So I've been on steroids (for poison ivy) for five days now. I've been on plan for the most part, no major deviations, within my caloric range every day. I've gained almost 5 lbs. Obviously this has got to be water weight from the meds. Today is my last day on the meds, and I don't want to be expecting the weight to woosh off overnight and then not see the scale move for a day or two and get frustrated. In your experience, how long does it take to lose the water weight?

Honestly, it could take a couple weeks. Some steroids will stay resident in the system for a while after you stop taking them, you have to wait until the drugs have disapated before the body resets itself and that water goes away.

I don't know the answer, just wanted to offer hugs and encouragement to stay on your plan (great job so far!) even if it takes a discouraging amount of time. You know it will come off eventually!

Just remember it's not permanent, and don't worry about it.

It takes me about a week, usually, when I get corticosteroid injections in my shoulder.

It really depends on how you process. Just be patient and work on settling back into the good eating now that the nasty stomach eating steroids are gone!