I hate the scale!!!

I just got back from working out...I worked out for an hr on the treadmill. I really pushed myself. I did 3.5 miles and used the "hill" program...pushing myself felt good. Before I went to the gym, I weighed myself at my surgeons office...arrrrrrrrrrgh, I hate the scale!!! I'm struggling...it as if the numbers on the scale determine my self worth...and it really ****** me off that I continue to let what the scale says determine whether I'm successful. It's a catch 22!!! Because the Dr wants me to lose a certain amount...by a certain time...and I want to, because he says I should. I don't want to fail. So every time I weigh, I hold my breath...remove items from my pockets...take of my shoes...remove jewelry...if I wore a wig, I'd take that off too!!! I'm telling ya I almost want to get naked, but I can't, the scales are in two high traffic hallways (wouldn't that be a hoot?"). I won't keep a scale in my house because I will drive myself and my poor husband insane. I've done it before...breaking out in tears because those darn numbers haven't changed, when I know I'm busting my butt. I've lost 42 lbs in 9 wks...8 of those from the preop wk on optifast...so really 34 lbs since wls...I feel like it should be more. God help me work through this...I don't want to be so hard on myself. Help me to live in the moment. Help me to set realistic goals and not set myself up for failure. Help me adjust this all or nothing attitude. Help me to rejoice in the small victories. Let me realize that as long as I am working towards the prize...I am a success. The scale will not determine my success!!!

Tonya... You have lost 42 lbs!!! That is awesome!! I hope that when I am 9 weeks out I can say that I have lost 42 lbs. I know it is hard not to let the scale rule your life, but you hve to look at all the other accomplishments you have made. Girl, you just worked out for an hour and you felt good about it!!! That right there would be a huge accomplishment for me. Just keep the whole picture in your head. You are much healthier now then you were 9 weeks ago. Have you ever lost 42 lbs in 9 weeks before? You are awesome!!!! Just remember that!!!! Melissa

Melissa, You're right...I'm through having my "pitty party" I'm just afraid of failing at this too!! Thanks for the encouraging words...I needed them. Tonya

Hi Tonya, You don't know me, but I feel as if I know you ... yours was the first "Dr. Bour's Patient" profile I read back in late January, early February. I've kept up with you as you updated, and I really love the new pictures you added recently to your profile. Just wanted to tell you that I think you are doing an awesome job! 42 pounds is a LOT of weight ... and 3.5 miles with HILLS is something that will take me forever to work up to doing, and you are already doing it!!! Don't let those numbers drive you ... your body is adjusting, and the weight WILL come off if you keep following the rules. Day by day, week by week ... you WILL see changes, I know you will! You are already a success in my eyes. I look up to you as someone who is already in the place that I am longing to be. Keep on keeping on, dear Tonya ... I think you are just fantastic!!! ~ Dawn

Dawn, Thanks sooooooooooooooooo much for the encouraging words. I'm my worst critic. I really let those numbers get me down today...I'm definately a work in progress Sometimes we have to be reminded just how far we've come...Thanks!!! Tonya

Tonya, Just keep on doing what you are doing!!! The continued exercise will cause the weight to melt off...just keep it up!! 42 lbs is GREAT no matter what...before surgery or after surgery. You are wise to not have a scale. I am a "scale junkie" and weigh every day...2 or 3 times a day!!! I try not to let it affect me when it stays the same and just keep remembering that I'm doing everything that I'm supposed to. Just keep it up, you are doing GREAT Hugs, Dianne

Dianne, Your sooooooooooo encouraging and kind. Your opinion meens the world to me, because it comes from the heart. THANK YOU!!! My husband said I need to look at some of my heavier pictures...and then ask Scotty to "beam me back down to earth" I'm back!!! Tonya

You are preaching to the choir.... I hate scales! The best way to beat the scale is to weight at the same time ONCE a week or even ONCE every 2 weeks!!!!! I can understand you frustration about the weight loss. It seems that I should be dropping faster but I keep reminding myself, as longs as the scale goes down then I am a success! Even if it stay stable, those dreaded plateaus, it still is a success. No matter what you are still a success because you did something for you, to make your life better. Scales are evil! And yes I bought one right after surgery and I jumped on it about every other day. And when I would see it stay stable or drop just a little, I got upset. But then I remember, most people that diet it takes them weeks to get to the point we are at. 42 pounds in 9 weeks is incredible. That is a little over 1/2 pound a day! Most people that diet without the surgery they will lose that in a week! I think we should start a support group of the WLS Scale haters club! Keep your chin up! The weight will come off. Hugs Julie

Julie, Your words of encouragement really hit home and are deeply appreciated. A big loving "THANK YOU"!!! It's weird, because in my heart I know these things are true already...I step on the scale then my brain turns to mush My chins back up! Tonya

You are so welcome... Julie