Some Veteran help please? Gaining weight..

Hey there everyone,

I'm 2 years post op, and noticing I'm maintaining 3-4 pounds higher than a few months ago, and I just don't know why. I know a few pounds is no big deal, but I'm aware of the slippery slope and I want to get the weight back down before it becomes a problem.

But... Is this normal? I have been logging on MFP honestly for almost 700 days. I don't think I have changed my eating at all... Maybe I'm being naive... I'm consistently around 1600 cal daily and it was maintaining not too long ago. Why all of a sudden, is it gaining a little?

Any advice would be great. Is it normal to have bounce back weight? is it the season? 

Also, what should I do, to lose a few pounds? I've enjoyed maintenance, but have told myself when I hit 150, I would worry, and this morning I was 153, despite a good BM yesterday. 

If you want to look, my MFP username is umagurl

Thank you in advance!

Will you post your logs from the last few days so we can try to troubleshoot?

Hi Jackie,

I'm also in maintenance, and I find that I retain water if I eat carbs.  My weight can jump 4 to 6 pounds in a day or two when I consume these foods.  I'm wondering if your weight gain is actually fat (excess calories)  or if its water retention.  Have you been eating foods that might cause you to retain water?

If it is real weight gain, then I'd recommend cutting back on your calories for a while until you are back where you want to be. 

I try to keep my weight below 160.  When I hit 160, I cut the carbs and go back to my weight-loss diet until I hit 155 again.  But I can usually get back down quickly because it is usually more water weight than fat.

Best of luck,

Carol

Are you actually weighing or measuring your portions or just "guessing"? I say get out the measuring cups and food scale.

I measure very often and guesstimate when measuring is not available. 

My experience has been that I need less calories to maintain each year.  I attribute that to my body being mire efficient at holding onto calories and to aging.  I weigh daily and adjust my intake according to the scale. 

That makes sense... If I'm doing 1600-1700 cal, should I reduce by 100 for a few days? 

If I need to lose I drop to 900 and that takes off one pound a week. 
Cutting out 100 calories should result in losing a pound in 35 days.

maybe you have been less active for a few days weather can keep you inside more

 you can try dropping to 1200 cal

also check the batteries in your scale it will give wrong readings when there low