Don't Let the Bathroom Scale Get the Better of You
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speyerj, I do have a scale at home, I try to weigh once a week on Saturdays. the last week has been so hectic I forgot to do it last Saturday. I will definitely do it tomorrow.2
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I weigh daily and discovered my pattern. I hold steady within two pounds either way for two to four weeks, and then suddenly I lose five pounds in two or three days. Then I hold steady at that new weight... and lose more all of a sudden.
And often I find that in the middle of that long plateau that suddenly my pants have gotten just too loose and smaller ones are needed, and that's comforting when you seem to be holding steady.2 -
AlexandraFindsHerself1971 wrote: »I weigh daily and discovered my pattern. I hold steady within two pounds either way for two to four weeks, and then suddenly I lose five pounds in two or three days. Then I hold steady at that new weight... and lose more all of a sudden.
And often I find that in the middle of that long plateau that suddenly my pants have gotten just too loose and smaller ones are needed, and that's comforting when you seem to be holding steady.
That seems to be the way I lose weight too. A couple of weeks of bouncing and then 2-3 lbs seemingly for no reason.2 -
hi everyone. i just joined mfp yesterday but i have been losing this time for 1 1/2 years. i started at 566 lbs and am now at 417. i had more than enough stress over my scales over the years. then something that was said while i was in a treatment facility in the military popped out of my head. we had been discussing which group was the worst to recover from - overeater, alcohol or drug. a councelor put it this way - alcohol and drug you can quit cold turkey and be ok. it's hard, but doable. food you can't quit cold turkey. you have to "pet the tiger" 3 times a day and hope he doesn't bite you. i brought that out into my scale fight. i have a talking scale since i couldn't see the numbers when i started, but it's great. my daughter bought me a stuffed tiger to help. i would put him on the scale every day before weighing myself so he would cover the numbers. i would hear the reading and if it went down, great if it didn't, ok. then i would have to bend down and pick up the tiger so i could put the scale away. guess what - i never got bit, no matter what the scale said. i had to use the tiger for 3 weeks before it became ingrained in my mind that it didn't matter what the scale said each day. each day doesn't matter in the long run. i'd love to show you my weight chart but you've already seen lots like it. plateaus, sudden drops, climbs and the whole thing looks like an earthquake. it has trended down and that's what matters. feel free to use a tiger on your scale if that helps you get comfortable on it and remember that the number can't bite you. you didn't get fat in one day, you won't lose it in one day. take your time and work your program. the scale will stick but your body will be changing. during many of my stalls i actually noticed changes in the density of my fat deposits. they were getting mushier. that told the story better than the stuck scale. sorry for the book.
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@maiomaio71
I upticked again today so now I am 4.8 pounds (2.17 kg) heavier than 2 days ago. I am a little surprised but overall I know I have been in a deficit so it will sort itself back out like it always does. I suppose I decided if you were going to be 2kg heavier I would be too.
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I've also discovered that stress is a major contributor to it. I know that today I will post no loss, but I was awakened an hour early because one of my partners was having a mental health crisis. That's enough stress for me to retain water and hold steady in weight for a day. There's probably a nice biochemical explanation of cortisol and kidney function, but I definitely have found that there's a correlation between the daily stress I'm having and how long the plateau runs.
Admittedly, it eventually will show on the scale, but it takes way longer if I'm under chronic stress.1 -
I had just hopped onto the group today to see if someone had a post regarding this - because I have found it fascinating. I'm using the TDEE 3.0 Spreadsheet to track this go around and doing everything I can with food scale, etc.. to ensure that I am getting accurate numbers for that spreadsheet. This week I had a couple of days where I went well over my caloric restriction - wife's birthday and a special religious holy week that is characterized by feasting.
I did really well all week, but had some good friends over for dinner on the last day (day after wife's birthday) and we did Prime Rib and scotch. It was awesome. HOWEVER - in 3 days time I went from 321 to 328.
It is interesting to me - because ordinarily, in my previous experience - a couple of heavier days like that didn't result in a gain - it was more of a 'allow things to pass through the system' and within 2 days you're back to where you were before. Not so this time it has stayed - so a little bit of a different experience.
I'm also noticing a retention of more water today than I had noticed all week. Was in an area of higher altitude (3500-5000 feet) and went back home (200 feet). Lots of little things that I haven't really noticed before because I haven't really ever watched it.
Pretty fascinating how our bodies work! Now, to just get it to start doing what I want it to do again.
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I take progress pics periodically but the first few didn't look any different to me. I was going to take one this week but almost decided against it because it had only been 5 pounds lost since my last pic and I thought no way would I see a difference. I was wrong, THIS is the first picture where I actually see a change!
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I take progress pics periodically but the first few didn't look any different to me. I was going to take one this week but almost decided against it because it had only been 5 pounds lost since my last pic and I thought no way would I see a difference. I was wrong, THIS is the first picture where I actually see a change!
@amart4224
You're right - there is a visible change! Congratulations - you look great!
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@amart4224 Nice work! Definitely a difference. I've finally reached the point where other people have started to notice and asked, "Have you lost weight?" I like that stage. 4
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The best is when people you haven't seen in a while don't recognize you!1
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Between a generous serving of chips, salsa and fajitas at a Mexican restaurant (👋🏻 sodium) and a migraine last night. I am up 4 pounds overnight. Thankfully I know it’s just water and it will come off quickly. Now to get hydrated keep going today.2
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Between a generous serving of chips, salsa and fajitas at a Mexican restaurant (👋🏻 sodium) and a migraine last night. I am up 4 pounds overnight. Thankfully I know it’s just water and it will come off quickly. Now to get hydrated keep going today.
I eat so little salt any more that the last time I went to a Mexican restaurant and had the rice, I could barely choke it down. It was way too salty. I much prefer to make my own at home.
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Between the poison ivy and eating a bunch of restaurant food last week on our trip my scale has reached epic heights. The thing is that is great news. It is far easier to trust the process when the numbers would only make sense if someone was jamming a feeding tube down your throat each night while you slept and filling your stomach with high calorie food items. These numbers are so far into the orbit they are almost hilarious... almost... but not quite.
It is not quite hilarious because I AM STILL OVERDUE FOR ONEDERLAND. My spreadsheet shows me there but I am stuck in fluid retention land with no end in sight.
It is a lesson in patience I suppose.5 -
Can anyone suggest a scale for high weights.1
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How much weight did you have to lose to before people started to notice you weight loss.1
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My boyfriend and girlfriend said they noticed when I had lost about 15 pounds. I noticed myself at about 30; I suddenly had a ton more energy and my body took up space differently.2
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I've lost 23 and can see it on myself but due to the pandemic the only people I see regularly are my parents and they haven't said anything whether they noticed or not.1
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BordeauxBee wrote: »Can anyone suggest a scale for high weights.
@BordeauxBee
I just bought this one: https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital-Bathroom-Measure-Tempered/dp/B01HI1W1V4/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=Bathroom+Scale&qid=1603717296&sr=8-12
There are two options - one weighs up to 400 lbs, one up to 440. I just got it, so can't attest to how well it lasts, but so far it seems comparable to my old one. Fast, quiet, seems accurate/precise enough (I'm currently in the 200 lb range, but assume it would be equally accurate at higher end of its range as well).
I also recall seeing this one that goes up to 550 lbs, but have never tried it: https://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Extra-High-Capacity-Extra-Wide/dp/B01ATYK3M6/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=High+Capacity+Bathroom+Scale&qid=1603716914&sr=8-9
I'm not sure about scales for higher weights than that, but someone else might have some suggestions if needed!
Hope this helps!
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BordeauxBee wrote: »Can anyone suggest a scale for high weights.
@BordeauxBee
I just bought this one: https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital-Bathroom-Measure-Tempered/dp/B01HI1W1V4/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=Bathroom+Scale&qid=1603717296&sr=8-12
There are two options - one weighs up to 400 lbs, one up to 440. I just got it, so can't attest to how well it lasts, but so far it seems comparable to my old one. Fast, quiet, seems accurate/precise enough (I'm currently in the 200 lb range, but assume it would be equally accurate at higher end of its range as well).
I also recall seeing this one that goes up to 550 lbs, but have never tried it: https://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Extra-High-Capacity-Extra-Wide/dp/B01ATYK3M6/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=High+Capacity+Bathroom+Scale&qid=1603716914&sr=8-9
I'm not sure about scales for higher weights than that, but someone else might have some suggestions if needed!
Hope this helps!
That is the one I bought. It has an easy recalibration system. Also the extra wide was a feature I really appreciated when I needed it. I bought one that I had a hard time seeing the number while on it and it would disappear very quickly when I stepped off. It took me several tries which I suppose was good for step exercises but kind of frustrating as a scale.2 -
BordeauxBee wrote: »How much weight did you have to lose to before people started to notice you weight loss.
@BordeauxBee about 27 pounds. The first place I noticed weight loss was my feet. I was less than amused considering I had a super large belly but we do not get to pick where the fat comes from.2 -
I'd always heard anecdotally that weight loss tends to go from the extremities in; that you notice your thigh measurement getting smaller before the hip measurement does, etc.1
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Yesterday morning the battery went out in my scales and I was sure I had lost some weight....got the batteries and got on them this morning and YES!.....my lowest weight so far!...exactly 97 lbs gone!...I am pretty excited !12
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conniewilkins56 wrote: »Yesterday morning the battery went out in my scales and I was sure I had lost some weight....got the batteries and got on them this morning and YES!.....my lowest weight so far!...exactly 97 lbs gone!...I am pretty excited !
Connie:
Well done.....maybe I need new batteries as my scale isn't moving LOL1 -
BordeauxBee wrote: »Can anyone suggest a scale for high weights.
@BordeauxBee
I just bought this one: https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital-Bathroom-Measure-Tempered/dp/B01HI1W1V4/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=Bathroom+Scale&qid=1603717296&sr=8-12
There are two options - one weighs up to 400 lbs, one up to 440. I just got it, so can't attest to how well it lasts, but so far it seems comparable to my old one. Fast, quiet, seems accurate/precise enough (I'm currently in the 200 lb range, but assume it would be equally accurate at higher end of its range as well).
I also recall seeing this one that goes up to 550 lbs, but have never tried it: https://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Extra-High-Capacity-Extra-Wide/dp/B01ATYK3M6/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=High+Capacity+Bathroom+Scale&qid=1603716914&sr=8-9
I'm not sure about scales for higher weights than that, but someone else might have some suggestions if needed!
Hope this helps!
That is the one I bought. It has an easy recalibration system. Also the extra wide was a feature I really appreciated when I needed it. I bought one that I had a hard time seeing the number while on it and it would disappear very quickly when I stepped off. It took me several tries which I suppose was good for step exercises but kind of frustrating as a scale.
NovusDies, 😆 “ was good for step exercises”
Thank you for recommendations. I have list them. ⚖️
-BordeauxBee
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conniewilkins56 wrote: »Yesterday morning the battery went out in my scales and I was sure I had lost some weight....got the batteries and got on them this morning and YES!.....my lowest weight so far!...exactly 97 lbs gone!...I am pretty excited !
Congratulations! 🎉 That is truly amazing!
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My scales set my mood for the day!....if I lose I am in a great mood and if I don’t, I am pissy the entire day!....SO the entire month of February I have made a commitment to stay off of the scales....I went so far as to put the scales in the back of my car!...I have not gotten on them yet!...I have to say the first couple of days it was really tempting to bring them back in the house!...after 5 days I am finding it rather liberating!...I feel like this is a step forward for me to eat under my calorie goal and simply “ trust in the process”.... it’s crazy but this one thing has brought me a renewed motivation to stay on track....I can’t wait to see how much the scales go down on March 1....and I have confidence they will have a lower number on them!...my life is not revolving around what the scales number is!...the scales will not dictate my life!5
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I feel the same as many of you. I used to dread the scale. It was even worse, since I had to go to a Transportation company to use their scale which was intended for Cargo Freight. As the end of the month approached, I would get a pit in my stomach. In all honesty I think it got worse as I was already beginning to fail, and I didn't want everyone to know it.
Then during a future even, I purchased two fairly good scales and was doing quite well. I would step on both and try with all my might to stay still. But being so large it was quite impossible to get a accurate reading on either scale that it would fluctuate wildly every time I stepped on them. I gave up on the scales, as again it was a very stressful event that would be heavily on mind weeks leading up to weigh in date.
Then yet another attempt... I purchased a good digital scale that if I remember correctly weighs accurately to 400lb (will need to verify). Again every time I stepped on it the reading good swing 30 pounds in either direction. Then depending where you put it on the floor it could sing an additional 30 pounds. I actually thought I was doing good, then one day I was gut punched and consistently got weights in the range of 40 pounds on average higher. Thinking back I think this may be because I actually finally got down to around 400 pounds, and the scale was now giving somewhat a reasonable number, however it still completely fluctuated depending on where I put the scale and how I stepped on them. Either way it totally demoralized me. I then quite soon afterwards lost motivation and fell off the program.
So here I am now... I lost fairly significantly in 2018 didn't use scales. I did manage to gain some good habits though, and consistently didn't go through Tim Horton's or McDonalds for breakfast. However between Christmas 2018 and then going into Covid and the rest of 2019 I still managed to let the wheels fall off, and I gained a significant amount back (but much slower then in the past).
Since January, things have been going 100% amazing. I'm still not using the scales, I haven't' been through a single drive through. And every day my macro's are spot on where I want them to be.
But the scale is beginning to call my name. I'm going to try to hold off long enough that I'm as certain as possible they will be able to give me a number accurately. Will it be 2 months? 3 Months from now? I haven't decided yet.
Hmmmmmm.2 -
Hmmm. Unyielding surface is the first requirement for your scale.
Any surface with yield to it will reduce your apparent weight and make repeat measurements really hard.
Consider if need be an appropriately size tile, or similar with no yield.
I just did a search on Amazon Canada which normally carries less products than .com using the keyword 500lb scale and I can see two 500+lb "rated" scales plus several in the 440+ range, all under $50
I cannot vouch for their accuracy.
Most scales exhibit fake consistency by not showing you a different weight unless they detect something much different than before.
Regardless if you take multiple daily weigh-ins your weight trend changes will be obvious very soon.
Or you can do what you did before and not use the scale.
Maybe not in the very beginning but when you start concentrating on developing more sustainable deficits, at that point you may decide that it benefits you to be able to tell me precisely how much you're losing so as to maximize your food intake while still continuing to meet your weight loss goals!2 -
There is so much interesting stuff happening around here! Thank you for the good reads everyone!2
