Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Desperate for answers on weight gain

I hope someone on here can provide some possible answers to this but I am now completely lost, frustrated, and ready to give up.

I have lost 65 pounds so far since April 1 and have 75 pounds to go to goal. I track my calories every day, note exercise, etc. etc. I go a net caloric intake of between 1300-1400 calories a day, which should provide enough of a deficit to see a 1.5 to 2 pound per week loss. For the last 3 months, my weight loss has slowed to about 5 pounds a month.

At the first of September, my doc put me on diuretics--I lost almost 6 pounds in 3 days. Since then, I have not lost anything--not an ounce!

Now this--from Saturday to Sunday, I gained 1 pound. This morning, I showed a 2 pound gain. That's 3 pounds gained in 2 days!

I ride at least 5 days a week, anywhere from 90-130 miles a week or more. Friday, I rode 27 miles; Saturday, I rode 45 miles. Both were fairly fast paced rides, too.

Some may know I've asked about this issue before and got suggestions, which I've followed.

I've tried varying my calories; I've tried intervals in riding. I've tried longer slower rides and faster shorter ride. I've tried eating WAY OVER on calories one day a week. I've tried everything!

Now, this 3 pound gain in 2 days. I know it has to be fluid of some kind, doesn't it? BUT, I'M ON A DIURETIC! So, how in the world could I be retaining fluid still?

To regive basic facts: I'm 45, woman, pre-menopausal, diabetic (type 2 on pills), High blood pressure (on pill). I'm 5'4" tall, weigh currently 216 (was 213 on Saturday :( ). I ride 5 days a week and do some light weight training 1-2 times a week, although I haven't been able to get to the gym in a week for that.

I hope someone can help because I am seriously lost here now--this gain of 3 pounds with being in diuretics has me seriously concerned. I really don't know the answer. HELP!

I hope someone on here can provide some possible answers to this but I am now completely lost, frustrated, and ready to give up.

I have lost 65 pounds so far since April 1 and have 75 pounds to go to goal. I track my calories every day, note exercise, etc. etc. I go a net caloric intake of between 1300-1400 calories a day, which should provide enough of a deficit to see a 1.5 to 2 pound per week loss. For the last 3 months, my weight loss has slowed to about 5 pounds a month.

At the first of September, my doc put me on diuretics--I lost almost 6 pounds in 3 days. Since then, I have not lost anything--not an ounce!

Now this--from Saturday to Sunday, I gained 1 pound. This morning, I showed a 2 pound gain. That's 3 pounds gained in 2 days!

I ride at least 5 days a week, anywhere from 90-130 miles a week or more. Friday, I rode 27 miles; Saturday, I rode 45 miles. Both were fairly fast paced rides, too.

Some may know I've asked about this issue before and got suggestions, which I've followed.

I've tried varying my calories; I've tried intervals in riding. I've tried longer slower rides and faster shorter ride. I've tried eating WAY OVER on calories one day a week. I've tried everything!

Now, this 3 pound gain in 2 days. I know it has to be fluid of some kind, doesn't it? BUT, I'M ON A DIURETIC! So, how in the world could I be retaining fluid still?

To regive basic facts: I'm 45, woman, pre-menopausal, diabetic (type 2 on pills), High blood pressure (on pill). I'm 5'4" tall, weigh currently 216 (was 213 on Saturday :( ). I ride 5 days a week and do some light weight training 1-2 times a week, although I haven't been able to get to the gym in a week for that.

I hope someone can help because I am seriously lost here now--this gain of 3 pounds with being in diuretics has me seriously concerned. I really don't know the answer. HELP!

I think you need to step back and take a deep breath. A three pound fluctuation in weight over a couple of days isn't something to be upset about. It might even be something as simple as oversalted cooking helping you hold water, despite the medication.

Ask the Doctor for his ideas. Maybe the meds need regulating.

I think I already said this in another thread, but consider where you are in your menstrual cycle. And what Historian said. It's a blip; you need to not regard this as The End.

I think you need to step back and take a deep breath. A three pound fluctuation in weight over a couple of days isn't something to be upset about. It might even be something as simple as oversalted cooking helping you hold water, despite the medication.

It's not just the 3 pound gain--it's that for over 3 weeks prior to being put on the diuretics that I lost a total of about 8/10 of a pound. Then, dropped due to the diuretics, now back up. That's what makes it all so frustrating, that I lost nothing for so long and now this gain.

I just can't seem to find the key to losing and am beginning to wonder, as I've some on hear also, if doing a lot of cycling is weight-loss "friendly." I was losing very steady until I increased my cycling time/distances--that's when the loss seemed to slow to a crawl to nothing. It's been almost 3 months since I've seen steady loss now and am wondering when my body will adjust or if it will adjust to my cycling regime.

I've asked before for suggestions, like I said, and tried what was suggested then but it hasn't seemed to help.

like others said don;t worry about the 3 pounds

I can fluctuate 5-10 pounds just based on the food I eat and the quantity

if you think the increase in cycling is causing the issue back off a bit on it and try another form of cardio.. something that will recruit slightly different muscles and maybe shock your body slightly

some people find that droppnig all carbs after say 6pm has helped them out

It's not just the 3 pound gain--it's that for over 3 weeks prior to being put on the diuretics that I lost a total of about 8/10 of a pound. Then, dropped due to the diuretics, now back up. That's what makes it all so frustrating, that I lost nothing for so long and now this gain.

I just can't seem to find the key to losing and am beginning to wonder, as I've some on hear also, if doing a lot of cycling is weight-loss "friendly." I was losing very steady until I increased my cycling time/distances--that's when the loss seemed to slow to a crawl to nothing. It's been almost 3 months since I've seen steady loss now and am wondering when my body will adjust or if it will adjust to my cycling regime.

I've asked before for suggestions, like I said, and tried what was suggested then but it hasn't seemed to help.

Plateaus are part of weight loss. I went through the same thing when I was beginning. From alt.support.diet:

**********
The Historian wrote:
> Week three in the construction of Neil 2.0., and already there has been
> a bug discovered. I've dropped 18 founds so far, until this morning when
> I discovered 3 of them returned! My calories for the past two weeks have
> been 2200 a day (at least 1000 a day less than a man my size usually
> consumes), which should promise a loss of at least two pounds a week. My
> exercise routine is 20 minutes on a recumbent bike six days a week, and
> lifting weights for 15-20 minutes four days. Unfortunately my bad knees
> prohibit me from taking long walks or using a treadmill, so the cardio
> time I am getting is limited to how long I can tolerate the bike - my
> seat is larger than the bike's. I'm 6'1" and 40 years old, if that helps.

> I understand that sooner or later I would hit a plateau, but I had hoped
> it would be later. Any suggestions, fellow losers?

Neil
385/370/200

The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
You're not going to lose two pounds a week every week. Relax and
remember that you're going to be doing this (eating less, exercising
more, lather, rinse, repeat) for the rest of your life.

Doug Freyburg wrote:
You aren't even a month in and you're 15 down. Relax and
admit your success already. Start denying your own success
and you're toast. Start complaining about plateaus when you're
a month from the possibility and you're toast. Now jump up
and down and shout with glee at your level of success. And
keep on course.

*********

I suggest you remain patient, and shout with glee. You've had a lot of success.

It's not just the 3 pound gain--it's that for over 3 weeks prior to being put on the diuretics that I lost a total of about 8/10 of a pound. Then, dropped due to the diuretics, now back up. That's what makes it all so frustrating, that I lost nothing for so long and now this gain.

I just can't seem to find the key to losing and am beginning to wonder, as I've some on hear also, if doing a lot of cycling is weight-loss "friendly." I was losing very steady until I increased my cycling time/distances--that's when the loss seemed to slow to a crawl to nothing.

...and, of course, that couldn't also have coincided with any other events in your life, medical or otherwise. Cycling must be the culprit! :rolleyes:

Squirrell, I don't envy you, you're trying to deal with a lot of different issues at once. You're dealing with a lot of interactions of medications and biochemistry, and it means that for you, weight loss just isn't gonna be that simple. You're just not going to find a formula that's going to give you steady weight loss of the kind that's going to make you happy (in your present state of mind). As I see it, you have two choices: stop trying, or learn to handle setbacks and changes.

Cycling is plenty weight-loss friendly. So are a lot of other things. If cycling isn't doing it for you emotionally, or for practical reasons (like, it snows two feet a day where you live, or your bike broke and you can't afford to fix it), that's a reason to switch to something else. I wouldn't switch for any other reason, however. The laws of physics won't be any different if you're doing some other form of exercise.

You can't change the laws of physics. You can't change your biochemistry. You can change your mindset. Put "weight loss" aside for a moment, and ask yourself: are you becoming more healthy, or less healthy? If you're dealing with significant health issues, it's common that you can't always advance on all fronts all the time. In your case, weight loss may need to wait (or not advance as fast as you'd like) until some other issues are resolved first.

Ok, you guys are all right. As much as I almost hate to admit it, I really guess I have to admit that I'm just not going to see the pounds come off at a steady rate like I would like. :notamused: Doesn't make me happy but it's probably the truth.

I am not giving up cycling though--that's for sure! That is the only bright spot right now, as I have really found a passion for riding. There is absolutely nothing like getting on that bike and just going!

I've threatened to put the scale away before and not weight for a bit, and I think this time I will really do it!

Thanks all for the good advice and sympathetic ear. The ride this morning helped with my mood too--21 miles with little to no wind, cool but not too cool. Great ride!

have you given the thought that the "gain" or plateau is because fat is being replaced by mussel?

I wonder if that diuretic is really a steroid with diuretic properties. What is the name of that medication?

have you given the thought that the "gain" or plateau is because fat is being replaced by mussel?

Ewww, that sounds gross. I'd hate to have my fat replaced by mussel. (http://www.uvm.edu/envnr/bbay/plankton/mussel%20clump.JPG)

I wonder if that diuretic is really a steroid with diuretic properties. What is the name of that medication?

It's called hydrochlorothiazide. I take 1 capsule a day.

I think you need to step back and take a deep breath. A three pound fluctuation in weight over a couple of days isn't something to be upset about. It might even be something as simple as oversalted cooking helping you hold water, despite the medication.Indeed...I go up and down by that much or more during one day.

I asked a lady I know who is in her final year of studying sports medicine and nutrition about this as well. She said that it sounds to her to be a matter of my body "replenishing glycogen."

Here's part of what she sent me:

"Sounds to me like you've just replenished glycogen. Your body after a 45 mile ride is going to be glycogen depleted. You probably didn't see a gain right away because you were well hydrated. Now you've been eating enough and your glycogen levels have increased, resulting in a moderate gain. I'm actually surprised you didn't gain more.

Your fluid retention is in the muscles and liver, and it's BOUND to glycogen. You can't get rid of that until you break down the glycogen into glucose. Diuretics don't do that, they are based on solute levels in the blood. "

So, if that's true, too, than that could also be the reason I have seen such quick drops in weight before.

I'm waiting for an answer back to see if there is a way to speed up the process somehow so that my weight will drop back down.

Think you could resize that image, Historian?

Think you could resize that image, Historian?

Sorry, I don't know how.

I would suggest you discuss this with your dietician however, this may sound weird, but I believe your caloric intake is too low especially if you are active. If you over a long period of time take in too few calorics, your body will shut down; slow down the metabolism in order to preserve calories. With a active lifestyle you probably should be taking in around 1600- 1800 calories a day. Your body will find a "set-point" i.e. a level at which your dieting efforts will become a struggle. Jump start your body by upping your exercise level or do some cross-training. If you aren't lifting weights you need to start. Muscle brings fat and calories faster than fat and flab.

Not certain where you believe being on a diuretic is going to help with weight loss. It doesn't. It's intended to flush out salts in your system and lower your BP (I take the same thing). Make sure you are drinking adequate amounts of water and limit salts in your diet. Also have you ever thought the gain is not water weight, but muscle? Again, muscles weighs more than fat. Instead of tracking your weight, start measuring inches. You might be surprised! :thumb:

Think you could resize that image, Historian?

Why, isn't it big enough already? :lol:


OP, in one of your responses, you mentioned threatening to put away the scale and weigh yourself less frequently.
It's a good idea. I recently started using a nutrition and exercise tracking program, and I only take data readings for weight and body measurements once a week. On a daily basis, (heck, within a day) I can see variability of up to 3 or 4 pounds depending on how much water I drank, food I ate, and the amount of time I spend on the bike.

It is important to know what you are eating as well. I don't know enough about being diabetic and exercise to have an opinion, I am not diabetic but I am a "high insulin" producer and I really have to avoid simple carbs in order for me to lose weight. I went from 215 to 160 by doing some serious mileage but, more importantly, I really watched my intake of high glycemic foods. Your calorie intake does seem too low based on your activity level too. Keep at it and stay positive.

It's called hydrochlorothiazide. I take 1 capsule a day.

This medication prevents your kidneys from metabolizing salt, thus reducing water retention. A common side effect is a depletion of potassium. It would not be a bad idea to take a multivitamin with potassium to elevate your electrolytes. Also pump up your tires, oil your chain and pedal real fast!

Whoop! Whoop!

I lost 3-4" on my waist and only dropped like 8 to 10 pounds. My face is slimmer and I am generally skinnier looking. The fat went away and muscle took its place. Someone told me that muscle is 7 times as dense as fat.

When I drop another 35 I'll be content.

Im down 70 and have plateaued 3 times. the trick to remember is that plateaus are called that for a reason, they arent the great plains of america, just a short flat spot before you (or actually your weight) falls off a cliff.

I've plateaued twice now, and "only" dropped 38. After each one, I drop a bunch quickly. Looking at my chart, the weight loss is steady if the graph is normalized. It just goes in fits and starts instead of steady.

Hey Squirrel - If you are sure about your caloric intake - I say try the following:

Weigh once a month
Add in some work on the stair stepper or elliptical - Anything where you get your heart rate up 5 times per week and sweaty
Ride bike in evening or on weekend - but depoend on food intake and exercise machines for weight loss



Basically - I lose more weight when I concentrate on hard exercise in additon to my fun/long rides. So yes I burn a ton on the bike - but right now as I am on the road - i hit the gym in the AM on the nasty stair stepper. It's good because this winter I can keep going when I am not bike riding...

Aim for 1 pound a week - so you won't be disappointed. Ok takes a ton of faith - I definitely gain 3 pounds every so often or so - since I eat more sodium .... or refuel with a long ride - Have to look at this long haul. And for me a food addict as Lance would say it is not about the Bike. It's about the food - about the exercise... DO NOT GIVE UP - That is giving up on a new way of life.... Forget about a diet just eat better - and sustain this path for your life. So there's nothing to give up - just keep on.... Ok - so weigh in one month.... Whaddya say? Keep on Ridin!

I suffer the same problem. I lose thirty pounds, kill myself, and then the weight starts coming back. When this happens I get frustrated and quit. This time I allow my to plateau and even gain back a few. I rest, do light exercise for a week or two if needed, and then when I come back I lose even more. Take a break -in moderation- enjoy your success, and then come back with a new workout that your body is not used to.

Think you could resize that image, Historian?

Done :)

I fluctuate all the time. I left home yesterday at 321 and at the end of the day was 326.

This morning, 321 again. before the bike ride and a nice long visit to the bathroom :D

It takes time and getting on the scale every day isnt usually a good answer. Most weightloss plans say track your food, and get on the scale weekly.

My opinion is that it's OK, and even preferable, to weigh every day...as long as you don't let yourself get concerned about the short term fluctuations. You can have variations of several pounds up and down, and when you weigh rarely, you can't really be sure what's going on. You may weigh near a minimum one time, and near a maximum the next, and think you've gained weight, even though you're losing in the long term. I think it's better to weigh more often, and plot the figures on a graph (perhaps use a spread sheet on your computer, or find a graphing site on the internet). You can see the long-term trends that way.

hi,
Many meds are dangeruos with non active people you are a double risk due to your training level, K is a very important electroyte for cardiac function and muscle function.
Why are you taking diuretics, they are supposed to be used for hypertension not weight control
WHen we urinate water the act of passing water is done with a electrolyte, be it NA,K,Mg,CA.
one or the other is lost with he water
WHen you take thiazide you stimulater your kidneys to increase water loss, this increases the salt loss. Does your dr check your K by blood draw?
Does your DR understand how many hour you exercise a week, has he warned you to eat banana's every day.
If your K gets low you could have heart arrythmias real easy or even spasams this can cause a type of heart-attack or arrythmia most sudden deaths are only arrythmias in athletes..
I would see a good sports DR due to your activity levels.
Doug

PSPS I weigh once a month same time of the day, humans fluctuate from morning to PMS a huge amount of water due to salt balance and diet/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiazide

I hope someone on here can provide some possible answers to this but I am now completely lost, frustrated, and ready to give up.

I have lost 65 pounds so far since April 1 and have 75 pounds to go to goal. I track my calories every day, note exercise, etc. etc. I go a net caloric intake of between 1300-1400 calories a day, which should provide enough of a deficit to see a 1.5 to 2 pound per week loss. For the last 3 months, my weight loss has slowed to about 5 pounds a month.

At the first of September, my doc put me on diuretics--I lost almost 6 pounds in 3 days. Since then, I have not lost anything--not an ounce!

Now this--from Saturday to Sunday, I gained 1 pound. This morning, I showed a 2 pound gain. That's 3 pounds gained in 2 days!

I ride at least 5 days a week, anywhere from 90-130 miles a week or more. Friday, I rode 27 miles; Saturday, I rode 45 miles. Both were fairly fast paced rides, too.

Some may know I've asked about this issue before and got suggestions, which I've followed.

I've tried varying my calories; I've tried intervals in riding. I've tried longer slower rides and faster shorter ride. I've tried eating WAY OVER on calories one day a week. I've tried everything!

Now, this 3 pound gain in 2 days. I know it has to be fluid of some kind, doesn't it? BUT, I'M ON A DIURETIC! So, how in the world could I be retaining fluid still?

To regive basic facts: I'm 45, woman, pre-menopausal, diabetic (type 2 on pills), High blood pressure (on pill). I'm 5'4" tall, weigh currently 216 (was 213 on Saturday :( ). I ride 5 days a week and do some light weight training 1-2 times a week, although I haven't been able to get to the gym in a week for that.

I hope someone can help because I am seriously lost here now--this gain of 3 pounds with being in diuretics has me seriously concerned. I really don't know the answer. HELP!

I am not a doctor, so take this with a grain of sugar free sweetener.....

When things are working well, and then stop working well, then you look at what has changed, the diuretic is new, so that could be the reason for the weight gain. Where you are in your cycle, could be another reason for a sudden weight change, but that would probably be common of that point in the cycle. As for the reduction in weight loss, one of the issues is that the heavier you are the higher your basal metabolism, so as you lose weight, you need to account for that, as well, as a reason for the lowering of the amount your losing. Also, as you lose weight, you unfortunately become more efficient at cycling and other exercises, so what could have burned 90 calories at 281lbs, may only burn 60 calories at 216lbs.

Other possible causes, stress, some other medical problem, like what is causing fluid retention in the first place, these days doctors like to treat the symptom, but not the underlying cause, then use more pills to deal with the side effects. Go back to your doctor and telling them the drug combination isn't working, they can change one of the drugs to see if that works better. As a Type II diabetic, you are getting an HbA1C done every 3-6 months to make sure that the medication is keeping your diabetes under control. The HbA1C gives the amount of glucose bound to red blood cells, once bound it doesn't go away, but the cells have a 90 day lifespan, so it gives a picture over the last 90 days or so. This allows your doctor to increase or lower the amount of medication to keep your sugar within the proper range (typically between 6% and 7%). If you lose a bunch of weight, then the amount of medication needed, should also be less, so it may need to be re-evaluated.

HI,
I promise to stop ranting about this, remember that weight loss requires a huge change in eating habbits, the type of foods the quality the frequency and the calories contained.
Most large adults (CD"S) have whats known as insulin resistance their body dosen't handle sugar/starch very well.
This occurs with long term weight gain, to revese this process may take a few weeks of increased activity and dietary changes, most people who lose weight and keep it off, lose very little weight, maybe 1lb a week.
If you lose to fast your body will think your starving and shut down the metabolism, defeating the exercise process. making you feel tired and very run down some poeple lose weight faster eating 6 small meal a day versus 1 big meal
Have you thought about support (weight watchers) or maybe another type, you may find your expectations are unrealisitic they will show you the right ways to lose weight without health problems.,,
DOug