Well, I'd only stepped on the scales once since Mar 14th since my eating and training has been consistent I figured "why"?

However, I did add creatine about 3 weeks ago. Looks like the water retention is in full force. I've been 178-183 (with a few minor strange days for laughs) since last Summer. I step on the scale this morning on a whim......187.5!!!!! It freaked me out because I'm leaner than at any point in this process. I was expecting 180-182 based on the mirror. Now I'm going to have to be really careful with my food intake if I want to make 181 for my meet.

Arttie (and others) - I want to continue with creatine because it has worked in the past for me, but what about the weight gain. Will the water retention balance out? How would you approach this situation? Thanks!

When is your meet? Don't worry about the weight gain. I'll help you cut it for weigh ins.

July 20. Thanks! We have either night before or morning of weigh-in.

If possible I would opt for the night before. As early as possible. If weigh ins start at 4:00 p.m. on Friday our goal is to be at 181 at 3:59, weigh in the start getting it back on as smoothly as possible. The weight cutting is easy. Putting it back on comfortably is the hard part.

I'm off to bed now. I'll fill you in on the details tomorrow. Remind me if I forget.

Yeah, I plan on being there the night before. I think weigh-ins are from 6-8 that night.

OK this is what I do. Starting on Sunday the weekend before you need to start drinking as much water as you can stand. Thin drink more. What you are trying to do here is teach your body that there is a surpluss of water in your system. Your body will react by peeing A LOT!!!! Do this until Wednesday evening then cut the water drastically. For example, try to get in 1.5-2 gallons each day from Sun to Wed. Then drop it a half gallon at the most. You will still be in the excess mode even with the reduced intake and will continue to pee a lot. taking an over the counter diuretic will help too but don't take it until you reduce your water intake.

This should be enough for moderate weight loss but if you are still over you can try getting in the bath tub as hot as you can take it(it should take about 20 minutes to get fully submurged if it is hot enough). Only your nose and mouth should be above water. Do these in 20 minute intervals until you make weight. It shouldn't take long.

Also, you need to cut your food intake and sodium drastically starting on Wed. If you are a good bit over I would eat almost nothing on Thursday and Friday.

After weigh ins it's time to get it back on. Start with a diluted gatorade or powerade. Use 1 part water to 1 part gatorade. Add as much salt to this as you can handle. It isn't too aweful tasting. Then start eating. Eat several meals up to bedtime then the following morning have a good breakfast. You should be good and bloated by now. Time to hit the platform.

Sounds like a plan. Thanks so much. I don't plan on being too far over, but now you've armed me with info in case I need it. Thanks!