Frustrated with the !*!*# SCALE!!

I'll be 4 months out on March 11th. I've lost 61lbs. I still weigh myself everyday. I just need to hear from you all if you fluctuate as much as I do. Sometimes I'll lose a pound or two, then gain a pound. It is sooo frustrating! I know I retain water, and I probably should'nt be weighing myself everyday. I don't know what to do. I guess I'd feel better if I knew I wasnt alone. Really frustrated, Amy Nolen

throw your scale away....

As I am sure you know, you shouldn't weigh yourself everyday because the fluctuations will get you frustrated. We all fluctuate. It's not a weight gain of fat, it's usually water weight or uneven distribution on the scale. It's no big deal, seriously. Just weigh once a week and I promise, you won't get frustrated. Another side note, according to my nutritionist, once you hit the 3-4 month mark, you hit a natural plateau. So, if the scale isn't moving in the direction you want right now, don't worry, it will soon enough. Remember, you will lose no matter what! Keep up the good work!

Amy, I stopped weighing myself daily, but I do still weigh 2-3 times/week. I also started having stalls (a plateau is 6 weeks or longer according to the main board) in weightloss about 3 months out. Just continue to focus on establishing the right habits now because after a year, it just gets harder to change those. A few things to consider regarding your stall are: -Make sure you are drinking your water daily -Get a min of 60g protein in per day -Exercising (at least walking 5x /week) -Eating little to no bad carbs -Try to avoid your "trigger" foods (candy, snacks, etc), find a substitute because even a taste or little of something can sabotage all your efforts in one day -Making low sugar, low sodium and low fat choices I'm no angel with my routine, but 5-6 days during the week, I can honestly say I make the right choices and stick to the program . Don't beat yourself up, your body is still adjusting but you might have to help it along by monitoring your routine closely and altering some of your habits (I know that isnt easy). Hang in there! Good luck Amy -156lb.

Amy, I go through the same thing. I have lymphedema in both my legs and my weight fluxuated depending on how my lymph fluid has swollen my legs. Lymph fluid weighs more than water so the difference from day to day or morning until night can be big. I have a scale and step on it probably 3-4 times a week, but if I see my weight is up I just blame it on the lymph and go on. But I typically will pick one day a month to weigh, when I know my legs are down a little. Sarah

I was afraid of the frustration as well, so I only weigh myself once per week at the same time of the day and wearing the same thing. I don't see the fluctuations but I'm sure they happen. What I usually see is a week or two with no loss.

I am over 4 months out and YES I have that change in weight. Sometimes I think it will get to me but I just remember that it use to go up and down and then STAY up. I have lost 62# and so I think you are doing great. Seems right in line with the schedule of weight. Like everyone else said. Just relax and try to either only weigh once a week or just get used to the up and down of the weight. We are all going to lose. Just enjoy it. Carol

Amy, girl!! You're doing great!!! But that scale can frustrate you. I did notice when I weighed myself everyday that it was driving me crazy - so I do Mondays or Wednesday and count the actual weight on Friday's but don't stress cause everyone knows that if the scale goes up - it's more (water) weight than anything especially since I haven't changed my eating habits. Recently my scale had gone up 2 lbs and though I was a bit surprised - I didn't freak out - I knew I had not done my usual exercise routine - however now I'm back on track so I know I'll be going down again. Keep up with your routine but don't drive yourself crazy with the scale - if you want to know the numbers - do it for fun but don't count the numbers until one day in the week - for example make Fridays your official weigh in day - and if you weigh in the other days - don't pay any attention to that number. You're not alone!

Amy, My doctor keeps telling me to do what I'm suppose to be doing and not worry about the weight. If I'm following the program the weight will take care of itself. I'm almost 6 weeks out. I weighed in at my two week visit and my one month visit. Now I'm going to weigh only once a month. I don't want my life to be ruled by the numbers on the scale. I want to focus on the entire lifestyle change. By the way...I'm reading Dr. Phils Ultimate Weight Solution and it's really good. Although I've had the surgery it's my stinky thinking that could sabatage my efforts. Keep up the good work! Rhonda

Amy, you answered your own question and everyone else, including me, agrees: GET YOUR EYES OFF THAT SCALE!! It lies and you don't need to be frustrated. You're doing so well and 61 lbs. in 4 months is phenomenal. Congratulations!! Jan