I started out at 382 about 3 weeks ago....
After 2 weeks I was 372 (yay?)
...yesterday I weighed in at 364.

I checked to make sure I still have all of my limbs (I do, by the way)...so how is this possible?

I've been drinking my water, eating 90% right (still struggling with portion sizes at times), and exercising a lot more than normal (mostly by not being so lazy) but 18 pounds!?

And this is not me fishing for compliments..I'm genuinely confused and concerned.

Welcome and good luck ! Are you just beginning your diet ? It is not unusual to lose a lot at the beginning of a diet. That will slow down after awhile. What kind of a diet are you on ?

What are your concerns exactly?

Are you using the same scales and weighing at the same time and day, wearing the same or similar (or no) clothes etc?

If you are 6'7" and started at 382, it's entirely possible that you are simply losing at a starting rate that is appropriate for YOU.

Congrats!

I'm not actually dieting, just changing my lifestyle back to the way it used to be.
I've been on and off for a long time but I'm currently ON, lol.

I'm kind of doing my own thing. It's based off of WW and calorie counting though.

I guessed on your age, but a calorie calculator says this (I used your starting weight):

You need 4221.4 calories per day to maintain your current weight without exercise.

You need 3628.4 calories per day to reach your goal weight slowly and maintain that weight without exercise.

If you reduce your current caloric intake to 3721.4 calories per day you will lose one pound per week without exercise.


If you're eating about 1200 calories a day, that would make a 6lb weight loss for you per week. But remember some of that is probably water weight lost because you've been drinking a lot of water. If you're worried, though, you should check with your doctor.

People with high starting weights can lose a lot during the first few months. I lost 21 pounds my first month. It's slowed down substantially now that I'm in month 9, but those early months were fabulous motivators. It sounds like you're taking good care of yourself, so don't worry and just enjoy!

First off, even though you're not fishing for compliments congrats for your progress, that's awesome for just 3 weeks! When a lot of people start losing there is a big woosh in the first few weeks (it's mostly water weight) and then the weight loss slows down. I don't think there is anything for you to be too concerned about, 18 lbs seems like a lot but considering your starting weight the numbers are 'normal.'

I guess I didn't realize water weight could be SO much weight!
I don't FEEL or LOOK like I weigh almost 400 pounds so for me seeing that number in such a short time..well I guess I still don't believe it.
I don't even go to the gym. When I started my diet last time I was gymming (my word, trademarked, LOL) 5 days a week and started out losing 2 pounds a week.
Also : I NEVER have eaten my 'recommended' calories....it seems like SO much. I've always kept myself around 2000/day when I'm on a 'diet'.

You say you don't look almost 400 pounds !! You are lucky, I am only 5 feet tall and at over 200 pounds I looked a lot like a toadstool. Not a pretty sight ! I really think you are doing great .

I don't think that's a huge shock given your height and start. I lost 20lbs in my first 3 weeks starting at 260.

As long as you are doing it in a healthy way (i.e. not undereating) just be happy about it!

Also don't get too caught up in that being a pattern, but a little kick-start.

At your frame you will prob. drop to 3-4lbs a week before too long. But rejoice even in that, a lot of people on this site would kill for that!

I will rejoice in anything I can lose! I had somebody tell me I look smaller 'in the belly area'...my work clothes definitely fit looser when I got dressed yesterday.
I'm grateful but unbelieving, if that makes sense.

A TOADSTOOL!? That made me spit out my water. I look like the giant from Jack in the Beanstalk.........does that make you feel better?

Well, we would make a great looking pair, wouldn't we ?

That would make for a cute picture,

My roommates make me feel short, and that's something for a gal at 5'11"

Some people are more prone to hold water in their bodies
Some forms of eating is more prone to store water in bodies.

If you are the first and you used to eat the latter and have switched this can be truly a lot of water and some fat. I would not worry.

As you move along and weight loss settles into a normal weightloss you may notice that you are more prone to water fluctuations than others (or not, for some this is a hormonal thing and once they lose weight it eases up). Some women gain 8 lbs with AF, some gain none. Some gain weight with a salty meal some dont.

At the same time we tell you to not stress about this loss. (if you are eating 2000 calories you are supporting a healthy metabolism) then also remember not to stress later if you do see fluctuations that seem outside the norm for "other people". (Which also means dont let anyone at WW make you feel bad for those fluctuations...I've seen that happen)

As to not eating the recommended. 2000 calories is a pretty good place, gives you room to go down as you lose if needed. I dont think the formulas work at the very highest or very lowest weights. Fat is just not that metabolically active and the body adjusts to a slower metabolism/lb.

I appreciate all of the advice, thank you so much.