Being accountable

I think that 'accountability' is one of the cornerstones that will help shore up our long term success. What works for one person, doesn't necessarily work for another. What do you do to hold yourself accountable?

I get on the scale every morning... and that's a big change. There were years when I didn't even have a scale. It's important for me to 'know' what I weigh. My weight shifts or swings within about a 3 to 5 pound range... meaning my normal weight is 145, so I may go down to 142 or up to 148, but I normally stay at about 144/146. If my weight gets above 146, I start keeping a closer eye on what I'm eating and how much by logging my intake... It usually shows me the error of my ways and I make the necessary corrections and the weight drops back down to where it should be.

I wear pedometer... This gives me an awareness of how much I am or am not moving. I have to say that I'm much more inclined to walk farther, take the stairs, etc., when I have my pedometer on and can see the steps racking up. I try to get at least 10K steps in a day. Some days it doesn't happen, but at least I'm aware and work to get moving more. 

I wear fitted clothes... I've been going through my old stuff as I've been packing it up to sell, donate, etc... and while I did have a few 'fitted' pieces, the overwhelming number of items in my closet had an elastic waist or loose fit that would allow my weight to fluctuate significantly without being able to 'feel' it. Now, my wardrobe is overwhelmingly fitted. I only have a few pieces that are loose or have an elastic waist and to be honest, most of those are PJs or exercise wear.  Believe it or not, now I can 'feel' a 5 lb change in the way my fitted clothes fit.

Enjoy your posts! But am wondering why they repeat numerous times?  Is it only my computer that gets this?

Also, what type of pedometer do you use?  I've had a lot of difficulty with them. Numbers all inconsistant.  Thanks  :)

BW,

I honestly have a bunch of 'em... LOL. The really cheap versions aren't worth the money I have spent on them, for the most part. I find that the ones that run at least 10 to 15 dollars seem to be most reliable and effective. I can't even tell what brands I've used. The ones that I've gotten and liked have been from TJ Maxx, Target, Walmart and Dick's. 

I wish I was able to be more helpful.

Hi BW,

I'm not sure why the repeat numerous times either. I'm also on the distribution and I only get one message. How many do you get? Is number of repeat messages consistent? I may need to contact the development team at OH if this is a significant problem. 

I'm sorry for any inconvenience.

 

To keep myself accountable..I also got rid of all of my "fat" clothes.  I can tell if my things don't fit properly.
 I also , even after 14 months, measure my food.  I still track everything I eat in a food journal..and I go to my support group meetings weekly.  I have a fear of gaining the weight..but right now I'm still on track.  I don't weigh myself everyday...but I do weigh myself weekly at the drs. when I go in for my allergy shot.

 I also..walk everywhere.  I park farther away from stores and I walk, walk, walk.  I even ride a recumbent bike at home.

  I sure hope all of this helps me , cause I really don't ever want to weigh 347 again!!!

  Marcy

Hi Marcy,

What we do to keep ourselves accountable isn't quite as important  the fact the we do something. Each of us is different. I need to get on the scale everyday, but I don't log my food everyday anymore. That doesn't make what I do better, it's just what works for me. I know a lot of people post what they eat on the boards, but I found that it doesn't work for me. Since you are actively working on doing things that allow you to 'measure' the effectiveness and success of your journey, that's what is most important and statistics show that those who do what you are doing are most likely to be successful in the long term. 

 

Hi, Marcy~

Wow!  Seven lbs. to go.  7!  Did you ever imagine you'd be here?  I'm envious as I haven't had my surgery yet.  To be that close to goal after 14 months is an inspiration to me!  Your accountability methods are obviously working for you!

Gail

I got one distribution but the post is numerous. 12 post. Makes me feel like I am being spammed.
on my start page. Don't get me wrong I would love to see you post on my start page but once is enough. Too many makes me, a person who does not know you, Think your belligerent.

I am just starting my journey My surgery is 10/29, next Thursday, But I have found in the last 5 months that being accountable is the only way to be successful.

one way I am accountable is to really scrutinize my food choices. When in doubt DON"T!

And I a have a set of rules that I have developed over the past few months that have helped me to lose 51 lbs. pre surgery