I definitely retain fluid in my legs from time to time. I'm average weight, so I don't have all the answers to your questions. I've spoken to my doctor about it and even had my legs checked for blood clots, but everything was normal. My doctor said "sometimes we just retain fluid" and not to worry about it :/ I'd definitely run it passed your MD though--especially if it is something new.

JAMS, I am having the same issue! Thank you for posting it, because I felt so alone.
In seven months I have gained 35 pounds without changing my eating. I was using the same words that you are… Getting wide, feeling like I’m pregnant.. I am not used to being a large person… And suddenly I have become a large person! My feet are not swollen, but my thighs, my butt, my stomach all are enlarged… My face too.. I have pitting when I push my cheeks. I just had blood work done… Everything was OK. Dr just said to cut down on any refined carbs.
I measured everything carefully for three weeks… Not a single bite off plan, I did not lose 1 ounce! I am gaining at a rate of 5 pounds per month! It is so alarming. Like you, my body feels like it’s in the way… It’s not folding my abdomen is just there… My hips and thighs are so hard the skin is stretched tight.
My physical therapist said she could tell there was a liver problem, and gave me liver support supplements(Vital nutrients: liver support) I must say they have helped a lot! It is milk thistle and some other herbs… I take two capsules twice a day.
My stomach is flat again and my skin does not feel tight. She thought I was detoxing from the hydroxychloroquine that I had to stop.
It is such a bizarre thing!
I’m still heavier, just not bloated.
This lupus crap makes me scared all the time… It’s so traumatic! And nobody understands it… I believe there are so many different reasons for it, I really want to cure the root cause!
Wishing you the very best… Keep us posted.
I am watching my diet carefully and continuing to take the liver supplements

My fat is soft. Yes walking is hard.

I don't think you should wait, something is extremely out of whack and you need to see a physician and get some answers. I hope you're able to do that. Please keep us posted.

When I put on fat, I get rolls. When I am bloated and swollen, I expand.
Does that make any sense?