Am I missing something?

Hi there

I'm hoping some of you have shared my experience and can shed some light on the issue for me.

My problem is this:  I've started calorie counting 4 weeks ago on an average of 1600 cal a day with moderate activity levels.  I go to gym 5 times a week, but am mostly sedentary the rest of the day.

I lost 2 kilos in the first week, which was a big surprise as I actually ate more than I've been eating for a while.  During the second week I started my monthlys, which usually results in me gaining up to 5kg due to severe water retention.  At the end of week 2, I had actually gained 2.2kg!  Not overly concerned at first, I thought it just a particularly bad month.  I soldiered on with my eating and exercise regime, thinking that all will be well after another week.  Well...it's now been another 2 weeks and I've managed to lose a grand total of .2grams!  I've been exercising more, down to an average of about 1200 cal a day, and I'm still stuck at the starting line. I should also mention that I'm still experiencing water retention, but not bad enough to explain the lack of weight loss.

I have about 10kg in total to lose, so the first 5kg or so should be relatively easy.

Has this complete lack of success hit anyone else at the start?  Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

That's quite a severe fluid retention... 5kgs (11lbs)? !!  Even 2.2kgs is quite a lot.  Have you changed the types of foods you eat as well as the calories?  I'm asking that because the people I've seen who gain weight quite that fast often have some kind of insulin resistance issues.  And, in that case, you have to adjust what you eat as well as how much... principally getting the sugars and simple starches out of your diet

I know it sounds crazy...I've been having this problem with the water retention ever since I had my kids 10 years ago!  Pre eclampsia with both of them.   When I pack my bags for a holiday, my body starts packing the water...it must be dry where's it's going :)  I've made peace with this, I own 2 different sizes especially for my monthly water retention...but it usually only last for about 5 days or so.

As to food intolerance, you may have a point there.  I've not considered that, although I've actually changed things around.  Before CC I ate lots of fruits and healthy carbs with very little protein.  When I started CC I changed my diet to being mostly lean protein and very little fruit (almost an Atkins mild diet).  This week I've actually gone back to my fruit and healthy carb diet as I feel completely despondent with the protein rich diet, it's been a month and no real results :(

You said you've been going to the gym.  Have you been weight training?  Is it possible that you've gained muscle mass and that's why you haven't lost the weight that you were hopoing?  Are your clothes fitting better?

That would be so cool...showcool ;-)

But no, I've been doing mostly cardio and some circuit training, not heavy weights just yet.  

Although, after changing what I eat, I do  I feel a movement in the right direction already, even though I've only started eating differently on Monday.

I've not weighed myself yet, as no weight loss would only discourage me...but I'm positive it's the content of my diet that's the problem!

Thanks for your thoughts

Changing your exercise routine (or adding one where there wasn't one before) can make you retain water for a couple of weeks while your muscles adjust to it.  Given that it sounds like your body is prone to water retention, that's my best theory as to what's going on.

My only other guess would be that it might be possible you're underestimating your calories?  Are you weighing your food to make sure your portions are right?  Are you counting *everything* - even drinks and condiments?

I hate to be gross, but how are you doing stomach wise? Sometimes, I get constipated, and not only feel bloated..I see it on the scale. Also, you may be getting more sodium than you think you are..many packaged foods are loaded with the stuff, so it's worth a peek at the labels.

Along with those two possible causes, I would make sure you're drinking plenty of water and that your blood pressure is at a healthy level (fluid retention *can* be a sign, and you have history of issues with that in your pregnancies.

If all else fails, talk to your doctor about all this fluid retention and see what advice or even medication they may be able to offer.

Good luck!

I think you may be on the right track with a diet that you find better (for you), lots of fruits and vegies.  The high protein might have wreaked havoc with your lower digestive track if it was a big change from your normal.

I would second getting a medical opinion -- edema can be a symptom of serious illness.  Have you had a routine checkup lately?

Thanks all for your contributions!

I've been making progress since I've changed my diet content...in fact I've lost 2.2kg since Monday morning!?!  Which sounds impossible, I know, I'm just happy for it!

I've been meaning to have a check up about the severity of the water retention, especially since it lasted so long this time.  Been wondering if it could be indicative of early menopause...my sister's in full blown menopause at 40!  Is it possible for hormonal changes to have caused it?  Must see my doctor me thinks...

As to the constipation, the high protein diet definitely made me constipated!   I've been full of it the last 2 weeks because of my mood and seemingly everything else ^_^

Thanks again for your suggestions and guesstimates...I found it really helpful!