Question:
Has any other woman experienced difficulty losing weight when it's that

time of the month? I'm 8 weeks post op and I've only lost 33 pounds. It seems that 2 weeks prior to my period I don't lose any weight, not even an ounce. After my period I lose about 13 lbs. This happened to me last month and from the looks of it it's going to happen again. I drink all my water, protein, and eat right. Does anyone have any suggestions or input?    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 4, 2000)

May 4, 2000
33 lbs. in 8 weeks is great! My suggestion is to not stress out at that time of the month. Since you lose so much after your period, why stress about it?
   — Gina E.

May 4, 2000
Hi, I used to wonder what people were talking about when they say they felt bloated during that time of the month. I guess I am so obese that I never noticed. Now that you have lost wt, you can notice the wt gain, or lack of wt loss more closely. Remember, you are not possibly eating enough to gain wt, or maintain wt during this time....it is all fluid. You are retaining fluid because your body is getting ready to nourish a baby....even if you don't get pregnant, your body prepares for it every month by holding on to fluid. So don't worry...its not fat.33 lbs is great. I can't wait until may 23rd,(surgerydate) so I can start losing. Hang in there
   — Valerie B.

May 4, 2000
Hi! I have exactly the same problem! I have had it since the first month that I got my period which is still not stable. Mostly I am erratic to say the least. Sometimes I don't get it for 3 months and sometimes I get it every 2 weeks (like this month)...but each and every month, I either don't lose or even gain a pound or two....Then after it's all over, I lose about 5-10 pounds within the next week. At this point I certainly don't want to be doing that anymore as I am below goal weight and don't want to lose anymore. But, I wanted to assure you that another person goes through the same thing and that i believe that it's quite normal. Congrats on your loss...you are doing wonderfully, and keep up the good work! barbara -June1999--280 -may 2000--118 BPD/DS
   — BARBARA R.

May 5, 2000
Hello, it could be that you are retainign fluid premenstrual and that is why you are not seeing weight loss.Hope this helps!
   — Laura P.

May 5, 2000
Hi, I have the same problem. I had open RNY on 1/10/2000. I've lost 70 lbs. so far. 33 pounds after 8 weeks is wonderful. I started having periods again after not having them for 15 years! What a surprise side-effect of the surgery. (I just turned 40!). But I've noticed that I do not lose any weight either. Like you, I drop 10 lbs. as soon as my period is over. Otherwise, it just stagnates. I've noticed, through, that if I drink more fluids, it seems to help with the bloating feeling! Good luck! You're doing wonderful.
   — Jean M. G.

February 5, 2001
Hello - Just wanted to post a note regarding erratic periods - Regardless of you surgery status, if you have several months of having erratic periods, definitely see an OBGYN & ask them about the possibilty of having "PCOS" or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - not having regular periods GREATLY increases your chances of having uterine cancer & other health problems, which is the last thing we need! PCOS also effects your hormones & insulin and can mess with your weight, moods, etc.
   — Erin D.