What's going on?

I have been trying to lose some weight. I actually lost a significant amount (not in a healthy way) a couple of years ago, but I have gained most of it back. I was pleased yesterday when I stepped on the scale and had lost three pounds in a day. I did not quite believe it, so after I stepped off the digital scale, I double checked on the old-fashioned non-digital scale, and the result was the same. I had only eaten a slice of toast the day before (not feeling well), so I guess that explains it.

Yesterday, I had quite a large meal that I probably should not have had and a few snacks. When I stepped on the scale this morning, to my horror, I had gained seven pounds! I checked on my back up scale, with the same result. I know that I splurged yesterday, but I did not eat seven pounds worth of food! What is happening?

You may want to see if the scale needs a new battery.  I've had this happen far too many times also.  It's impossible to gain 7 pounds in one day.

Losing 2-3 in a day could happen if one is very ill and not eating. Most people find their weight fluctuates daily by small increments anyway due to water retention and other factors.

BTW, we have a weight loss thread here which you may want to join in on.  Several of us are in the process of losing or trying to loose.  We share (Healthy!) tips, encourage and just shoot the breeze at times.  I'd paste the link but I still haven't mastered the copy and paste function on my Chrome Book  Come by!

Thanks! I'll see if I can find the weight loss thread.

As far as gaining seven pounds in one day, I thought it was impossible too, but as I mentioned, I tried the other scale that is not digital and does not have a battery and got the same result. The batteries in the digital scale were replaced about a month ago. I'm puzzled.

MOD NOTE: Here's the thread: http://www.thecatsite.com/t/290271/the-weight-loss-support-thread-2015

Usually if there's a big weight shift in 24 hrs it's due to fluid changes (dehydration or retaining water, water loss also occurs in the first few days of a crash diet).

I was also going to suggest that it was water weight. You may have been dehydrated when you were sick.