Lost inches

Okay, I know I asked about this in a thread once, but I have to ask again. I just don't understand when people say, "I lost X inches!" Is there some formula for this? Like, measure only here, here, and here and then add them up?

My confusion is this: if you're measuring a bunch of places and then adding all those inches together, couldn't you, in theory, lose a 1000 inches in a month? A million? I mean, if I measure both my ankles, that's a couple inches. And then I could measure 3 or 4 places on my stomach. And both wrists, my lower arms, upper arms, elbows, calves... Do you see where I'm going with this?

So, is there a standard? Like, should we all measure the same 5 places and add that? Or does it make more sense to JUST measure your belly, for example?

I'm not saying that I don't keep track of all different measurements. My surgeon's office gave me a chart with 10 or 11 places to measure. But if MY list doesn't match everyone else's then adding up my inches lost and comparing them is pretty much meaningless, right?

There actually is a standard for measurements. Most likely the information your MD gave you is exactly that standard.

Because this is an open forum, there is no real way to clarify if others are measuring correctly.

As long as you are measuring correctly on a consistent basis in the manner your  have been shown, you will see your progress in an accurate manner.

You might consider posting your MD's standards of measurements on here to assist others.

I don't really care about inches, and you are right, it is inexact and there is no standard.

I care what the scale says, what size I wear and how I feel.

I measure the following: bust, waist, hips, thighs and upper arms. I have lost about 50 inches by these measurements. I don't know if that's the proper formula; I just know that it makes me feel good to see those numbers shrink. Oh, and I read where someone posted that boots are made for people with calves of 17 inches or less. I did measure my calves and immediately went out and bought a pair of boots! :)

I measure more than that, based on what my surgeon has me doing. I do:

waist, hips, calf, ankle, wrist, arm, bust, neck, thigh

And then I added ribs just for me because I noticed a lot of loss there and wanted to feel good!

Your list sounds good. And yes, comparing your inches lost to someone else's is impossible. You can only compare to your previous measurements.

I love taking my measurements. Measurements are more important to me than weight.

So, I guess mine would be 31 inches lost (not including ribs, but just based on my surgeon's chart). It's a nice number, even if it's arbitrary.

That's awesome. Good for you!!