but you are burning less, so if you want to continue losing you need to balance it out. If while working out you burned 600 calories then you should cut 300-600 calories out of your food intake, depending on what you are doing in replacement of the exercise. Also remember a scale is very close approximation, but most retail scales are accurate only to +/-4 lbs. So if you are within this area you are essentially the same weight. So don't fret about it. Matthew