When Gain is Gain

When Gain is Gain

So I gained a pound and a half this week. I suppose it was unrealistic to think that I could lose seven pounds each and every week. But, WOW! It was fun thinking about it. Can you imagine losing 100 pounds in just over 14 weeks or 182 pounds in six months? That would be freakin’ amazing! At that rate, I would weigh 235 pounds by the Fourth of July Weekend. Break out the bathing suits girls and let’s head for the lake! That would bring a whole new meaning to “Independence Day” for me!

But this week’s weigh-in burst my bubble and I was disappointed. I not only didn’t lose seven pounds, but now I had to “relose” a pound and a half. I had to round up 5,250 calories that somehow managed to find their way back into my fat cells and kick them out again. (I have always suspected that “Veteran” calories require more energy to remove than “Plebe” calories, something on the order of 2 to 1. I am not sure whether the body builds up a resistance or if the calories get craftier. I suspect it is the latter. Why do you suppose the last ten pounds are the hardest to lose? Practically speaking, I guess it doesn’t matter, they’re tough little bastards the second time around, that’s for certain; “why” is not important.) It was hard enough deflating those damn fat cells the first time, now I had to do it all over again.

This was all still swimming around in my head when I started reviewing the printout from the scale. Scottsdale Weight Loss uses an impedance scale to weigh me. The scale sends a current through the body and measures how long it takes to get back to the scale. It can then calculate (a more accurate term is probably “estimate”) how much of my weight is fat, lean and water. The readings can be affected by certain things, dehydration, exercise and alcohol, but even so, it does provide some unprecedented insight into what is going on in the battle of the numbers.

And just what was going on with the numbers? I gained a pound and a half, sure enough, but I LOST five pounds of fat! Whoa! “Cancel the calorie round-up!” There was no surplus at all! Something else was going on and all of the sudden I realized there was a lot of good news in that twenty-four ounce gain.

Last week Dr. Ziltzer recommended I cut my Lasix dose in half. (Lasix is a savage water pill that causes me to pee every 10 to 15 minutes for two to three hours after I take it. You can read about the events that got me on Lasix - here.)  My systolic (upper) blood pressure readings had dropped from the 150’s to the 120’s for three weeks running and blood tests were showing I was dehydrated. I needed to pack on some fluids.

And that is exactly what happened, about ninety-six ounces or 6.5 pounds worth. My weight loss was helping to improve my circulation. Improving circulation meant I was retaining less fluid. With less to pull from, the Lasix was sucking up fluids I needed for good health, especially in our desert climes.

The printout was telling me that I was already reaping benefits from my efforts. I wasn’t gaining weight, I was gaining ground; on my goal, on better health, and on a better life. This was all GOOD news!

I am excited about the changes happening in my body and my life. I am beginning to see how this thing we call “eating” has many, many components and understanding the various parts can change what the sum looks like.

Success isn’t always a down arrow.

PS:  A note about the image.  I titled it "Death by..."  Current total loss is 35 pounds.  Just in case the hyperlink above isn't working, the link to my Lasix story is:

http://bjsblocks.blogspot.com/2010/05/edema-part-1-of-3.html

Take Care,

Billie