Thanks for the consistent feedback. I wasn't aware of the exercise/water retention link. I guess I have never paid this close of attention to my body before.

I will definitely stick the exercise as I do believe it will be necessary for me to lose the weight - eating habits alone won't get me there. Not to mention I need to do something to re-tone my skin as my body shrinks.

But as Lilith so elegantly put it, I feel like a bloated cow.