Question:
Attn Ladies...How does your cycle affect your losing?

I am 2 1/2 weeks out and I just started my cycle. Does this tend to slow down losing? That would make sense (bloating, etc.). I just want to make sure when I weigh myself on Friday (3 week mark) that I don't end up in tears. Thanks all.    — Susan M. (posted on October 29, 2003)

October 28, 2003
I notice a difference during my monthly cycle. I weigh each Monday morning. The week I get my period, I have lost less. However, the following week I seem to make up for it by losing a few extra pounds. So all in all it seems to average out pretty well for the month. I am out 11 weeks and am down 57 pounds. I have had my period twice since surgery.
   — Kamy

October 28, 2003
I usually do not lose any weight or even gain a pound or two the week before my period. I used to gain 3 to 5 pounds during this week so the way I look at it, I really am still losing it is just not showing up on the scale. Once my period is over, the weight starts to melt off again and usually must faster that first week after. Don't panic if the scale does not move during that time, just keep following the rules and it will come off. Open RNY 6/27/03, 250/171/130
   — DebT

October 28, 2003
I stalled out big time before my first cycle, and when it was wrapping up I did the whole pooped out thing, and I lost 2 lbs that evening... Hang on hormones are pestulant... but they will pass for a few more weeks!
   — colette73

October 28, 2003
I usually gain a pound or two during my cycle and then lose from 5 to 10 the week following it.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 28, 2003
I'm actually the opposite, I usually lose a bit more during the week before...and sometimes even the week of my period....not sure why...but I do know that it can go either way. This early on, I don't think you would really see much 'gain'....but don't freak out even if you do....this too shall pass.
   — eaamc

October 28, 2003
Keep in mind that it's water weight. I don't seem to gain, but I seem to really slow down until after. Then I have a nice little plunge! I'm 4 mos out and have cycled 3 times (going on 4 and am soooo hoping that this will break my current plateau!)
   — Pambylah

October 28, 2003
You also have to keep in mind that at three weeks out is when most people have their first plateau. Stack that with the monthly...and it's not usually fun.
   — RebeccaP

October 29, 2003
I've had 2 periods since my surgery (9/11/03), and both were on schedule. If I hadn't had a little cramping at the beginning, I wouldn't have known it was coming. I didn't have the usual bloating, headache, etc., that goes along with it. I believe this is due to my new altered eating. Many of the foods that cause those pre-menstrual symptoms are no longer in my diet, so I'm hoping these better periods will last. Another post-op friend of mine said hers have definitely gotten lighter. I can't answer about the losing weight part yet, but I'm watching for a pattern to develop. I never could lose weight during my period before surgery, but maybe it will be different now. If you're worried about being disappointed in your weight loss, put the scale away and weigh yourself at a "safer" time. I have another post-op friend who never weighs herself at home, only at her regularly scheduled doctor's appts. She had surgery on May 7, and has lost 80 pounds!
   — Carlita