Stomach bug...

bjkoziara

I've had a stomach bug the last 2 or 3 days. Yesterday I was able to eat a nice amount of calories because I kind of forced myself to (heads up: don't do that) but I've only had around 1200 for a few days this week (I'm 338lbs, so 1700 is my goal and that's already a 1000 cal deficit) and I'm planning on ingesting nothing but Gatorade and plain toast tomorrow because it's getting worse.

Anyway, I've seen a drop on the scale and am anticipating seeing even more of a drop as I'm fighting off whatever this is. Am I correct in thinking that the scale will likely jump back up once I'm properly hydrated and eating? I don't really know if I should log this as a "weight loss" in MFP because I'm not really sure that it is one, if that makes sense. I do log every day with Libra, though.

MikePTY

For the most part, yes. You usually lose some water weight related to the stomach bug that will jump back up. But if you are also intaking a lower than normal calorie amount, you are probably going to lose actually weight a bit faster this week.

apullum

Some of the lost weight is probably water and lack of solid waste in your body. Some is probably fat since you’re eating in a large deficit due to being sick.

I would just focus on eating whatever you can stomach—up to your maintenance calories if you can, so your body can heal and replenish lost nutrients. Let the scale do whatever it does, and don’t worry about weight until you’re well.

NovusDies

BRAT diet. Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast.

If it lasts for under a week you do not need to be concerned about how many calories you are eating. It happened to me last April (I think) and I averaged about 800 calories per day for 6 days straight. It created a MASSIVE deficit and I did lose some additional fat weight but most of it was water.

Once you are feeling better do try to go half deficit for a day eating foods that will be easy on you and then full maintenance for a day. This will help get your energy levels back up faster.

If it persists see a doctor and take care of yourself!

goldthistime

Technically you should be able to calculate how much of if is actual weight loss. If you’ve eaten a 1200 cal deficit for 3 days, that’s 1lb. Any extra weight loss is water weight.

I used to be of the mindset that I entered new lows on the scale regardless of the reason, but the delight of entering a lower weight caused by dehydration is soon overshadowed by the lengthy period of time with no new lows after that. I was eating at a deficit, bravely ignoring any hunger, exercising faithfully, and not getting “rewarded” by seeing progress on the scales.

bjkoziara

Thanks, everyone. This is one hell of a bug. I'm on day 4 with no signs of improvement. I've basically stopped eating anything but toast and even that cleans me out...my husband is picking me up some Gatorade on the way home from work and I'm just gonna ride it out. Not too concerned with my weight right about now, but don't want to freak myself out if I see that number jump back up after it's over.

apullum

bjkoziara wrote: »

Thanks, everyone. This is one hell of a bug. I'm on day 4 with no signs of improvement. I've basically stopped eating anything but toast and even that cleans me out...my husband is picking me up some Gatorade on the way home from work and I'm just gonna ride it out. Not too concerned with my weight right about now, but don't want to freak myself out if I see that number jump back up after it's over.

Yes, keep up the hydration and electrolytes!

It can be really frustrating to see big fluctuations on the scale, but at the same time, your body will need to replenish water and nutrients when you’re well. You *want* the scale to go back up a little.

Check in with your doctor if you don’t feel better soon!