Question:
What do you do about water retention?

Well, I have gained back 2 lbs already and I notice that my ankles are swollen again. What do you do about water retention and I am not even drinking the 64 oz of fluid each day yet as I can't seem to get it all in. But I do notice the MORE I drink the MORE my body holds.    — Eleanore Davis (posted on August 28, 2003)

August 28, 2003
I see you had your surgery in early August. You may still be holding on to some of the fluid they pumped into at the hospital. I know it sounds silly but to lose the water retention you have to drink LOTS of water. Make sure your not drinking or eating anything with hidden caffeine or sodium in it as that will hold on to the water too.
   — LLinderman

August 29, 2003
You need to drink. I have serious Edema problems. I have had them for many years. I still have the problem even though I have lost 65lbs. I still take diuretics, although I am off the BP pills. If you don't drink all of your fluid, your body will retain the fluid because it needs it. As for the 2lbs - don't fret, you will lose it and more if you stick to the plan. I have put on as much as 8lbs overnight and I am almost 5 mos post op. If your ankles are swollen, go to your doc when they are swollen to see if you need a diuretic or to see if you need a kidney function test. Best wishes-
   — M B.

August 29, 2003
This is long but worth the time! Water BY DONALD S. ROBERTSON, MD., M.Sc. Incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off. Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true "magic potion" for permanent weight loss. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase. While an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here's why: The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When they don't work to capacity, some of their load is dumped into the liver. One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But, if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work it can't operate at full form. As a result, it metabolizes less fat, more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop. Water is stored in extra cellular spaces (outside the cells). This shows up as swollen feet, legs and hands. Diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force the stored water along with some essential nutrients. Again, the body perceives a threat and will replace the lost water at the first opportunity. Thus, the condition quickly returns. The best way to overcome the problem of water retention is to give your body what it needs plenty of water. Only then will stored water be released. If you have constant problem with water retention excess salt may be to blame. Your body will tolerate sodium only in a certain concentration. The more salt you eat, the more water your system retains to dilute it. But getting rid of unneeded salt is easy - just drink more water. As it's forced throughout the kidneys. It takes away excess sodium. The overweight person needs more water than the thin one. Larger people have larger metabolic loads. Since we know that water is the key to fat metabolize, it follows that the overweight person needs more water. Water helps to maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their natural ability to contract and by preventing dehydration. Water helps to prevent the Sagging skin that usually follows weight loss-shirking cells buoyed by water, which plumps the skin and leaves it clear, healthy and resilient. Water helps rid the body of waste. During weight loss, the body has a lot more waste to get rid of - all that metabolized fat must be shed. Again, adequate water helps flush out the waste. Water can help relieve constipation. When the body gets too little water. It siphons what it needs from internal sources. The colon is one primary source. Result? Constipation. But, when a person drinks enough water, normal bowl function usually returns. So far, we've discovered some remarkable truths about water and weight loss: • The body will not function properly without enough water and can't metabolize stored fat efficiently. • Retained water shows up as excess weight • To get rid of excess water you must drink more water. • Drinking water is essential to weight loss. How much water is enough? On the average, a person should drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day. That's about 2 quarts. However, the overweight person needs one additional glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight. The amount you drink also should be increased if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry. Water should preferably be cold - It's absorbed into the system more quickly than warm water. And some evidence suggests that drinking cold water can actually help burn calories. To utilize water most efficiently during weight loss, follow this schedule: Morning: 1 quart consumed over a 30-minute period. Noon: 1 quart consumed over a 30-minute period. Evening: 1 quart consumed between five and six o'clock When the body gets all the water it needs to function optimally, its fluids are perfectly balanced. When this happens, you have reached the breakthrough point. What does this mean? • Endocrine gland function improves. • Fluid retention is alleviated as stored water is lost • More fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to metabolized stored fat • Natural thirst returns. • There is loss of hunger almost overnight If you stop drinking enough water, your body fluids will be thrown out of balance again and you may experience fluid retention, unexplained weight gain and loss of thirst to remedy the situation. You will have to go back and work for another "breakthrough." FROM THE SNOW BIRD DIET BY DONALD S. ROBERTSON MD. M. SC. AND CAROL F. ROBERTSON TO BE PUBLISHED BY WARNER BOOKS WATER: YOUR BODY'S BEST FRIEND
   — Chris T.