Why oh why won't my scale move?!!

moonpie83

What the heck is wrong with me?!!! This has become so frustrating and I NEED any advice/help that you all are willing to give. Yes, I'm watching what I eat (lots of water, veggies, grilled/baked foods,etc.) and yes, I'm eating at a deficit (I rarely ever go over my daily calorie goal); I also exercise on the regular (twice a day most days, weights, HIIT, etc.), typically using Sundays as my rest day. My scale, just yesterday, says I gained almost 7 pounds in 2 days...REALLY?!!!; especially when just three days ago, I was 9 pounds down from my starting weight...then I went to a doctor's appointment today, I was only 1 pound down from my starting weight...what's really going on??

I've also been so up and down with my weight for the past few years; had a baby and jumped back on the wagon again in 2014 (where I did fabulous and lost a lot of weight fairly quickly); but then, life happened and I gained all of that and then some back. Now that I'm back on the wagon yet again, this time around the weight just doesn't seem like it wants to move, at all! I've gotten so discouraged that I have began the process for weight loss surgery (which I really don't want to do, but feel like I have no choice at this point). Either that or do another VLCD again!

I'm down for any advice!

Thanks guys...and girls!!

vismal

Many red flags here. First off, you are very concerned with daily/weekly changes in weight. Don't be. You don't gain and lose multiple lbs of fat each day. That would require severe swings in both calorie intake and exercise output. It's water weight and glycogen mostly. Weigh yourself every day but pay no attention to the results. At the weeks end, average your daily weights. After a month, compare your averages. They should show a downward trend. If they do not, you are eating too much. Either your calorie goal is too high (not usually the case) or your calorie counting isn't very accurate (often times the case). If the former is the problem, simply reduce your goal. If the latter is the problem, read this: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101/p1

Also, weighing one different scales will produce different results. Keep it consistent. What you weigh on your home scale may be significantly different than what you weigh at the doctors. Also remind yourself that your body is not special. If you are in a deficit, you will lose fat. The minute you begin thinking that you are somehow exempt from that rule, is when motivation decreases and you start looking for alternatives (VLCD, weight loss surgery).

strong_curves

Are you using a food scale?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JVjWPclrWVY

atypicalsmith

Also, besides using the same scales, weigh yourself first thing in the morning without clothes and before eating or drinking anything. The VLCD is likely what caused you to gain the weight back in the first place; not because "life happens".

diannethegeek

It's hard to answer these kinds of posts without more details. If it's only been a few weeks, then it's possible that it's just a natural stall and will go away on its own. Additionally, be sure that you're weighing on the same scale, under the same conditions (clothes, time of day, etc.) or your weigh-ins are going to fluctuate wildly based on the amount of fluid, food, and waste in your system.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10084670/it-is-unlikely-that-you-will-lose-weight-consistently-i-e-weight-loss-is-not-linear

Other than that, the most common problems we see come from underestimating calories eaten and overestimating calories burned.

Opening your diary might help to get you more specific advice if you're comfortable doing so.

You're logging everything you eat? Including condiments, cooking oils, drinks, veggies, cheat days, etc? I only ask because so many people tend to forget about the little things along the way. Are you using a food scale, measuring cups, or eyeballing your portion sizes? Most people can be off in their estimates by several hundred calories when they eyeball portions. Measuring cups are better, but a food scale is going to be the most accurate.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1290491-how-and-why-to-use-a-digital-food-scale

And make sure that you've calculated your calorie goals appropriately. Remember that these are just estimates. You may need to play around a little to find what works best for you.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

If you're exercising and eating back your earned exercise calories, be sure that you're using accurate estimates of your burn. MFP and gym machines have a tendency to overestimate certain activities, which can cause you to eat back more calories than you need to. Even a heart rate monitor isn't 100% accurate. If you're eating those extra earned calories it might be a good idea to eat only 50-75% of those.

And there's something to be said for the fact that some people just burn fewer calories than the generic equations predict. If you're an outlier due to size, age, or medical conditions, then it may be best to get specific advice from your doctor or a registered dietitian.

tl;dr version:

jdixon02

Just to add to Vismal's comment about being consistent - In addition to only using the same scale to weigh yourself, also make sure that it is the same time of day (ideally mornings before food) and in the same location on floor. Soft surfaces / carpet or uneven tiles can change your results. I personally do not recommend weighing everyday as it is bound to discourage you bc you CANNOT lose fat that quickly. Even if the averages are going down, there will be many days that you see a number you don't like. Instantaneous results are not realistic or healthy!!! . Try weighing once or twice a week max (same day, time, location) so that your body has time to adjust. Good-luck

Kalikel

I don't like the "Life Happens" philosophy. A lot of people say that - "life happened" - but life didn't shove food down your throat. You chose to over eat. That was a choice you made.

You have to believe that you control your eating before you can make changes to the way you eat and have them stick.

Admitting that you choose to eat every bite is a big part of this for some.

You can lose the weight without doing a VLCD. You just have to try something for a few weeks, see how it's working and make small adjustments until you find the path that works for you. Give it some time.

You have to be patient. No matter how you do it, you're looking at a lot of work for a really long time. So chill out and start paying attention to what works. Make your adjustments. Make your plan. See how it goes.

You can do this.

FatFreeFrolicking

There's no mention of a food scale in your OP… Unless you are using a food scale, you do not know if you are in a calorie deficit or not.

moonpie83

atypicalsmith wrote: »

Also, besides using the same scales, weigh yourself first thing in the morning without clothes and before eating or drinking anything. The VLCD is likely what caused you to gain the weight back in the first place; not because "life happens".

I hadn't done the VLCD since 2009; it was just me wanting to go back to something that I know would give me fast results; but thanks for your input; I do appreciate it.

moonpie83

vismal wrote: »

Many red flags here. First off, you are very concerned with daily/weekly changes in weight. Don't be. You don't gain and lose multiple lbs of fat each day. That would require severe swings in both calorie intake and exercise output. It's water weight and glycogen mostly. Weigh yourself every day but pay no attention to the results. At the weeks end, average your daily weights. After a month, compare your averages. They should show a downward trend. If they do not, you are eating too much. Either your calorie goal is too high (not usually the case) or your calorie counting isn't very accurate (often times the case). If the former is the problem, simply reduce your goal. If the latter is the problem, read this: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101/p1

Also, weighing one different scales will produce different results. Keep it consistent. What you weigh on your home scale may be significantly different than what you weigh at the doctors. Also remind yourself that your body is not special. If you are in a deficit, you will lose fat. The minute you begin thinking that you are somehow exempt from that rule, is when motivation decreases and you start looking for alternatives (VLCD, weight loss surgery).

Thanks so much for your post; I will definitely take all things you said into consideration. I really appreciate your input

FatFreeFrolicking

Keishanapier wrote: »

atypicalsmith wrote: »

Also, besides using the same scales, weigh yourself first thing in the morning without clothes and before eating or drinking anything. The VLCD is likely what caused you to gain the weight back in the first place; not because "life happens".

I hadn't done the VLCD since 2009; it was just me wanting to go back to something that I know would give me fast results; but thanks for your input; I do appreciate it.

Fast isn't good when it comes to weight loss.

You want a diet and exercise regimen that is going to give you long-term results.

atypicalsmith

Keishanapier wrote: »

atypicalsmith wrote: »

Also, besides using the same scales, weigh yourself first thing in the morning without clothes and before eating or drinking anything. The VLCD is likely what caused you to gain the weight back in the first place; not because "life happens".

I hadn't done the VLCD since 2009; it was just me wanting to go back to something that I know would give me fast results; but thanks for your input; I do appreciate it.

You're quite welcome, and thanks for thanking me! BTW, I LOVE your avatar!

moonpie83

@diannethegeek Thank you so much, these are all things to consider, especially weighing food and tightening up on logging; which, I can admit I may not log everything on a Saturday or Sunday (when we're out and about). But I will also look further into any medical conditions or maybe even some of my current medications that may be hindering my progress. Thanks again!

moonpie83

Thanks so much @jdixon02! I will definitely try this!

moonpie83

@Kalikel I definitely know it's my own fault for gaining this weight back; but at the time, that was how I dealt with the curve balls life was throwing me. Now that I've dealt with some, not even close to all, of those issues, I'm in a much better place now; a place where I'm ready to get healthy and live life!

Kalikel

Keishanapier wrote: »

@Kalikel I definitely know it's my own fault for gaining this weight back; but at the time, that was how I dealt with the curve balls life was throwing me. Now that I've dealt with some, not even close to all, of those issues, I'm in a much better place now; a place where I'm ready to get healthy and live life!

It's not so much about placing blame as it is about never feeling like your eating is out of your control, KWIM?

You have to know it. With every fiber of your being, you must know that you are in complete control of what you eat.

If you feel like other things have an effect, then it's not YOU being in control. It's stress and life and your mother-in-law who pushes her lasagna, etc. Those things don't control what you eat. You do.

So not about saying, "It's all your fault!" because that's pointless and kind of mean.

atypicalsmith

Kalikel wrote: »

Keishanapier wrote: »

@Kalikel I definitely know it's my own fault for gaining this weight back; but at the time, that was how I dealt with the curve balls life was throwing me. Now that I've dealt with some, not even close to all, of those issues, I'm in a much better place now; a place where I'm ready to get healthy and live life!

It's not so much about placing blame as it is about never feeling like your eating is out of your control, KWIM?

You have to know it. With every fiber of your being, you must know that you are in complete control of what you eat.

If you feel like other things have an effect, then it's not YOU being in control. It's stress and life and your mother-in-law who pushes her lasagna, etc. Those things don't control what you eat. You do.

So not about saying, "It's all your fault!" because that's pointless and kind of mean.

+1

PAV8888

The flowchart above addresses whether you are in a deficit or not.

Water weight changes are independent of fat or muscle change and generally much larger in scope, often obscuring the underlying changes.

Consistency in how and where you weigh yourself minimizes introducing avoidable measurement errors.

Using a site such as www.weightgrapher.com, www.trendweight.com or the happy scale app on an iPhone let's you look at your weight loss trend as opposed to looking at single data points that may be all over the place even while you are losing weight consistently.