afraid to get on scale

I am afraid to get on the scale. I cannot remember the last time I did. I am so ashamed of myself for getting so big and having no self control or balance in my life. It will be another thing to feel like a failure at. I need help!!
«1

Replies

  • RMCoffey
    RMCoffey Posts: 27
    Don't be afraid. Think of it as a starting point. You have to know where you are before you can figure out where you want to be. Set small goals and chip away at it :smile:
  • marrizia
    marrizia Posts: 88 Member
    It is so scary, and hard to do, but it will be the first step. Once you do it, that can be your mental and physical starting point- through diet and exercise, that number will go down. As it does, you will get excited and see how far you've come.
    Scales suck and can make us cry, but you are not a failure!
  • MosierTim
    MosierTim Posts: 56 Member
    It is so scary, and hard to do, but it will be the first step. Once you do it, that can be your mental and physical starting point- through diet and exercise, that number will go down. As it does, you will get excited and see how far you've come.
    Scales suck and can make us cry, but you are not a failure!

    Scales do suck! but it is one way of tracking your progress. I would not step on it too much and would not use it as your only metric for measuring your success but I would definatley do it!.

    Sometimes, we need the wake up call. When I stepped on the scale and I was 384.4 lbs, the reality of what I had done to my body sunk in. Use that feeling as fuel! Trust me, you will never want to feel that way again and it will help you in the long run.

    I also reccomend you take pictures of your body with and with out clothes so you can look at the progress you have made. While you will not like what you see today, you will be able to look back over time and be able to see all of the amazing things you have done!
  • ZugTheMegasaurus
    ZugTheMegasaurus Posts: 801 Member
    Think of it this way: you don't weigh any less just because you don't know. You will be exactly the same physically before and after you step on that scale. And on the plus side, you'll be more knowledgeable and able to change that number.

    Not knowing should scare you more than knowing. Take a deep breath, record the number, and then focus on something else. Above all, remember that the number is largely meaningless. You are still the same person and still have your own great qualities regardless of the number on the scale.
  • auroranflash
    auroranflash Posts: 3,569 Member
    Think of it this way: you don't weigh any less just because you don't know. You will be exactly the same physically before and after you step on that scale. And on the plus side, you'll be more knowledgeable and able to change that number.

    Not knowing should scare you more than knowing. Take a deep breath, record the number, and then focus on something else. Above all, remember that the number is largely meaningless. You are still the same person and still have your own great qualities regardless of the number on the scale.

    I love this answer and couldn't possibly do any better, so. :)
  • BigDaddyBRC
    BigDaddyBRC Posts: 2,395 Member
    Until you do, you will never succeed.

    Realize where you are.
    Visualize what it is you WANT
    Choose what it is you WANT
    ACT upon the choice that lead you to..........


    SUCCESS

    Your journey begins in the mind. 90% of the battle to change is in your head. You have to WANT it to DO it. And stop thinking that it's a difficult challenge. because it is not.
  • MaryRegs
    MaryRegs Posts: 272 Member
    Think of it this way: you don't weigh any less just because you don't know. You will be exactly the same physically before and after you step on that scale. And on the plus side, you'll be more knowledgeable and able to change that number.

    Not knowing should scare you more than knowing. Take a deep breath, record the number, and then focus on something else. Above all, remember that the number is largely meaningless. You are still the same person and still have your own great qualities regardless of the number on the scale.

    Exactly right....and we have all been there.....and still go there sometimes....one day at a time
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    It's time to face the music and get on that scale, but not so you can feel bad about how much you weigh. It's so you can know how much you weigh, how much you should weigh, and to keep track in between. You can do it! =)
  • loistryin
    loistryin Posts: 70 Member
    I appreciate all the responses, but I still haven't got on the scale yet.... I plan to this week.... My goal is to have gotten on it by next Monday. Thanks again for the responses. I do need to "hear it" and listen to all the wonderful advice/encouragement. Knowing I am not alone in this battle helps tremendously.
  • loistryin
    loistryin Posts: 70 Member
    well, I got on the scale but did not look at the number......a coworker started a "Healthiest Loser" group at work....we each put 20 in the kitty and whoever loses the most at the end of eight weeks gets all 200 of it (there are 10 of us)

    who looked at the number? my coworker who started the group....she looks at it every Friday and tells me if I have maintained lost or gained....I get on the scale backward not looking at the number

    I lost about 8 pounds in the past 4 weeks...... one day I will look at that number but not yet
  • I actually use the number on the scale as motivation to stop myself from putting things in my mouth that I know I should not have. I weight myself every morning so... if I binged or ate crap, it shows. It works for me.
  • jljshoe1979
    jljshoe1979 Posts: 325 Member
    A scale is just a tool to let you know where you are...if you don't like the scale, try taking measurements of your arms, chest, stomach, hips, upper legs, and lower legs...you can keep track of these too on MFP (just add them to the "check-in" section under my home)...inches are a great way to track progress.
  • loistryin
    loistryin Posts: 70 Member
    Well this morning I got on the scale and now I know the dreaded number. I am praying that this time next year it will be 20 pounds less than it was today.
  • pattycakes10117
    pattycakes10117 Posts: 55 Member
    Great!!! You are gettng somewhere. You are making progress. One day you will be able to turn around and look down. Can't say I like the scale part either.........but it just tells me there needs to be something done about it.
    Keep going sweetie..........you are doing fine.
  • lilpoindexter
    lilpoindexter Posts: 1,122 Member
    Hey...Lot's of us have been in the same boat. In August of 2011 when i was desperate to start changing my life...All I knew is that the scale was still moving up at 250lbs, when I jumped off (I'm 5' 11"). I didnt get back on the scale for six months when I was 238.5lbs...I wish I had accurately weighed myself, to know exactly how much i've lost...I know it's in the neighborhood of 60lbs, but not the exact ammount.
    Congratulations for being honest with yourself. The time will pass before you know it, and you will be proud of the work you will have done.
  • mattschwartz01
    mattschwartz01 Posts: 566 Member
    I would say to please stop blaming yourself as it is of no utility. Make tomorrow the day that you seize!
  • loistryin
    loistryin Posts: 70 Member
    Great!!! You are gettng somewhere. You are making progress. One day you will be able to turn around and look down. Can't say I like the scale part either.........but it just tells me there needs to be something done about it.
    Keep going sweetie..........you are doing fine.
  • loistryin
    loistryin Posts: 70 Member
    Patty, I am looking through old posts as I have some rare spare time. Thank you for this encouragement. I did well this past summer (I teach) but had little stress. I always do better with less stress. School/work began and I did worse.... I am not giving up however and today preplanned for today and tomorrow. I put the meals up on the fridge. I plan to create some more dailly plans in advance. My husband does the cooking for the most part and we often look at each other with the What do you want for dinner question. If we preplan I am hoping it will take some of the stress of that question off and help to not overeat. Anyways...I hope you see this to let you know you encouraged me today....well after you posted it. Happy New Year!:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
  • Until you do, you will never succeed.

    Realize where you are.
    Visualize what it is you WANT
    Choose what it is you WANT
    ACT upon the choice that lead you to..........


    SUCCESS

    Your journey begins in the mind. 90% of the battle to change is in your head. You have to WANT it to DO it. And stop thinking that it's a difficult challenge. because it is not.

    I luv this. I weight myself every morning. Very controversial as u have to be able to mentally handle a 1-3 lb wt increase even when u r following your plan. This keeps me from shoving things into my mouth as I know I have to face the scale in the morning. I have stopped this habit a few times and I find that I then allow myself to start eating more as I don't have to get in the scale. One ya leads to a week then a month and then 10 extra lbs. this works for me
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    then do not
    i do not even own a scale.
    only you can make the changes.
    how bad do you want it.
    go kick some butt
  • Wenchiness
    Wenchiness Posts: 126 Member
    You already know what size shirt, pants, bra and panties you wear (or have stretched out). They all have a number. The scale is also just a number. It doesn't bite or berate you, just gives a measurement. After you record that number (and it can be for your personal self, not for the world -who "sees" it on your your body) take your other measurements and record them here. Nobody but you can see them. Take a selfie (it sucks now but will be awesome later)
    Then start this program. Gather some friends. Record EVERYTHING! Live one day at a time, one foot in front of the other. Record what you eat, start making better decisions. Exercise so you can eat more, or have a guilt free treat. Be good to yourself. Be good to those who love you. When I first started and my ticker read a big fat zero pounds lost, I was afraid to talk to people who of course would not take me seriously because I hadn't lost any weight (IDIOT <--- ). After a few weeks I was down 10 lbs. With as far as I have to go, that was nothing. But it was a start. I started in earnest July 5th (Dr. had made me join 2 weeks prior, but I just signed up, didn't do anything). On New Years Eve at my weigh in I was down a full 60 lbs. 60 lbs that last year kept and I didn't have to carry into this year. I'm still morbidly obese, I'm still fat. But I am fat at a much smaller fat size. I can move more, and much easier. I am not starving, I have infinitely more energy. And I can safely throw away fat clothes, because I know that this is not hard. I can do it, it just takes much time and patience. I figure I've got at least 140 more pounds to go, but I started where you did. Fearful of the scale, and disgusted by my own size and inability to get around. Add me as a friend if you like, my diary is open. You can see don't always eat healthy, I have "bad" things often. But my A1C is now better than my Dr.'s, who isn't even diabetic. Months from now, once you've got your number, you will be so proud of how far you've come. You won't accomplish anything if you don't start, so do it!
  • You already know what size shirt, pants, bra and panties you wear (or have stretched out). They all have a number. The scale is also just a number. It doesn't bite or berate you, just gives a measurement. After you record that number (and it can be for your personal self, not for the world -who "sees" it on your your body) take your other measurements and record them here. Nobody but you can see them. Take a selfie (it sucks now but will be awesome later)
    Then start this program. Gather some friends. Record EVERYTHING! Live one day at a time, one foot in front of the other. Record what you eat, start making better decisions. Exercise so you can eat more, or have a guilt free treat. Be good to yourself. Be good to those who love you. When I first started and my ticker read a big fat zero pounds lost, I was afraid to talk to people who of course would not take me seriously because I hadn't lost any weight (IDIOT <--- ). After a few weeks I was down 10 lbs. With as far as I have to go, that was nothing. But it was a start. I started in earnest July 5th (Dr. had made me join 2 weeks prior, but I just signed up, didn't do anything). On New Years Eve at my weigh in I was down a full 60 lbs. 60 lbs that last year kept and I didn't have to carry into this year. I'm still morbidly obese, I'm still fat. But I am fat at a much smaller fat size. I can move more, and much easier. I am not starving, I have infinitely more energy. And I can safely throw away fat clothes, because I know that this is not hard. I can do it, it just takes much time and patience. I figure I've got at least 140 more pounds to go, but I started where you did. Fearful of the scale, and disgusted by my own size and inability to get around. Add me as a friend if you like, my diary is open. You can see don't always eat healthy, I have "bad" things often. But my A1C is now better than my Dr.'s, who isn't even diabetic. Months from now, once you've got your number, you will be so proud of how far you've come. You won't accomplish anything if you don't start, so do it!

    Wow. What an inspiration. Great job and thx for this post:wink:
  • mlogantra76
    mlogantra76 Posts: 334 Member
    I understand not wanting to know the numbers. Last Jan 2nd-August 1st, I used mfp to lose an estimated 30 lbs. I didn't ever get on the scale. I went by how my clothes fit. Once I was ready, I got on the scale and daily weighed from August 1st-November 23rd. Been off the scale since then and over indulging. Gonna do what works for me and not get on the scale till my clothes are fitting comfortably again. Probably about a month... Sounds like you got it all set for you:)
  • elyelyse
    elyelyse Posts: 1,454 Member
    I didn't weigh myself for the first month. I knew I was eating at a deficit, and was feeling better in my clothing, so I knew what I was doing was working. When I did get on that scale, I still hated the number, BUT I already had a few weeks of feeling successful to balance out that feeling.
  • _jayciemarie_
    _jayciemarie_ Posts: 574 Member
    Don't be afraid. Think of it as a starting point. You have to know where you are before you can figure out where you want to be. Set small goals and chip away at it :smile:

    ^ This. I was the person that avoided the scale. At the doctors office I turned my head and asked them NOT to say the number out loud. I was in complete denial. When you are ready to change you will be able to handle the number on the scale. I stood on the scale for the first time in August. It said 231. Typically I would have cried, but I didnt. I actually looked at that number and said "that's a good starting point". I have worked hard ever since. I haven't been perfect--just persistent. I have lost 45lbs. So, dont be discouraged. You HAVE to know where you are at to know where you want to go. Best of luck!
  • For some reason,I did not want to get on the scale this morning. Not sure why as I have been eating right and exercising. I did it anyway and weight the same as yesterday!! For me, I need to weigh myself everyday. I know this is controversial as u have to be able to handle a 1-3 lb increase in weight I found thT as soon as I stopped this and stopped logging food and exercise, I started to eat a little more here and there and then find 10 extra lbs!! This works for me. I need the scale to stop from shoving things into my mouth as. Have to face the scale in the morning.
  • pkw58
    pkw58 Posts: 2,038 Member
    I am over the scale. I use it every morning - wishI had recorded it every day since I began my journey, just to show others how it can fluctuate... the closer to goal, the smaller the swings. I am on month 25 of my healthy lifestyle commitment, and while the scale generally gives the right trend when one is losing weight, you have to get very zen about it on maintenance. It can suddenly drop or go up 3 pounds just depending on how much salt I had or how little carbs I ate the day before. My maintenance target is 128, and I have stayed within 3 pounds of that up or down for about 19 months now. It is a number that a performing arts doctor help me set, and it is about 11 pounds where my commercial lifestyle plan (Dukan, for the record) set my weight. You can't go by the charts except for "general ranges". What is the top of the normal range in those charts is overweight for my small frame. (even adjusted for "small frame") My husband has an extremely large frame. The charts are whacked the other way for him.

    What I am trying to say is, think of the scale more like the weather. What feels cool and breezy to some is chilling to others. What is steamy unbearable to some is warm and comfortable to others. The temperature in numbers is just a number. Much like the number on the scale is just your weight in numbers. If you are are uncomfortable at a number, you modify your calories in to reduce the number. But knowing the number and watching it to make sure it is trending to comfortable is a valuable tool if you embrace it.

  • What I am trying to say is, think of the scale more like the weather. What feels cool and breezy to some is chilling to others. What is steamy unbearable to some is warm and comfortable to others. The temperature in numbers is just a number. Much like the number on the scale is just your weight in numbers. If you are are uncomfortable at a number, you modify your calories in to reduce the number. But knowing the number and watching it to make sure it is trending to comfortable is a valuable tool if you embrace it.

    Love this analogy. You are absolutely correct. Everyone's journey is their own.
  • loistryin
    loistryin Posts: 70 Member
    Don't be afraid. Think of it as a starting point. You have to know where you are before you can figure out where you want to be. Set small goals and chip away at it :smile:

    ^ This. I was the person that avoided the scale. At the doctors office I turned my head and asked them NOT to say the number out loud. I was in complete denial. When you are ready to change you will be able to handle the number on the scale. I stood on the scale for the first time in August. It said 231. Typically I would have cried, but I didnt. I actually looked at that number and said "that's a good starting point". I have worked hard ever since. I haven't been perfect--just persistent. I have lost 45lbs. So, dont be discouraged. You HAVE to know where you are at to know where you want to go. Best of luck!
  • loistryin
    loistryin Posts: 70 Member
    Well, I got on the scale at work a few days ago. We are having a friendly competition to see who can lose the most in a month. it worked for me last year, even though I gained it back. i turned around though so the person who weighed me could see it but i could not. It is a starting point yes, and I have a support system, including the person who weighed me. I am feeling hopeful again. I am in the program at work, using MFP, and joined a book study/online support group called Made to Crave. I sooooo appreciate the responses/encouragement, caring truths...