Bloated Feelings (08/14/08

Lately, I have to wonder whether my "pouch" is still working. I was, as I posted, going through a rough patch of eating a lot of carbs - mainly Ritz crackers. So, I got rid of all those. My weight was staying about the same for the past two weeks, so I knew I was in a dreaded plateau. So, I eliminated the crackers, with the exception of I have one serving every night before bed, which I take with my night time meds. So, I then stopped taking the blood pressure medication. My doctor said we should try it and see what happens. So, I went off and within 3 days I had gained 4 lbs. Here I was, happy that I'd just lost two pounds and was now at 148 lbs. Then, Bam!! I'm back up to 152. My feet and hands were swollen like crazy. So, I decided to go back on the blood pressure meds, because I don't like this feeling of swelling. So, I went back on yesterday. Today, I weighed myself and I am at 151 lbs - down 1 lb. This is good, and I'm hopeful that I will be down the additonal 3 lbs. I gained. The only thing that could have made me gain was the meds. I've been eating the same as usual. But, today, I feel soooo bloated. I had my shake for breakfast - a sugar-free low fat pudding and 4 ozs. of healthy request soup and an atkins bar for lunch and lots of water and sugar free kool-aid. So, why do I feel so bloated? I feel like I'm over full although I don't think I ate too much. Is my pouch still working? Lately, it seems I'm eating more, although if I measure, I'm right on my mark. I've been walking at least every other night, so I know I'm getting in my exercise. More than I usually get, since this seems to be my hardest challenge. Maybe it's just a combination of a bunch of stuff - ending my monthly cycle, messing with my meds, the heat, etc. Am I doing something wrong or am I just trying to convince myself? Very frustrating...guess I need to step back and assess the situation and figure out what has changed, if anything. Maybe, just maybe, my body is now adjusting to the change of eating habits and decided not to lose more weight. Yet, the scale doesn't change but the clothes fit differently - definitely looser...wierd. So, who's up for the fair tonight? lol...the exercise will do me good and I will refrain from eating anything bad for me! Til next time....