Salt

I started WW on January 9, 2007. My weight keeps going up and down by five
or more pounds some weeks. I have high BP that requires medication so I
don't add any salt to my food and try to avoid canned, processed, or
naturally salty foods.

It is depressing to track my points and then face a higher number on the
scale. I am trying to stick with the plan, but I'm not making much
progress. What causes my weight to go up so much in a week? When it goes
up, then in takes two or three weeks for me to get back down to where I was.

I drink my water and other beverages too, none with caffeine. Do I need to
make even more effort to cut the salt in my diet? Is there anything but
salt that will cause the number on the scale to go up when I am not
overeating, not exceeding my points, and somewhat watching salt consumption?

Is it possible that I need to decrease my number of points? I joined WW on
line and answered the questions to determine my points. However, I am over
60 and inactive due to an accident. I do try to do some form of exercise
such as gentle walking. (I can't use my arms just yet to do any form of
exercises.) Am I maybe less active than most people on even the lowest
number of points for their weight and need to decrease my points? I try to
avoid using the extra 35 weekly points. I have read that those points
should be used, but my numbers are up without using those points! I am
afraid to use those points!

I have been heavy most of my life and generally have only been able to lose
weight by sticking to a liquid diet. I hate those diets, and want to stay
with WW because it is natural, something a person can stick with for life.
I like the flex plan because it doesn't limit choices, just amounts.
However, I would like to see the number on the scale go down a bit faster.
I have only lost about five pounds in ten weeks, and I have lots to lose.

I don't know if I can manage to stick to the plan if my weight is up during
my Monday WI. It is so hard to keep trying when I'm not making much
progress. I'd be thrilled to drop even a pound. I can't quit, but so far
this doesn't seem to be working very well for me.

It is only realistic to a certain degree to avoid salt in processed foods.
Even the frozen vegetables have added salt these days. Is my problem
centered around too much salt or are there other possible reasons for my
problems?

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thank You!

This may be something you need to discuss with your doctor. Water retention
can play havoc with your BP plus it can be a sign of something more serious.
My mother has to have a diretic several times a month due to water
retention. The doctor instructed her to weigh herself every day and if up by
5 lbs then she has to have a directic and potassium pill. In her case it is
a sign of potential heart problems. She 88 so anything is possible.

In her case she can see that her ankles are swollen. Is that the case with
you? What about your fingers-do rings fit correctly? What kinds of meats are
you eating? Any ham, for example, or do you also stay away from those?
Frozen veggies should not have any salt unless they have a sauce. Get plain
frozen veggies that you steam.

Can you post some sample menus for us? Maybe something will stick out that
will give us some ideas.

"Janie" wrote in message
...
I started WW on January 9, 2007. My weight keeps going up and down by five
or more pounds some weeks. I have high BP that requires medication so I
don't add any salt to my food and try to avoid canned, processed, or
naturally salty foods.

It is depressing to track my points and then face a higher number on the
scale. I am trying to stick with the plan, but I'm not making much
progress. What causes my weight to go up so much in a week? When it goes
up, then in takes two or three weeks for me to get back down to where I
was.

I drink my water and other beverages too, none with caffeine. Do I need
to make even more effort to cut the salt in my diet? Is there anything
but salt that will cause the number on the scale to go up when I am not
overeating, not exceeding my points, and somewhat watching salt
consumption?

Is it possible that I need to decrease my number of points? I joined WW
on line and answered the questions to determine my points. However, I am
over 60 and inactive due to an accident. I do try to do some form of
exercise such as gentle walking. (I can't use my arms just yet to do any
form of exercises.) Am I maybe less active than most people on even the
lowest number of points for their weight and need to decrease my points?
I try to avoid using the extra 35 weekly points. I have read that those
points should be used, but my numbers are up without using those points!
I am afraid to use those points!

I have been heavy most of my life and generally have only been able to
lose weight by sticking to a liquid diet. I hate those diets, and want to
stay with WW because it is natural, something a person can stick with for
life. I like the flex plan because it doesn't limit choices, just amounts.
However, I would like to see the number on the scale go down a bit faster.
I have only lost about five pounds in ten weeks, and I have lots to lose.

I don't know if I can manage to stick to the plan if my weight is up
during my Monday WI. It is so hard to keep trying when I'm not making
much progress. I'd be thrilled to drop even a pound. I can't quit, but
so far this doesn't seem to be working very well for me.

It is only realistic to a certain degree to avoid salt in processed foods.
Even the frozen vegetables have added salt these days. Is my problem
centered around too much salt or are there other possible reasons for my
problems?

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thank You!

Salt will bring a momentary weight gain, that last a few hours, a few days
at worst.

Gains that stay put aren't due to salt, but either to a medical condition
(which is pretty rare actually) or over-eating.

Do you weigh and measure your foods? do you double check your point values?

First off, see your doctor and make sure there isn't a tyroid issue or
something like that, then review the program. You might want to go to a
meeting and talk to a leader or receptionist about it. You'd be amazed to
see how many people thought they were following the program PERFECTLY.. and
then realized that actually.. they weren't..

I'm one of them!!

Will~

"Janie" wrote in message
...
I started WW on January 9, 2007. My weight keeps going up and down by five
or more pounds some weeks. I have high BP that requires medication so I
don't add any salt to my food and try to avoid canned, processed, or
naturally salty foods.

It is depressing to track my points and then face a higher number on the
scale. I am trying to stick with the plan, but I'm not making much
progress. What causes my weight to go up so much in a week? When it goes
up, then in takes two or three weeks for me to get back down to where I
was.

I drink my water and other beverages too, none with caffeine. Do I need
to make even more effort to cut the salt in my diet? Is there anything
but salt that will cause the number on the scale to go up when I am not
overeating, not exceeding my points, and somewhat watching salt
consumption?

Is it possible that I need to decrease my number of points? I joined WW
on line and answered the questions to determine my points. However, I am
over 60 and inactive due to an accident. I do try to do some form of
exercise such as gentle walking. (I can't use my arms just yet to do any
form of exercises.) Am I maybe less active than most people on even the
lowest number of points for their weight and need to decrease my points?
I try to avoid using the extra 35 weekly points. I have read that those
points should be used, but my numbers are up without using those points!
I am afraid to use those points!

I have been heavy most of my life and generally have only been able to
lose weight by sticking to a liquid diet. I hate those diets, and want to
stay with WW because it is natural, something a person can stick with for
life. I like the flex plan because it doesn't limit choices, just amounts.
However, I would like to see the number on the scale go down a bit faster.
I have only lost about five pounds in ten weeks, and I have lots to lose.

I don't know if I can manage to stick to the plan if my weight is up
during my Monday WI. It is so hard to keep trying when I'm not making
much progress. I'd be thrilled to drop even a pound. I can't quit, but
so far this doesn't seem to be working very well for me.

It is only realistic to a certain degree to avoid salt in processed foods.
Even the frozen vegetables have added salt these days. Is my problem
centered around too much salt or are there other possible reasons for my
problems?

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thank You!

Thank You for the reply. This morning I had oatmeal ( regular not packet),
milk, and grapefruit. Lunch was a salad containing grilled chicken,
spinach, onion, oranges, a few rice noodles, and dressing made with lite
mayo, vinegar, and seasonings. I ate some homemade chicken noodle soup with
lots of vegetables (all frozen, no salt), 1/2 cup cottage cheese, what was
left of the oranges from lunch (about 1/3 cup), and a serving of Jell-O low
fat chocolate pudding. I'll have some air-popped corn later with a glass of
milk.

I was careful to not buy the frozen chicken breasts that contain salt. Even
the cottage cheese , milk ,and the pudding have some salt. I always check
the package labels and try to stay below less than the suggested salt
consumption for the day. I also use a book that lists the nutritional
content of various foods.

I admit, sometimes I buy frozen items but mostly Healthy Choice which
contains less salt than many other brands. I rarely eat out because most
places add lots of salt to things that already contain salt.

My doctor has never suggested controlling salt consumption. I just know
that I can't get my shoes on my feet if I eat a salty meal or snack. In
general, I try to stay away from processed foods because most of them
contain an excessive amount of salt. If I happen to forget my BP pill then
I have to wear my "big feet" shoes for a day or two.

I just can't seem to get my weight down. I drop a few pounds, gain five in
a week, go down a couple, back up, back down, up four or five, and so it
goes. I have talked to my doctor but he refuses to change my medication and
doesn't offer any advice. As long as I go in and haven't gained weight
during the past four months he gives me a pass and is happy I have lost even
a pound or two. I am not. It just should not take four months to get rid
of five pounds while I watch the number on the scale go up five pounds in a
week while sticking to my points and walking for 30-60 minutes most days.

I truly feel that I have a serious problem with salt. I puff up, especially
my feet. I never let the situation go. If my shoes feel the least bit
tight then I take serious measures. Most of the time that means getting out
the Slim Fast. It only has 120 mg of salt per serving, about 5% of the
recommended daily level. It works, and then I get back down to where I was
before the swelling started.

It is hard enough to stick to a low calorie diet without the added problem
of watching salt too. And I just cannot spend the rest of my life living on
SlimFast, salads, fresh fruit, and grilled chicken. Well, okay, a few
other things too, but you get the idea, very limited selections, no
processed or naturally salty foods and no caffeine.

Sometimes I don't think my doctor takes me seriously, just thinks I am the
typical obese patient who makes up excuses because she didn't stick to her
diet. I have been seeing this doctor for about four years and people say he
is one of the best in this area. However, he doesn't seem to be much help
with my weight situation. He just keeps telling me to get my weight down
and then my BP will come down to a point where may no longer need
medication. He doesn't suggest anything! I have to figure it out for
myself. I though WW may have some answers. I certainly can't be the first
person who has had this type of problem.

I am trying to not get in a bad mood and just give up. I need that number
on the scale to be down, even if only by half a pound, just down, not up. I
am not looking for a quick fix. It just gets very difficult to keep trying
when nothing seems to work. I paid for a three-month on line membership.
At this point, I am considering dropping my membership at the end of the
three months because I looks like I am going to have to go back to living on
SlimFast so I can get shoes on my feet and drop a pound or two a month.
There has to be a better way.....



"Laura" wrote in message
...
This may be something you need to discuss with your doctor. Water
retention can play havoc with your BP plus it can be a sign of something
more serious. My mother has to have a diretic several times a month due to
water retention. The doctor instructed her to weigh herself every day and
if up by 5 lbs then she has to have a directic and potassium pill. In her
case it is a sign of potential heart problems. She 88 so anything is
possible.

In her case she can see that her ankles are swollen. Is that the case with
you? What about your fingers-do rings fit correctly? What kinds of meats
are you eating? Any ham, for example, or do you also stay away from those?
Frozen veggies should not have any salt unless they have a sauce. Get
plain frozen veggies that you steam.

Can you post some sample menus for us? Maybe something will stick out that
will give us some ideas.

Again, salt brings a temporary weight gain (due to water retention)... not a
durable one.. salt isn't your problem..
Will~

"Janie" wrote in message
...
Thank You for the reply. This morning I had oatmeal ( regular not
packet), milk, and grapefruit. Lunch was a salad containing grilled
chicken, spinach, onion, oranges, a few rice noodles, and dressing made
with lite mayo, vinegar, and seasonings. I ate some homemade chicken
noodle soup with lots of vegetables (all frozen, no salt), 1/2 cup
cottage cheese, what was left of the oranges from lunch (about 1/3 cup),
and a serving of Jell-O low fat chocolate pudding. I'll have some
air-popped corn later with a glass of milk.

I was careful to not buy the frozen chicken breasts that contain salt.
Even the cottage cheese , milk ,and the pudding have some salt. I always
check the package labels and try to stay below less than the suggested
salt consumption for the day. I also use a book that lists the nutritional
content of various foods.

I admit, sometimes I buy frozen items but mostly Healthy Choice which
contains less salt than many other brands. I rarely eat out because most
places add lots of salt to things that already contain salt.

My doctor has never suggested controlling salt consumption. I just know
that I can't get my shoes on my feet if I eat a salty meal or snack. In
general, I try to stay away from processed foods because most of them
contain an excessive amount of salt. If I happen to forget my BP pill
then I have to wear my "big feet" shoes for a day or two.

I just can't seem to get my weight down. I drop a few pounds, gain five
in a week, go down a couple, back up, back down, up four or five, and so
it goes. I have talked to my doctor but he refuses to change my
medication and doesn't offer any advice. As long as I go in and haven't
gained weight during the past four months he gives me a pass and is happy
I have lost even a pound or two. I am not. It just should not take four
months to get rid of five pounds while I watch the number on the scale go
up five pounds in a week while sticking to my points and walking for
30-60 minutes most days.

I truly feel that I have a serious problem with salt. I puff up,
especially my feet. I never let the situation go. If my shoes feel the
least bit tight then I take serious measures. Most of the time that means
getting out the Slim Fast. It only has 120 mg of salt per serving, about
5% of the recommended daily level. It works, and then I get back down to
where I was before the swelling started.

It is hard enough to stick to a low calorie diet without the added problem
of watching salt too. And I just cannot spend the rest of my life living
on SlimFast, salads, fresh fruit, and grilled chicken. Well, okay, a few
other things too, but you get the idea, very limited selections, no
processed or naturally salty foods and no caffeine.

Sometimes I don't think my doctor takes me seriously, just thinks I am the
typical obese patient who makes up excuses because she didn't stick to her
diet. I have been seeing this doctor for about four years and people say
he is one of the best in this area. However, he doesn't seem to be much
help with my weight situation. He just keeps telling me to get my weight
down and then my BP will come down to a point where may no longer need
medication. He doesn't suggest anything! I have to figure it out for
myself. I though WW may have some answers. I certainly can't be the
first person who has had this type of problem.

I am trying to not get in a bad mood and just give up. I need that number
on the scale to be down, even if only by half a pound, just down, not up.
I am not looking for a quick fix. It just gets very difficult to keep
trying when nothing seems to work. I paid for a three-month on line
membership. At this point, I am considering dropping my membership at the
end of the three months because I looks like I am going to have to go back
to living on SlimFast so I can get shoes on my feet and drop a pound or
two a month. There has to be a better way.....



"Laura" wrote in message
...
This may be something you need to discuss with your doctor. Water
retention can play havoc with your BP plus it can be a sign of something
more serious. My mother has to have a diretic several times a month due
to water retention. The doctor instructed her to weigh herself every day
and if up by 5 lbs then she has to have a directic and potassium pill. In
her case it is a sign of potential heart problems. She 88 so anything is
possible.

In her case she can see that her ankles are swollen. Is that the case
with you? What about your fingers-do rings fit correctly? What kinds of
meats are you eating? Any ham, for example, or do you also stay away from
those? Frozen veggies should not have any salt unless they have a sauce.
Get plain frozen veggies that you steam.

Can you post some sample menus for us? Maybe something will stick out
that will give us some ideas.

Do you weigh, measure and journal everything you eat and drink? If not, then
start doing so. Also measure your feet! keep a journal for a few weeks
including your big feet days and then go back to the doctor with your
journal. If you don't think that he/she is taking you seriously then maybe
it is time to seek out a different doctor. Your "big feet" is truely a sign
that you are retaining water that needs investigating. The fact that your
doctor has not suggested keeping an eye on your salt intake while on BP
medication does not sound good. My husband's doctor keeps stressing that
with him.

How often do you eat the jello pudding? That has a fair amount of sodium in
it too. How did you make the chicken soup? Was the broth a low sodium
version?

How much water do you typically consume a day? WW recommends 6 8oz glasses a
day. Other sites recommend 1/2oz per pound. So if you weigh 150lb then you
should be drinking 75oz a day. If you are not drinking enough water that
could also contribute to your water retention. Try increasing your water
consumption and see if that helps.

Are you going to meetings? If you are, show your journal to your leader.
Have her check your point calculations and portion sizes. That's one area
many people mess up on in the beginning.

The other suggestion that I have is to try Core for a few weeks. Maybe your
body can not handle some of the chemicals present in processed foods.


"Janie" wrote in message
...
Thank You for the reply. This morning I had oatmeal ( regular not
packet), milk, and grapefruit. Lunch was a salad containing grilled
chicken, spinach, onion, oranges, a few rice noodles, and dressing made
with lite mayo, vinegar, and seasonings. I ate some homemade chicken
noodle soup with lots of vegetables (all frozen, no salt), 1/2 cup
cottage cheese, what was left of the oranges from lunch (about 1/3 cup),
and a serving of Jell-O low fat chocolate pudding. I'll have some
air-popped corn later with a glass of milk.

I was careful to not buy the frozen chicken breasts that contain salt.
Even the cottage cheese , milk ,and the pudding have some salt. I always
check the package labels and try to stay below less than the suggested
salt consumption for the day. I also use a book that lists the nutritional
content of various foods.

I admit, sometimes I buy frozen items but mostly Healthy Choice which
contains less salt than many other brands. I rarely eat out because most
places add lots of salt to things that already contain salt.

My doctor has never suggested controlling salt consumption. I just know
that I can't get my shoes on my feet if I eat a salty meal or snack. In
general, I try to stay away from processed foods because most of them
contain an excessive amount of salt. If I happen to forget my BP pill
then I have to wear my "big feet" shoes for a day or two.

I just can't seem to get my weight down. I drop a few pounds, gain five
in a week, go down a couple, back up, back down, up four or five, and so
it goes. I have talked to my doctor but he refuses to change my
medication and doesn't offer any advice. As long as I go in and haven't
gained weight during the past four months he gives me a pass and is happy
I have lost even a pound or two. I am not. It just should not take four
months to get rid of five pounds while I watch the number on the scale go
up five pounds in a week while sticking to my points and walking for
30-60 minutes most days.

I truly feel that I have a serious problem with salt. I puff up,
especially my feet. I never let the situation go. If my shoes feel the
least bit tight then I take serious measures. Most of the time that means
getting out the Slim Fast. It only has 120 mg of salt per serving, about
5% of the recommended daily level. It works, and then I get back down to
where I was before the swelling started.

It is hard enough to stick to a low calorie diet without the added problem
of watching salt too. And I just cannot spend the rest of my life living
on SlimFast, salads, fresh fruit, and grilled chicken. Well, okay, a few
other things too, but you get the idea, very limited selections, no
processed or naturally salty foods and no caffeine.

Sometimes I don't think my doctor takes me seriously, just thinks I am the
typical obese patient who makes up excuses because she didn't stick to her
diet. I have been seeing this doctor for about four years and people say
he is one of the best in this area. However, he doesn't seem to be much
help with my weight situation. He just keeps telling me to get my weight
down and then my BP will come down to a point where may no longer need
medication. He doesn't suggest anything! I have to figure it out for
myself. I though WW may have some answers. I certainly can't be the
first person who has had this type of problem.

I am trying to not get in a bad mood and just give up. I need that number
on the scale to be down, even if only by half a pound, just down, not up.
I am not looking for a quick fix. It just gets very difficult to keep
trying when nothing seems to work. I paid for a three-month on line
membership. At this point, I am considering dropping my membership at the
end of the three months because I looks like I am going to have to go back
to living on SlimFast so I can get shoes on my feet and drop a pound or
two a month. There has to be a better way.....



"Laura" wrote in message
...
This may be something you need to discuss with your doctor. Water
retention can play havoc with your BP plus it can be a sign of something
more serious. My mother has to have a diretic several times a month due
to water retention. The doctor instructed her to weigh herself every day
and if up by 5 lbs then she has to have a directic and potassium pill. In
her case it is a sign of potential heart problems. She 88 so anything is
possible.

In her case she can see that her ankles are swollen. Is that the case
with you? What about your fingers-do rings fit correctly? What kinds of
meats are you eating? Any ham, for example, or do you also stay away from
those? Frozen veggies should not have any salt unless they have a sauce.
Get plain frozen veggies that you steam.

Can you post some sample menus for us? Maybe something will stick out
that will give us some ideas.

I measure or weight everything. I have a digital kitchen scale , check
labels or a book for serving sizes, and then recheck everything when I
journal three times a day at the WW site. I don't go to meetings since
there isn't one at a convenient time in my rural area. I purchased the WW
points calculator along with WW Getting Started Kit, and follow the
directions.


The soup was made from scratch, no canned or packaged broth. I used fresh
chicken , frozen vegetables with no salt, a little celery (natural high
sodium content) onions, and one cup (cooked) no-yolk noodles for a big batch
of soup. I calculated the total points and then divided by twelve servings.

The Jell-O pudding is sugar free, 60 calories per serving, total fat 1 g,
sodium 170 mg (7% of daily value based on 2000 calories diet), fiber 1g.

I drink the suggested amount of water but maybe I should try drinking more.
Somebody suggested artificial sweeteners may be causing some of my problems.
I do use sweetener in my coffee, cereal, and fresh berries. I suppose I will
be up a couple times tonight but I am going to drink two or three glasses of
water before I go to bed.

Since Monday is my WI, I am going to do as you suggested and try the Core
plan for a few weeks. The site only allows plan changes on WI day. Maybe
that will work better for me. Thanks for making that suggestion. I didn't
think to try that.

In general, the doctor says my BP and related problems will go away as soon
as I get my weight down. He just isn't any help with the weight situation.
He just says find a diet you can stick with and do it! I'll give WW another
month and see what happens.

If things don't work out then I just have to go back to some crazy plan that
controls salt but is next to impossible to live with over the long haul. If
nothing else, maybe I will be able to get my walking shoes on and go
outdoors to get some exercise as soon as it gets a bit warmer and quits
snowing here.



"Laura" wrote in message
...
Do you weigh, measure and journal everything you eat and drink? If not,
then start doing so. Also measure your feet! keep a journal for a few
weeks including your big feet days and then go back to the doctor with
your journal. If you don't think that he/she is taking you seriously then
maybe it is time to seek out a different doctor. Your "big feet" is truely
a sign that you are retaining water that needs investigating. The fact
that your doctor has not suggested keeping an eye on your salt intake
while on BP medication does not sound good. My husband's doctor keeps
stressing that with him.

How often do you eat the jello pudding? That has a fair amount of sodium
in it too. How did you make the chicken soup? Was the broth a low sodium
version?

How much water do you typically consume a day? WW recommends 6 8oz glasses
a day. Other sites recommend 1/2oz per pound. So if you weigh 150lb then
you should be drinking 75oz a day. If you are not drinking enough water
that could also contribute to your water retention. Try increasing your
water consumption and see if that helps.

Are you going to meetings? If you are, show your journal to your leader.
Have her check your point calculations and portion sizes. That's one area
many people mess up on in the beginning.

The other suggestion that I have is to try Core for a few weeks. Maybe
your body can not handle some of the chemicals present in processed foods.


"Janie" wrote in message
...
Thank You for the reply. This morning I had oatmeal ( regular not
packet), milk, and grapefruit. Lunch was a salad containing grilled
chicken, spinach, onion, oranges, a few rice noodles, and dressing made
with lite mayo, vinegar, and seasonings. I ate some homemade chicken
noodle soup with lots of vegetables (all frozen, no salt), 1/2 cup
cottage cheese, what was left of the oranges from lunch (about 1/3 cup),
and a serving of Jell-O low fat chocolate pudding. I'll have some
air-popped corn later with a glass of milk.

I was careful to not buy the frozen chicken breasts that contain salt.
Even the cottage cheese , milk ,and the pudding have some salt. I always
check the package labels and try to stay below less than the suggested
salt consumption for the day. I also use a book that lists the
nutritional content of various foods.

I admit, sometimes I buy frozen items but mostly Healthy Choice which
contains less salt than many other brands. I rarely eat out because most
places add lots of salt to things that already contain salt.

My doctor has never suggested controlling salt consumption. I just know
that I can't get my shoes on my feet if I eat a salty meal or snack. In
general, I try to stay away from processed foods because most of them
contain an excessive amount of salt. If I happen to forget my BP pill
then I have to wear my "big feet" shoes for a day or two.

I just can't seem to get my weight down. I drop a few pounds, gain five
in a week, go down a couple, back up, back down, up four or five, and so
it goes. I have talked to my doctor but he refuses to change my
medication and doesn't offer any advice. As long as I go in and haven't
gained weight during the past four months he gives me a pass and is happy
I have lost even a pound or two. I am not. It just should not take
four months to get rid of five pounds while I watch the number on the
scale go up five pounds in a week while sticking to my points and
walking for 30-60 minutes most days.

I truly feel that I have a serious problem with salt. I puff up,
especially my feet. I never let the situation go. If my shoes feel the
least bit tight then I take serious measures. Most of the time that
means getting out the Slim Fast. It only has 120 mg of salt per serving,
about 5% of the recommended daily level. It works, and then I get back
down to where I was before the swelling started.

It is hard enough to stick to a low calorie diet without the added
problem of watching salt too. And I just cannot spend the rest of my
life living on SlimFast, salads, fresh fruit, and grilled chicken.
Well, okay, a few other things too, but you get the idea, very limited
selections, no processed or naturally salty foods and no caffeine.

Sometimes I don't think my doctor takes me seriously, just thinks I am
the typical obese patient who makes up excuses because she didn't stick
to her diet. I have been seeing this doctor for about four years and
people say he is one of the best in this area. However, he doesn't seem
to be much help with my weight situation. He just keeps telling me to
get my weight down and then my BP will come down to a point where may no
longer need medication. He doesn't suggest anything! I have to figure
it out for myself. I though WW may have some answers. I certainly can't
be the first person who has had this type of problem.

I am trying to not get in a bad mood and just give up. I need that
number on the scale to be down, even if only by half a pound, just down,
not up. I am not looking for a quick fix. It just gets very difficult to
keep trying when nothing seems to work. I paid for a three-month on line
membership. At this point, I am considering dropping my membership at the
end of the three months because I looks like I am going to have to go
back to living on SlimFast so I can get shoes on my feet and drop a
pound or two a month. There has to be a better way.....



"Laura" wrote in message
...
This may be something you need to discuss with your doctor. Water
retention can play havoc with your BP plus it can be a sign of something
more serious. My mother has to have a diretic several times a month due
to water retention. The doctor instructed her to weigh herself every day
and if up by 5 lbs then she has to have a directic and potassium pill.
In her case it is a sign of potential heart problems. She 88 so anything
is possible.

In her case she can see that her ankles are swollen. Is that the case
with you? What about your fingers-do rings fit correctly? What kinds of
meats are you eating? Any ham, for example, or do you also stay away
from those? Frozen veggies should not have any salt unless they have a
sauce. Get plain frozen veggies that you steam.

Can you post some sample menus for us? Maybe something will stick out
that will give us some ideas.

"Janie" wrote in message
...
I started WW on January 9, 2007. My weight keeps going up and down by
five or more pounds some weeks. I have high BP that requires
medication so I don't add any salt to my food and try to avoid canned,
processed, or naturally salty foods.

It is depressing to track my points and then face a higher number on
the scale. I am trying to stick with the plan, but I'm not making
much progress. What causes my weight to go up so much in a week?
When it goes up, then in takes two or three weeks for me to get back
down to where I was.

I drink my water and other beverages too, none with caffeine. Do I
need to make even more effort to cut the salt in my diet? Is there
anything but salt that will cause the number on the scale to go up
when I am not overeating, not exceeding my points, and somewhat
watching salt consumption?

Is it possible that I need to decrease my number of points? I joined
WW on line and answered the questions to determine my points.
However, I am over 60 and inactive due to an accident. I do try to do
some form of exercise such as gentle walking. (I can't use my arms
just yet to do any form of exercises.) Am I maybe less active than
most people on even the lowest number of points for their weight and
need to decrease my points? I try to avoid using the extra 35 weekly
points. I have read that those points should be used, but my numbers
are up without using those points! I am afraid to use those points!

I have been heavy most of my life and generally have only been able to
lose weight by sticking to a liquid diet. I hate those diets, and
want to stay with WW because it is natural, something a person can
stick with for life. I like the flex plan because it doesn't limit
choices, just amounts. However, I would like to see the number on the
scale go down a bit faster. I have only lost about five pounds in ten
weeks, and I have lots to lose.

I don't know if I can manage to stick to the plan if my weight is up
during my Monday WI. It is so hard to keep trying when I'm not
making much progress. I'd be thrilled to drop even a pound. I can't
quit, but so far this doesn't seem to be working very well for me.

It is only realistic to a certain degree to avoid salt in processed
foods. Even the frozen vegetables have added salt these days. Is my
problem centered around too much salt or are there other possible
reasons for my problems?

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thank You!
Janie

One of my WW friends who attends the meetings I do has a heart condition
so controlling salt is a matter of life and death with her far more
important than the number on the scale. You can do well on WW but it
may just be slower for you. Another friend lost half her body weight
and she is extremely sedentary. She does not eat the flex points. If
you can look at WW as a lifestyle and not a diet, you will get through
the plateaus and slower weight losses and your weight will come off.

Audrey

welcome,

If I don't eat enough I do not lose and sometimes even gain, my body goes
into starvation mode very easily.

I have noticed that salt, splenda, sugar, and carbonated beverages, with or
without caffeine all affect my weight.

I also have found for me that I cannot count anything but water for my water
and in fact I need to drink about twice what WW recommends,

again, welcome, remember this is a learning process so if you slow and learn
what is right for your body then you will do fine and be able to do it for
life, Lee
Janie wrote in message
...
I started WW on January 9, 2007. My weight keeps going up and down by
five
or more pounds some weeks. I have high BP that requires medication so I
don't add any salt to my food and try to avoid canned, processed, or
naturally salty foods.

It is depressing to track my points and then face a higher number on the
scale. I am trying to stick with the plan, but I'm not making much
progress. What causes my weight to go up so much in a week? When it goes
up, then in takes two or three weeks for me to get back down to where I
was.

I drink my water and other beverages too, none with caffeine. Do I need
to
make even more effort to cut the salt in my diet? Is there anything but
salt that will cause the number on the scale to go up when I am not
overeating, not exceeding my points, and somewhat watching salt
consumption?

Is it possible that I need to decrease my number of points? I joined WW
on
line and answered the questions to determine my points. However, I am
over
60 and inactive due to an accident. I do try to do some form of exercise
such as gentle walking. (I can't use my arms just yet to do any form of
exercises.) Am I maybe less active than most people on even the lowest
number of points for their weight and need to decrease my points? I try
to
avoid using the extra 35 weekly points. I have read that those points
should be used, but my numbers are up without using those points! I am
afraid to use those points!

I have been heavy most of my life and generally have only been able to
lose
weight by sticking to a liquid diet. I hate those diets, and want to stay
with WW because it is natural, something a person can stick with for life.
I like the flex plan because it doesn't limit choices, just amounts.
However, I would like to see the number on the scale go down a bit faster.
I have only lost about five pounds in ten weeks, and I have lots to lose.

I don't know if I can manage to stick to the plan if my weight is up
during
my Monday WI. It is so hard to keep trying when I'm not making much
progress. I'd be thrilled to drop even a pound. I can't quit, but so
far
this doesn't seem to be working very well for me.

It is only realistic to a certain degree to avoid salt in processed foods.
Even the frozen vegetables have added salt these days. Is my problem
centered around too much salt or are there other possible reasons for my
problems?

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thank You!

he might be a great doctor but not for you, also take your food journals in
and show him what you have eaten, make him read them then ask what else you
can do/change, Lee
Janie wrote in message
...
Thank You for the reply. This morning I had oatmeal ( regular not
packet),
milk, and grapefruit. Lunch was a salad containing grilled chicken,
spinach, onion, oranges, a few rice noodles, and dressing made with lite
mayo, vinegar, and seasonings. I ate some homemade chicken noodle soup
with
lots of vegetables (all frozen, no salt), 1/2 cup cottage cheese, what
was
left of the oranges from lunch (about 1/3 cup), and a serving of Jell-O
low
fat chocolate pudding. I'll have some air-popped corn later with a glass
of
milk.

I was careful to not buy the frozen chicken breasts that contain salt.
Even
the cottage cheese , milk ,and the pudding have some salt. I always check
the package labels and try to stay below less than the suggested salt
consumption for the day. I also use a book that lists the nutritional
content of various foods.

I admit, sometimes I buy frozen items but mostly Healthy Choice which
contains less salt than many other brands. I rarely eat out because most
places add lots of salt to things that already contain salt.

My doctor has never suggested controlling salt consumption. I just know
that I can't get my shoes on my feet if I eat a salty meal or snack. In
general, I try to stay away from processed foods because most of them
contain an excessive amount of salt. If I happen to forget my BP pill
then
I have to wear my "big feet" shoes for a day or two.

I just can't seem to get my weight down. I drop a few pounds, gain five
in
a week, go down a couple, back up, back down, up four or five, and so it
goes. I have talked to my doctor but he refuses to change my medication
and
doesn't offer any advice. As long as I go in and haven't gained weight
during the past four months he gives me a pass and is happy I have lost
even
a pound or two. I am not. It just should not take four months to get
rid
of five pounds while I watch the number on the scale go up five pounds in
a
week while sticking to my points and walking for 30-60 minutes most days.

I truly feel that I have a serious problem with salt. I puff up,
especially
my feet. I never let the situation go. If my shoes feel the least bit
tight then I take serious measures. Most of the time that means getting
out
the Slim Fast. It only has 120 mg of salt per serving, about 5% of the
recommended daily level. It works, and then I get back down to where I
was
before the swelling started.

It is hard enough to stick to a low calorie diet without the added problem
of watching salt too. And I just cannot spend the rest of my life living
on
SlimFast, salads, fresh fruit, and grilled chicken. Well, okay, a few
other things too, but you get the idea, very limited selections, no
processed or naturally salty foods and no caffeine.

Sometimes I don't think my doctor takes me seriously, just thinks I am the
typical obese patient who makes up excuses because she didn't stick to her
diet. I have been seeing this doctor for about four years and people say
he
is one of the best in this area. However, he doesn't seem to be much help
with my weight situation. He just keeps telling me to get my weight down
and then my BP will come down to a point where may no longer need
medication. He doesn't suggest anything! I have to figure it out for
myself. I though WW may have some answers. I certainly can't be the
first
person who has had this type of problem.

I am trying to not get in a bad mood and just give up. I need that number
on the scale to be down, even if only by half a pound, just down, not up.
I
am not looking for a quick fix. It just gets very difficult to keep
trying
when nothing seems to work. I paid for a three-month on line membership.
At this point, I am considering dropping my membership at the end of the
three months because I looks like I am going to have to go back to living
on
SlimFast so I can get shoes on my feet and drop a pound or two a month.
There has to be a better way.....



"Laura" wrote in message
...
This may be something you need to discuss with your doctor. Water
retention can play havoc with your BP plus it can be a sign of something
more serious. My mother has to have a diretic several times a month due
to
water retention. The doctor instructed her to weigh herself every day
and
if up by 5 lbs then she has to have a directic and potassium pill. In
her
case it is a sign of potential heart problems. She 88 so anything is
possible.

In her case she can see that her ankles are swollen. Is that the case
with
you? What about your fingers-do rings fit correctly? What kinds of meats
are you eating? Any ham, for example, or do you also stay away from
those?
Frozen veggies should not have any salt unless they have a sauce. Get
plain frozen veggies that you steam.

Can you post some sample menus for us? Maybe something will stick out
that
will give us some ideas.