any rules re:weight loss when sick?

this is one of those Please, please, please tell me what I want to hear! posts!

I've been sick for 3 days...no exercise. eating lightly which to my way of thinking is @ 1500 calories.

I got on the scale today and it shows a 3# weight loss.

Can I keep it? Is it mine? Or does some evil force sweep in and steal it back...I've heard of this kind of thing before but haven't been sick in years and really WANT to be 3 # lighter...so, go ahead and tell me anything as long as it's what I want to hear...

First of all, I had to laugh at your post, you are funny :)

Second, as long as the scale shows the lost, I am sure you can keep it! LOL I have been sick myself the last two days, but I didn't do as well as you. I went over my daily calorie intake :(

You will more than likely keep SOME of it, but it's also very likely that you will gain some back, as you lost it rather quickly. Water weight will make you jump back up, as that is probably what you lost more than anything.

Keep going though! (you are very funny :D) 

carola_an, I am sorry that you are sick. It's not fun.

I have learned the trick to not overeating when sick, tho. You have to be a friendly 'host' to the right 'bug'!

The bug I caught sacked me out...2 days I was on the couch, almost incoherent. I really don't remember what was said to me/what I promised anybody...except my son occassionally leaning over me, 'mom, I think you have African Sleeping Sickness'!!! It really was the most convenient bug! If I really can keep off the weight I've lost, then this was definitely a wonder bug! 

wow, the amazing part is that despite how out of it I was, I was able to pack away 1500 calories/day...I know because my sister brought me a mega meal from McDonald's the first day and a friend a plate of cupcakes the second...???!!! they meant well...

so, don't beat yourself up for what you do when you're sick...being sick is terrible, just give yourself time to feel better!

thanks for the input, nasuoni, I am bracing myself for that possibility.

I had the same situation last week, I had a terrible bout of acid reflux and survived on about 4 slices of toast with a little cheese.

I got on the scales and had lost 3lb! But I dont expect the same next week, still a nice little boost if i manage to keep it off!

Hope your feeling better soon.

My favorite line from "The Devil Wears Prada" (movie) -

"I'm just one stomach-flu away from my goal weight"

Love that line, gruffy, thanx for sharing.

british, let me know next week how much really stays off...curious now.

Well just speaking from personal experience, I was sick for about a solid week straight. I lost about 5 lbs. total. It has been a week since I was sick, and every pound came back...I know, totally depressing. I know thats probably not what you want to hear, but thats what happened to me. Hopefully you will have a happier ending.

By now I feel like eyeore or that lilliputian in Gulliver's Travel's or that robot on Lost In Space...'Mr. Robinson, it'll never work!'

:  0

hey, life goes on...

It's real weight, that's gone for good! That's my story, and I'm sticking to it! Frankly, I'm wishing for the same. I've had a cold all week, that's kept me to really minimal exercise, but I've also had to struggle to reach my 1600 calories, because I'm just not hungry. 

In the past, I've had the tendency to just not eat, but when I did that, I'd quickly drop a few pounds that would come back just as quickly once I went back to normal. By eating a reasonable amount of calories, I officially predict that whatever we lose while sick, stays off! 

brightest, I have thought this up one side and down the other and THAT is what I figure, too.

It's been really hard to eat to 1200 calories and I have no idea whether I am coming close but whatever, I am eating healthy!

I just started getting slightly active today and I know that my appetite could come roaring back any minute unless I'm handling it.

I only want a few pounds (listen to me beg and wimper!!!).  

sharonclaire:  funny, I thought i had some sleeping sickness too.  it was 2 weeks ago, and couldn't eat and couldn't keep my eyes open for 3 days.

I was DETERMINED to keep my weight loss off and I have.....whew.  It may depend on how determined you are also.  I was so tired of seeing the same weight I couldn't stand it, so when I got sick I didn't do the normal, soft drinks, pudding and other fattening things.  My appetite came back very slowly, so I was able to stay on guard.

good luck and enjoy the loss!!!!

oh, thankyou, ohio! I think this thing is socking everyone.

Yes, I am tired of being stuck in the low 190s. This is impetus for change.

Besides right now I am totally unashamed of getting it any way I can!

; 0

you know what I mean...

Ive been ill all week - rotten cold, sinus pain, chest cough - the works. Only missed one whole day of work though - which meant only one day of absolutely NO exercise. Ive managed to keep my kcals down to about 1300 (average) and have done about 30 mins of walking (total) 4 days this week....HOWEVER....as I am used to going to the gym/stationary bike at home...there is no way im getting on any scales until next week - TOO scary!

becky, you are a trooper! It was the couch for me! and, no regrets!

and I think no one should face the scale when they are in a mood!

I must admit - the couch was good....even if it was only for a day and a half! Back in work today though and its really dragging!

well, it's day 5 of sick. my cough is still harsh but the fog in my brain is lifting.

I still have not found the 3#. I have averaged @ 1200 cal per day this week. My appetite is 1/2 what it normally is. I am making sure to eat the simplest, most nourishing foods when hungry and drinking plenty of liquids steadily.

In a week I will know whether this weight loss is real...

Becky, it's a terrible thing dragging @ all day...we need more humane policies in the workplace...