Question:
WEIGHT GAIN AFTER EATING CHINESE

I'm a slow loser, only 29 pounds in 9 weeks. I try to eat mostly protein but I wanted to treat myself to some Chinese food. I ordered the small Shrimp and Broccoli, NO rice. I ate half for lunch and the other half for supper. There was only 5 shrimp total and the rest was broccoli. Well now I've gained 2 pounds. That was all I had for the entire day except for a piece of cheese for breakfast. 3 days later I still have those 2 pounds. WHAT GIVES??? Should I stay away from veggies?    — Kelly* P. (posted on March 24, 2003)

March 24, 2003
I am still pre-op, however, I know if I eat take out Chinese I seem to retain water. I believe it is because it has alot of sodium and also most places use 'msg'- to help perserve food- I think. Anyways- drink alot of water and I think I would only eat that food on special occassions or never. Good Luck
   — Jan S.

March 24, 2003
Kelly, relax, it is probably just water. Drink lots of water tonight and tomorrow and the pounds should go away.
   — Amber L.

March 24, 2003
Kelly...one word...sodium! Also, could you be premenstral? Don't sweat it! Good luck! =)
   — Kim D.

March 24, 2003
What you gained is water from the sodium. It takes three days to actually turn anything into fat that will show weight. Water retension shows up immediately. Have faith and drink lots of water. Good Luck!
   — Barbara S.

March 24, 2003
Kelly- do not worry about that at all. It honestly wasn't a bad choice- shrimp is good protein and veggies are good for you. Just like the previous posters mentioned- could be the sodium or a mere coincidence- it's very common for our body weight to fluctuate a few pounds constantly. Also, I don't think you are eating enough. During the first 6 months after WLS, it's very common for us to not eat alot, but our bodies will go into starvation mode and it's really not good. That will not make us lose weight. I found that the more I ate, the more I would lose. B/c you really can't get a ton of calories in the beginning anyway. But that one day, you probably had like 200 or 300 calories and like 20 grams of protein- you need to eat more!! Don't stay away from veggies- just make sure to eat the protein first, then if you have room, have a couple veggies. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 27, 2003
No Honey it isn't the veggies, Its the salt in chinese food, you gained 2 lbs of water. and people who have had WLS can gain water SO EASILY. I can gain up to 8 llbs a day if I'm not watching my salt. So don't fret its all about the learning curve . this one only got you a 2lb gain. =) It will all come off in the end. I'm 8 month out my self and have had to learn alot the hard way lol but I'm also down 150lbs. Check your shins do they get doey when you press the skinn in that would be edema. tal to your doctor if you notice this continuing to be a problem. there are lasix and other diuretics you can use. Good luck and enjoy the trip =) Alecia
   — alecia L.