This last week was my first week starting my diet. Basically I admitted that I am a food addict and compulsive overeater and I began going to some online overeater's anonymous meetings. Anyways, I could tell that I had lost weight, but I had no idea how much until today. I stepped on the scale and it said I had lost 17 lbs. I checked about 6 times because I just couldn't believe I could lose that much in 1 week. I ate very well, I did not starve or anything. I was just wondering if anyone else has done this? No one believes me but I'm a pretty large girl so of course I lose pretty fast plus it was the week after AF. Thanks.

on the weight loss! That's great progess for your 1st week! AND I think I think it's great that you've not only realized you have food issues, but you chose to do something about them.

When I first started changing how I was eating, I didn't realize just how MUCH I was eating. I wrote it down and I was mortified! Changing something like that can result in huge numbers on the scale in the first few weeks.

DON'T KNOCK IT!!!! Congratulations. Just chalk it up to sticking to your plan and your body responding well. I had a 9 pound loss my 3rd of 4th week of my weightloss journey and just recently after almost 4 months of being on plan had a 6 1/2 lb loss. Enjoy it and take it when you can. But don't EXPECT to see a weightloss like that again, buy hey you never know. Keep up the good work!!!!

Yes, it can definately happen, especially for us with more to lose. Depending on how and what you were eating before, it will vary. Were you eating a lot of processed, high sodium foods? Just the water weight alone could account for a large share, then add in the controled portions and whatnot the perfect recipe for a major drop!

Congratulations on your fabulous weight loss! You are off to a great start. And yes, it can happen. Learning to eat right and avoiding the bad stuff is sometimes all it takes. When I was in college, I used to lose 10 pounds easily just by not eating junk food. I chalk that up to an amazing metobolism that I miss sorely now.

I suspect that what you've experienced recently is probably mostly water weight plus a few "real" pounds thrown in for good measure. You won't lose 17 lbs every week, of course. So, don't despair if on those dark 1lb weeks. However, this is a major victory, and you should give your self HUGE credit.

Way to go!

That's great!

WTG on the loss so far!!

Megan - Are you mostly a salty or a sweet binger? Salt can have an enormous effect on how much water we retain and therefore our weight. If you dropped your sodium levels by a significant amount, that could be part of it. I wouldn't worry about a one off occurrence.

I was eating REALLY bad before. I binged on both sweets and salts. The difference in my intake from now and then is just unbelieveable. I feel so much better. Now that I am on my second week, I find myself not feeling as hungry. It's great. I am so ecstatic!