7 Freaking Pounds of Water????

Is it possible to retain SEVEN pounds of water? I had lost down to 205 and then got my stupid period (sorry, guys!) and now at the end of the week I'm back up to 212. I've been drinking my water like crazy trying not to hold onto any. I've still been exercising and counting my calories. There's no way I've eaten an additional 24,500 calories (3500 calories makes 1 pound of fat x 7 pounds gained). Is it possible that it could all be water? That seems like alot. I'm getting so frustrated here. I need encouragement! Thanks, Lily

It is absolutely possible. GRRRRRRRR I am fighting a 91/2 pound gain for the past month. I have given up any kind of savory food - as they usually have more sodium than sweet things - I have been drinking alot of water, coffee, tea, etc.....and still struggling. Like you, I KNOW that it is water weight but it is, still, just so darned frustrating. It is going down slowly, and the puffiness is receding........will let you know if I find anything that works faster!!

Lily, yes it's reasonable that it's 7 lbs of water weight. Ever try lemon water? I can lose water weight quickly by adding 1/2 lemon to my water. Might be something for you to try. Dana

Don't know if this helps but last week I started retaining water, gaining 8 lbs in 2 days. I'm past the monthly crap so really got concerned. I had to start taking water pills. Think about it. 8.6 lbs is a gallon! My PCP took blood & my potassium is up, probably causing the water retention. By the way, after taking one water pill, I was back down 6 lbs the next day. Dixie

Yes! I usually gain 7 pounds during the day everyday. I was on 4 waterpills daily preop and could put so much fluid on I went into congestive heart failure so 7 pounds seems like nothing! I stay off the scale after early am. I need to stay better hydrated. I am still so used to my legs being bags of water that I do not realize the minimal edema I have now but in all honesty if I would cut back on caffine and up my water it would be much better. Laurie

ACK! I fluctuate 10 pounds during the month! I hate it but I have ALWAYS done this. Any of my friends can tell you that once a month I freak out -- call someone tell them how "fat" I am as if I totally forget this! Well, thank GOD they love me anyway! Try to drink more water. Lemon is a natural diuretic as my wonderful friend, Dana, told you! It really does work! Try to remain calm. I know it's difficult. "I" think (my personal opinion) that some of us are a bit distorted with all we have been through - especially the fast weight loss. It's an easier adjustment for my family and friends now simply because they SEE me more than I do! I am sometimes still surprised but I only see me when I look in the mirror! They are used to me now! You're fine! Really! Let us know when it drops off! Best, ~V~

V: Question for you on the lemon water - do the flavored no-cal versions work the same as when you actually add the real lemon to it? Just wondering if you've tried those at all. I'm having some problems with edema now, and have tried lowering my salt intake, but think I need to do more. I'm certainly willing to try the lemon water. How much do you add to an 8 oz glass? Thanks for your input. Good thread here. Carlita

http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/62/97.cfm I don't measure. I just cut up a lemon and squeeze a slice or two or three or four into my water or water bottle. We Cajuns and Creoles don't measure anything! I'm NOT kidding!