Question:
Final Weigh In

I am going nuts!!!!! I am scheduled for RNY on 2/16. When my surgeon weigh me on 1/9 I was 234. He requires that I loose 15 - 20lbs before surgery. I've been on a diet since and lost 14lbs. (weight 220 now) thus far. I am currently on liquids and going to the gym. Just this morning, I showed a weight gained of 7 lbs. I am due for my period and now I'm afraid that I won't loose the required amount of weight before my last weigh in date which is this coming Friday, 2/13. I wonder if working out is creating muscle weight & that maybe I'm retaining water & that's why I show a gain. I plan on sticking to the liquids all this week & will continue to go to the gym as well. My prayer is that the scale reflects the loss before Friday. Any suggestions? Has this happened to you?    — Ruth M. (posted on February 7, 2009)

February 7, 2009
Ruth, Your 7 lb gain could be due to several factors. Water retention, extra weight in the uterus from the menstrual cycle and muscle gain. Try not to stress over this because stress isn't good on any level for your body or your state of mind. What I would do is just keep up what you're doing but stop any exercises for the time being that are designed to pack on muscle, such as weight lifting. Also when you see your surgeon next, tell him exactly what you have said in your post. He will be able to see that you have put forth extreme effort to follow his instructions. YOu can't control things that are uncontrollable though such as menstruating and Im certain he will take all of that into account and you will be just fine.
   — Elizabeth J.

February 7, 2009
Hi Ruth...I totally understand what you are going thru! I am also trying to follow a pre surgery diet given to me by my doc at my consult! I initially lost 12 lbs & have been up/down ever since! This is so frustrating & scary! I am also so stressed & actually called my surgeon's office to ask his nurse if the doc will be upset with me or worse--cancel my surgery. She said not to worry...that once I go for my PAT's 2/18 & begin my 10 day liquid diet (my surg is 3/2)...I'll lose the wt he wants me to lose! So I feel a little better! Hang in there & if you'd like to chat...email me at [email protected], Diane
   — angel325

February 7, 2009
Calm down, it will be ok. Just let your Dr know it's that time of the month and he'll understand why you have shown a wght gain the last few days...it will pass. Good luck, God Bless...I'll be praying your surgery all goes as smoothly as mine did. (on 11/21/08 and down 50#)
   — angelvh2

February 7, 2009
Don't worry, you'll be fine. Having your period can definitely make a difference on the scale. Generally speaking, surgeons want to see that you can lose weight and follow directions moreso than they're worried about specific weight goals. You're doing wonderfully and everything you need to do, so no problem. Just make sure you drink plenty of water-- flushing your system can cut down on bloating.
   — snickersblk

February 7, 2009
The only reason for the weight loss protocol is so the internal organs shrink to allow room for the Surgeon to operate. So as long as you are losing then you are shrinking the organs.
   — Kimberly Ten Kate

February 8, 2009
One pound of muscle is the same weight as one pounf of fat. But since muscle is denser, it is more compact and looks leaner on a person who is fatter than more muscle...Otherwise it is the same weight...BUT, you are probably right about the water retention because of your period...I just got on the scale today and was 3 lbs heavier than yesterday...I ate a little dark chocolate yesterday and NOT 4 lbs worth! LOL Sure enough though, I looked at the calendar and that's what the chocolate craving and scale fluctuation is for me! If you are retaining 7 lbs of water, you might need to up your water intake so you don't retain so much...I cannot eat chinese food because of the salt and MSG will make me blow up! So drink more water all day and it will help with hunger as well! By the time your surgery date comes around you will certainly have lost any water weight! Watch salt too! You're going to be fine! Keep up the exercise and dieting! You are almost there sweetie!
   — .Anita R.

February 8, 2009
Watch your salt intake and try not to worry. Worry will make you retain water.
   — trible

February 9, 2009
I know it probably sounds crazy, but when you are retaining water, you need to bump up the amount of water that you are drinking. This usually resolves itself in a couple of days at most. Also, if you tell your doctor about your approaching cycle and that you retain a lot of water before and during, and if you give him a chart of your weight over the past few days, he should understand this situation. You can do this, don't blame it on muscle gain or you will find yourself sabatoging your workouts (at least that is what I find myself doing). Good luck!
   — brindledanes