Feeling like its all for nothing !

I have only been doing this for appx 6 weeks for so maybe less. I have a very limited workout that I can do because of drs. restrictions. The scale has only tipped 3 lbs, but I have lost 4 inches in total so far, so its not all for nothing. The scale doesn't always show it all. I sweat my azz off for 45 to 60 minutes three days a week and I was really depressed when I stepped on the scale. But then my trainer was like let me take measurements before you hang your head, because it was my last visit with her before I set out on my own. I was happier after she measured me and she told me anytime I wanted to stop by for her to do that she would be more than happy to redo my measurements for me. So don't always go by the scale.... Keep your head up and one foot in front of the other. In the end the hard work does pay off.

Going up and down is completely normal. It's the long term results that matter. For example, I've been losing between 1.3 and 1.4 pounds per week pretty consistently.

For example, I first hit 258.8 pounds three and a half weeks ago but I knew that was a "false low" because I had been slowly working my way down through the lower 260s and this was a significant overnight drop. Indeed, a couple days later I weighed 264.6 pounds.

Did I really gain almost 6 pounds in 48 hours? No, no more than I had shed four pounds overnight to get to 258. I was really, at that point, hovering around 261.

I weighed 258.0 this morning and I think it's a fair reflection of my current "real weight." I exercised hard today so I may hold an extra pound or two of water tomorrow but I'm aiming for seeing the high tenths of 256 later this week, not to say I've seen the last of the 260s. Our weight varies from day to day and throughout the day.

You must look at the long term trend. When I use the MFP reports function to see one week, it looks like a random zigzag, when I look at longer periods I see the consistent downhill slide.

1.3 to 1.4 pounds a week seems slow, especially when, like you, I've got a lot to shed, but that's a healthy rate and I am more likely to keep it off. And besides, if not now, when?

I just looked at your diary for today and yesterday.

Have you considered eating clean? At least for awhile?

I was in the same boat you're in, no matter what I did, how little I ate, or how much I worked out, nothing seemed to make a difference.

When I gave up sugar and processed foods the weight started coming off - I'm down 50 lbs since March.

Instead of Slim Fast consider investing in a juicer and making your own fruit and vegetable juice for breakfast - it would be much more satisfying and healthy for you.

Dinner should be a small meal - lunch should have more calories than dinner.

And drink lots of water. I know the recommended is 8 - 8oz glasses of water but the bigger you are, the more water you need. I drink 6 - 32oz bottles of water a day. Water is the only thing I drink these days also.

Also get a good night's sleep every night - being up late or having a restless night's sleep is hard on the body and makes it hard to lose weight.

You can lose weight, just take it one step at a time, you'll get there.

Thank you for opening your food diary! That really helps! I've felt that way too at times. Weight loss is frustrating! One thing I notice is that you have wildly low calories sometimes. I think you may not actually be eating enough to lose weight--on some days you're under the amount of calories your body needs just to function. Try looking at:
--
http://eatmore2weighless.com/

Also, I see a lot of shakes and processed foods in your diary. I know they can be inexpensive and convenient! However, it's possible that your body isn't getting enough basic nutrition. Many very heavy folks are actually carb-intolerant. Perhaps an Atkins or South Beach approach would support your body more. Some people have great success with Paleo. But I think very good quality (natural foods, not processed) nutrition and exercise that's comfortable for you would help you break through your plateau.

Good, good luck. We're all rooting for you!

Keep in mind.