I am living on the Mexican border in Arizona with my parents while my husband is in basic training for the Navy. My time here has been a huge success, and in the past month, I've lost like 13 lbs. Great! But, last week my father and I ate some cheese made from unpasturized goat milk from Mexico, which was delicious, but we both got salmonella poisoning. My first day, and my worst, I had to go to the ER with serious abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting and I was also passing in and out of consciousness. It was seriously scary. I feel mostly better, but this is an illness that lingers and I could be having a few minor issues for a month or more. Ugh! I have also been holding on to some serious water weight (I am assuming, because I have been eating within my cals and exercising). I went from 221 to 225 within two days! Ugh! I know that it's not real weight, but from people who have had a serious illness like this, I'd like to get your take on it and what happened to you-or even opinions from anyone. My father lost weight, due to his bout of it, but I have gained. Could it just be some rehydration issues? I drink plenty of water, and again, exercise and eat within my calories.

I'm assuming you were given IV fluids at the hospital.It could be your body simply retaining water. I say just focus on getting better and don't even worry about what the scale says & NEVER eat or drink anything that hasn't been pasteruized!!!
I'm glad you guys are ok.

I live in a developing country and have had some major digestional issues before too. Yep, water weight. Just focus on getting better right now. If it's going to bother you don't weigh/measure for a bit until things settle down. I hope you feel better soon!

My only advice is to AVOID the scale in times of sickness (particularly when dehydration and hospitalization occurs). Your body's fluid levels are so wacky you cannot get a proper picture.

Here's my story.
Walked into hospital at 163lbs.
3 days later, delivered nearly 10lb baby boy
Walked out of the hospital at 165lbs and nothing but a small toast breakfast.

Wow, that was sad! LOL! Who the **** gains 2lbs after birthing a baby? But an illustration of what can happen when dehydration and re-hydration (ie. IV fluids) are pumped in your body.

Thanks, all. Yes, I had to have IV fluids, and also some sort of fluid pumped into me via IV so that I could have a CT scan done. Good advice guys-I'll try and avoid the scale, keep on trying to do my best and then check when everything calms down more. This is a little tricky, since it's been since last tues when I went to the ER, and so Ive been feeling good and bad since it happened. I ran five miles yesterday and did kettlebells the day before that, and I'll probably run a few miles today, but hopefully that water retention will taper off soon

It can take several weeks for your fluid levels to re-balance after IV's, I'd suggest waiting for quite some time

Nothing more in the advice category, just wanted to say CONGRATS on the great loss and I'm sorry you had such a scary illness! I live in India, a country with such poor food safety standards that another name for food poisoning gets its namesake from the capital ("Delhi Belly"). I know how awful it can be, though I haven't had it as bad as you did, so just wanted to extend a . Congrats on the recovery and keep up the great work

Wow! I don't have advice, but I wanted to give you a

I'm sorry you were ill and so glad to hear you and your father are recovering!