I've been on the atkins diet for 16 days and by day 11 I had lost 9.5 pounds. I was staying below 20 carbs a day and drinking 100 oz. of water a day. I went on a little vacation on day 12 to 14 and went over 20 carbs one day (and it was due to a salad, so I wasn't going to worry about it), but my problem was I wasn't drinking the water (none)

Now I know water is a MUST on this diet, and I gained 5 lbs. in one day. But this is the thing - was it just water weight that I had lost?

Now two days later, I'm really not drinking that much water (only a couple of glasses with meals) and I've lost 2 lbs.

What does this water do exactly? I obviously have retained 3 lbs. of water, right? I know I'm supposed to drink 64 oz a day plus some, but why? I really don't want to lose water weight. I mean I don't want to be all bloated or anything, but I really only want to lose real weight?

I hope this makes sense, and thanks for any comments for suggestions...