Afraid Of The Scale

Hanfordrose

Do you feel that closing your diary would allow you to be more honest?

I know you don't want to hear these responses, but here are my thoughts:

1. Ditch the scale. Take measurements instead. If the scale is a source of stress then use another measure for your progress.

2. Eat more. At least 1200 calories, and then only that little if you are carefully planning your nutrition. Preferably your BMR. I suspect you're sneaking food because your calorie intake is way too little.

3. If you're going to continue to eat so little, see a nutritionist and/or doctor for monitoring.

I agree with this response. I'm also going to be another person who says "eat more". Have you seen a dietitian or doctor who told you that 1000 was right for you? If you're continually feeling hungry, eat a little more and log it! Eating more than 1000 doesn't have to be a bad thing.

1. No...the scale will stay. I just have to tough it out, when it doesn't tell me what I want.
2. Yes...I am moving my goal to 1200, starting today.
3. Yes...I will asked for the referral to my doctor's nutritionist.

Thanks, Sis.

Hanfordrose

You mention you are confined to a wheelchair. I don't know if you are able to move your legs at all but there are seated aerobic DVD's out there (I used to use them and if you put the effort in - its a good burn - but totally seated non-weight bearing). I know you don't go to the gym but some gyms have an upper body cardio machine that again could help you increase exercise (kind of like a bike for your arms). Even just going to meet with a personal trainer a couple times a month would be good because they could help you develop a solid upper body workout.

Good luck... you can do just try to change your approach.

Already doing 30 minutes of Sit and Fit with small hand weights, 3 to 5 times per week. I am on orders to NOT use my knees or ankles in any exercises at this time. The surgeon is concerned that I will do additional damage. The ends of the leg bones are fractured, and there is NO cartilage or bursa left. I have chronic tendonitis in both knees. I have 3 fractures to one ankle which resulted from falls. The other ankle is badly bruised from repeated sprains, falls and a previous leg infection. Not a pretty picture. So, I am on orders to 'stay put in your chair' and 'do nothing that might cause more damage'. Standing up and taking a few painful steps (using my walker) in our small apartment is about all I can safely do at this time.

Even getting on the scale requires me to have a 'catcher'. I shower carefully.

Hanfordrose

What is your BMR, out of curiosity? I have a hard time believing it's close to 1200. Also, your TDEE?

Have you tried these tools?

http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/

(note: when entering the "goal weight" in the BMR tool, you should actually add your current weight.

My BMR was 47, when I started. It was 43 as of yesterday. I am 68 years old, female, 64 inches tall and weighed 246.2 last Wednesday with my cloths on. I was 245 in my nightgown this morning. Note: Activity level - Sedentary. I believe that I am supposed to deduct 30%, because of my extremely high BMR.

I will let you do the math. I would be interested to see...what do you get as my TDEE? :happy:

cmeiron

What is your BMR, out of curiosity? I have a hard time believing it's close to 1200. Also, your TDEE?

Have you tried these tools?

http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/

(note: when entering the "goal weight" in the BMR tool, you should actually add your current weight.

My BMR was 47, when I started. It was 43 as of yesterday. I am 68 years old, female, 64 inches tall and weighed 246.2 last Wednesday with my cloths on. I was 245 in my nightgown this morning. Note: Activity level - Sedentary. I believe that I am supposed to deduct 30%, because of my extremely high BMR.

I will let you do the math. I would be interested to see...what do you get as my TDEE? :happy:

There is absolutely no way your BMR is 47. Physically impossible. I think you misunderstand what that is - it's Basal Metabolic Rate (the bare minimum you need to consume to support basic bodily functions).

I calculate a BMR of about 1700 calories. This is what you should be eating at a minimum.

Let's assume that number is accurate. Your TDEE would therefore be (if sedentary) approximately 2047.

30% of 2047 is 614. 2047-614 is 1433.

This value is below your BMR, which is not ideal, but you're being monitored (right?) You could therefore EASILY eat AT LEAST 1433 calories/day and still see significant losses, without compromising nutrition and energy.

So yeah - everyone else who suggested you eat more?

Yeah, do that. Eat more.

that_Va_chick

I would check the numbers. I weigh started off weighing 256 only work out 1x a week and I am suppose to eat 1350 cal.

Hanfordrose

There is absolutely no way your BMR is 47. Physically impossible. I think you misunderstand what that is - it's Basal Metabolic Rate (the bare minimum you need to consume to support basic bodily functions).

I calculate a BMR of about 1700 calories. This is what you should be eating at a minimum.

Let's assume that number is accurate. Your TDEE would therefore be (if sedentary) approximately 2047.

30% of 2047 is 614. 2047-614 is 1433.

This value is below your BMR, which is not ideal, but you're being monitored (right?) You could therefore EASILY eat AT LEAST 1433 calories/day and still see significant losses, without compromising nutrition and energy.

So yeah - everyone else who suggested you eat more?

Yeah, do that. Eat more.

I asked my hubbie to confirm what the surgeon said in November. He said that the doctor told me that my BMR was (not is)..."45 or 46".

Since that time, my regular physician said that I had lost enough weight to drop that number. Using a link that I got off another MFP post yesterday, I calculated my BMR at 43. I came up with 1800 calories, but I also deducted 30% which was the amount suggested for someone who is mobidly obese. That is me...unfortunately. The final number was 1200.

Until I can talk with my doctor next week, I am going to increase my daily goal to 1200 calories. At least, that will be honest.

Thanks for taking the time to doing those calculations.

shaleyn

I'm thinking you have BMI and BMR confused. BMI = Body Mass Index. BMR = Basal Metabolic Rate.

Hanfordrose

To all of you wonderful MFP brothers and sisters who have taken the time to respond.

I really appreciate your advice, your concern and the fact that you took time for me today. I have at least one nice surprise for me and for you.

I took some time off to clean up and get dressed. Then...I did it. I said a little prayer and got back on that scale. My true weight today in clothes is 245.8 pounds. That isn't a huge loss for this past week...only 0.4 pounds; but it is a loss...and I am grateful for that loss and for my friends on MFP.

cmeiron

I'm thinking you have BMI and BMR confused. BMI = Body Mass Index. BMR = Basal Metabolic Rate.

Yes. This.

These are two extremely different measures.

Hanfordrose

I'm thinking you have BMI and BMR confused. BMI = Body Mass Index. BMR = Basal Metabolic Rate.

There you go, Sis!!! I should know better. The surgeon was referring to my BMI !!! Duh! :laugh:

amyncrook

If I do not eat enough calories, I simply stop losing weight, "cheat more" and lose motivation. I used to think eating less equals weight loss. Now I realize eating ENOUGH healthy and the right types of food equals weight loss. If I am hungry I eat a small handful of almonds and drink a glass of water. It almost always helps. If not, I know I did not eat a good meal at the last meal time and I eat something with protein and a fruit or veggie. I also do not allow myself to weigh in more than once a week. Women's weight fluctuates so much that I only go with my once a week weight. Also, it really is better to measure, not weigh. I looked over my records and weigh 178.8 with a 35.5 inch waist. Two years ago, I was 173.5 pounds with a 35.5 inch waist. My waist is the same, but I weigh more now. I understand the weight thing with the doctor and the surgery. Just be patient and don't run faster than you have strength. The most important things for me is always my mind set and if I believe I can and Believe I am doing my best! Good Luck!

Hanfordrose

I received a couple of messages (off of this post) which were also helpful and encouraging.

One MFP sister talked about gluten and bread products. That's when I realized that I had added bread to my food plan recently that would not have been typical. I had a sour dough roll with my birthday dinner. I had a Subway sandwich divided into 3 meals and a Quiznos sandwich divided into 2 meals, while my hubbie and I were traveling. I even ate 3 muffins with cheese spread during the past week. This has been a really 'bready week' for me.

The other friend suggested that I was getting too anxious about my surgery and made me remember to put my trust in my Lord. He never fails me. That was probably the most important thing that I need to remember today. If it wasn't for Him, I would have no hope; but with Him, anything is possible. I did lose weight this week...0.4 pounds...even when I was sure that I had gained weight. That's why I pray, before a step on the scale.

Again...thank you good friends of MFP.

Hanfordrose

If you really want to snack, find something low calorie that takes a long time to eat. One of my favorites is cold cereal like Cheerios or Kix or veggies like baby carrots or sugar snap peas. I'll measure out a specific serving size to fit my calorie allotment then eat it one piece at a time. No more than one. It takes a long time to eat 100 calories of Cheerios that way!

Thanks for that idea. I actually like Rice Crispies, but I am trying to imagine eat them one at a time. Those are really tiny. :laugh:

On the other hand, I like Rice Chex. I just found out that a cup of Rice Chex is exactly 100 calories. That would be better than something in one of those prepacked 100 calorie pouch with lots of salt and sugar.

winterswish

On the other hand, I like Rice Chex. I just found out that a cup of Rice Chex is exactly 100 calories. That would be better than something in one of those prepacked 100 calorie pouch with lots of salt and sugar.

^^^Love hearing this, especially since the first thread I read from you was about the financial cost of those 100 calorie packs! You're doing it! Keep up the hard work.

Hanfordrose

On the other hand, I like Rice Chex. I just found out that a cup of Rice Chex is exactly 100 calories. That would be better than something in one of those prepacked 100 calorie pouch with lots of salt and sugar.

^^^Love hearing this, especially since the first thread I read from you was about the financial cost of those 100 calorie packs! You're doing it! Keep up the hard work.

I just made 12 baggies of Rice Chex @ 100 calories each. They definitely contain more to eat than the prepacked snacks and have almost none of the sugar and salt of the other snacks. Those baggies will now become a part of my snack choices. As I use up the remaining commercial snacks, I will be needing more of these healthy alternatives.

SueInAz

I just made 12 baggies of Rice Chex @ 100 calories each. They definitely contain more to eat than the prepacked snacks and have almost none of the sugar and salt of the other snacks. Those baggies will now become a part of my snack choices. As I use up the remaining commercial snacks, I will be needing more of these healthy alternatives.

I like rice chex, too! So glad I could help a little and congrats on the weight loss this week. No matter how small any loss is better than a gain. :happy: