Got Weighed at Doc's; Breaking Down
TouchofWrath
Posts: 16 Member
Hey.
Some of you may recognize me from my posts I've made months ago, others may not.
I have been working out since early December; I do cardio 3-5 times a week, with weight training every other day. I have also been eating healthier, doing my best to stay around 1200 calories; I don't avoid any foods, other than meat, but that's due to being pescatarian. I have avoided looking at the scale for the last few months due to fear of what it would say. I have struggled with an Eating Disorder in the past, and still struggle from disordered thinking.
Today, after about 4 months of not knowing my weight, I discovered it at the doctor. I am devastated.
My new doctor, as sweet as she is, lied to me. I didn't look at my weight when she weighed me, but I did ask her if I was a healthy weight for my height (5ft 1/2 inch) and she said "Absolutely, you are at a great weight." i was so happy. But then I got the paper work back (which I had meant to ask her to cross out) and I saw it; I weighed 133 lbs. I started at 127, and was hoping to go back down to my previous weight of 120 or even 115. Now I am overweight.
I am disgusting, ashamed, and confused. I don't understand where I went wrong. Even if I were to be generous and take off two pounds for "clothes" (I didn't eat before the doc's, and had gone to the bathroom before that), it is still too much. I didn't expect to lose weight fast, I didn't expect to be 110 lbs or anything. But I was hoping to have at least lost some weight, even a pound. But instead I gained it. I honestly thought I was losing weight because my stomach seemed to be shrinking, my legs seemed thinner (not my thighs, which sucks but whatever), my jawline has become clearer, and clothes are fitting better (for the most part)
I feel myself falling apart. And before anyone says anything YES I am officially seeking behavioral and psychological health (I have an appointment next Friday as well); but just cuz I'm seeking help there doesn't mean I don't want the support of others. Just b/c I'm getting health doesn't automatically make me "healed" or without bad thoughts. I want support, which is what this forum is for; I want kind words and explanations to why things may be going the way they are. I am afraid I am going to give up, which I don't want to but... what's the point of doing this if I'm just going to get fatter... and I'm sure I'll get some person who says "Well muscle weighs more than fat" but it really doesn't. A pound does not weigh more than a pound.
Why is this happening to me? It seems really messed up and doesn't make sense... has anyone else struggled with this? How can i encourage myself to keep moving forward...
TL;DR Been working out and eating healthier for months, but doctor's scale says I have gained a lot of weight. What's going on, and how can I encourage myself not to give up? How can I lose more weight rather than gain?
Some of you may recognize me from my posts I've made months ago, others may not.
I have been working out since early December; I do cardio 3-5 times a week, with weight training every other day. I have also been eating healthier, doing my best to stay around 1200 calories; I don't avoid any foods, other than meat, but that's due to being pescatarian. I have avoided looking at the scale for the last few months due to fear of what it would say. I have struggled with an Eating Disorder in the past, and still struggle from disordered thinking.
Today, after about 4 months of not knowing my weight, I discovered it at the doctor. I am devastated.
My new doctor, as sweet as she is, lied to me. I didn't look at my weight when she weighed me, but I did ask her if I was a healthy weight for my height (5ft 1/2 inch) and she said "Absolutely, you are at a great weight." i was so happy. But then I got the paper work back (which I had meant to ask her to cross out) and I saw it; I weighed 133 lbs. I started at 127, and was hoping to go back down to my previous weight of 120 or even 115. Now I am overweight.
I am disgusting, ashamed, and confused. I don't understand where I went wrong. Even if I were to be generous and take off two pounds for "clothes" (I didn't eat before the doc's, and had gone to the bathroom before that), it is still too much. I didn't expect to lose weight fast, I didn't expect to be 110 lbs or anything. But I was hoping to have at least lost some weight, even a pound. But instead I gained it. I honestly thought I was losing weight because my stomach seemed to be shrinking, my legs seemed thinner (not my thighs, which sucks but whatever), my jawline has become clearer, and clothes are fitting better (for the most part)
I feel myself falling apart. And before anyone says anything YES I am officially seeking behavioral and psychological health (I have an appointment next Friday as well); but just cuz I'm seeking help there doesn't mean I don't want the support of others. Just b/c I'm getting health doesn't automatically make me "healed" or without bad thoughts. I want support, which is what this forum is for; I want kind words and explanations to why things may be going the way they are. I am afraid I am going to give up, which I don't want to but... what's the point of doing this if I'm just going to get fatter... and I'm sure I'll get some person who says "Well muscle weighs more than fat" but it really doesn't. A pound does not weigh more than a pound.
Why is this happening to me? It seems really messed up and doesn't make sense... has anyone else struggled with this? How can i encourage myself to keep moving forward...
TL;DR Been working out and eating healthier for months, but doctor's scale says I have gained a lot of weight. What's going on, and how can I encourage myself not to give up? How can I lose more weight rather than gain?
7
Replies
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Curious, have you asked these questions to your therapist? What did he/she say in response?0
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The doctor's scales have always weighed me 5 or 6 lbs heavier than what my own scales weigh. I have two sets of scales in my house and they will weigh me 2 or 3 lbs different. Scales are just different. If you have a scale at home just start out again and try to track using the same scale every time.4
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Curious, have you asked these questions to your therapist? What did he/she say in response?
I haven't felt the need to bring it up lately b/c I felt like I was doing okay. She agreed that it was okay to avoid the scale since it risks triggering me into a meltdown. I won't see her again til next friday. I'm sure she'll say some bs about needing to accept my body for what it is.0 -
Hey! I hope your day is going better now than it was when you were writing this post! I just wanted to shed some light on why you may have gained weight. First off understand that the scale doesn't matter. The scale is just a number and it doesn't determine whether your healthy or not. Secondly, weight is distributed on each person uniquely. So someone who is also the same weight as you (133 lbs) may look bigger or smaller than you just depends on the person. Thirdly, you mentioned that you do cardio and then weight training every other day. When you lift weights your burning fat and gaining muscle. So the scale may show you have "gained weight" but the scale isn't designed to differentiate whether you gained muscle or fat. So to put it in perspective, I think the weight gain you are seeing is due to you gaining muscle which isn't a bad thing, because as you continue to lose fat you are toning, and tightening your body, so you don't have loose skin. I personally think you have lost fat especially since you see that your tummy is slimming down. So if you want to know how much fat your losing, my best suggestion to you is to check you BMI (body mass index) which will give you a more accurate rating on your total body fat percentage. I would also research for your height, what is a good percentage range for you to be in for that. Other than that, please don't feel bad, disgusted or ashamed in anyway. Your doing amazing!! Have patience with yourself, love your self through the process one step at a time, and do more research so you understand exactly how things are calculated. AND REMEMBER: the number on the scale doesn't matter. Its how you feel on the inside!6
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If clothes are fitting better and you are working out, you are winning!!
My scale is off 3-4 pounds from the doctors office scale. Ive weighed myself before I left my house to go to the doctors office, without drinking or eating, I weigh more there.
Ive struggled with eating disorders for a long time. Seeing the number on the scale is really hard for me. It can trigger a binge. An example of how messed up weight is. In February I ate at my calories every single day. I stayed in a 3 pound range the entire month. First week of march I lost 3 pounds without making any changes. My weight has been the same the rest of march. I should steadily be losing a pound every week. But it doesn't actually work that way. The mental side of all of this is the real struggle. Good luck, you can do this!! Try to ignore the scale0 -
I can gain 5 to 7 pounds if I just look at a big plate of food! Take a deep breath... ahhhhhhh
You are putting value into the 133 reading without considering the variables - scale to scale repeatability, time of day, hormonal influences, your clothes, food and water intake, etc... You got a snapshot of a single point in time, not a trend or accurate comparison.
Health is not just a number of the scale. You feel good, your clothes fit, you've noticed positive physical changes - focus on these aspects instead of that value you didn't want to see in the first place.
I encourage you to discuss it openly with your therapist.
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You are correct that a pound is a pound, however, a pound of muscle takes up less space than a pound of fat. So if you are doing weight training it stands to reason that your clothes are fitting better even if the scales don't show you the number that you would like to see. Don't let a number on the scales dictate your happiness, if you feel good and you are being active then you shouldn't let a number destroy that. (I understand that's easier said than done, but good news is it CAN be done!)1
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The difference between 127 and 133 can absolutely be explained by using two different scales, wearing different clothes, time of day, time of month, and food and drink in your system. If you drink a 32 oz bottle of water you gain two pounds temporarily. If you ate a meal with lots of sodium and worked out the day before, that can cause a jump of several pounds, easy.
If your clothes fit better and you look better, that is reality. Trust that, it’s more important than the number on the scale which can be affected by so many factors.1 -
Was your starting weight on the same scale?
Were you weighed in similar clothes?
were you weighed around the same time of day?
were you weighed at the same point in your monthly cycle?
If one or more of those things were different, you are comparing apples to oranges.
have you taken measurements?
how do your clothes fit?
Do you weigh all solid foods you eat? and make sure it is the correct entry?
Do you measure all liquids consumed, other than water?
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Was your starting weight on the same scale?
Were you weighed in similar clothes?
were you weighed around the same time of day?
were you weighed at the same point in your monthly cycle?
If one or more of those things were different, you are comparing apples to oranges.
have you taken measurements?
how do your clothes fit?
Do you weigh all solid foods you eat? and make sure it is the correct entry?
Do you measure all liquids consumed, other than water?
With respect, I’m not sure suggesting obsessing over measuring portions is helpful to someone recovering from an ED.2 -
rheddmobile wrote: »Was your starting weight on the same scale?
Were you weighed in similar clothes?
were you weighed around the same time of day?
were you weighed at the same point in your monthly cycle?
If one or more of those things were different, you are comparing apples to oranges.
have you taken measurements?
how do your clothes fit?
Do you weigh all solid foods you eat? and make sure it is the correct entry?
Do you measure all liquids consumed, other than water?
With respect, I’m not sure suggesting obsessing over measuring portions is helpful to someone recovering from an ED.
Only asking as you don't know you are eating in a deficit, as she claimed to be unless you actually did that... and I didn't suggest she do that, I asked if she was doing that.2 -
Was your starting weight on the same scale?
Were you weighed in similar clothes?
were you weighed around the same time of day?
were you weighed at the same point in your monthly cycle?
If one or more of those things were different, you are comparing apples to oranges.
have you taken measurements?
how do your clothes fit?
Do you weigh all solid foods you eat? and make sure it is the correct entry?
Do you measure all liquids consumed, other than water?
My starting weight was on my home scale.
I usually weight myself w/o clothes, but ya can't really do that at the doc's. But as i said, clothes typically only take 1.5-2 lbs... even taking that off it isn't acceptable.
Yea, just around the same time. Early in the morning.
Honestly, don't know about the monthly cycle thing. I used to weigh myself every day before I started working out though, and I stayed between 126-127 for a while.
I haven't measured my body in a while. While I want to, I am now scared to.
Most of my clothes fit better. I need a bigger bra b/c I've, seemingly, lost fat on my rib cage but not in my boobs (which is lucky, actually). I also was toning up my thighs and butt (it's a girl thing?) so my underwear would be a bit tighter, but not in a bad way?
I don't "weigh" my food, but I do measure it (if possible) with cups. I do include drinks with my calorie intake.0 -
You can't weigh yourself on two different scales and draw any kind of useful info from the difference in the two.
I weigh a different weight on my home scale, my doctor's scale, my mom's scale, and the scale at the blood donation place. We're talking differences of up to 10 lbs.
You should definitely talk to your therapist about this, because you shouldn't feel disgusted or ashamed over 5-6 lbs. I've gained that much water weight overnight more than once. I think it's clear that monitoring the scale is still not a good idea for you. If you thought you were looking and feeling better, what the scale says is practically immaterial anyway - you don't walk around with your scale weight written on your forehead
Please just keep doing the good things you were doing for yourself, and hang in there :flowerforyou:2 -
My doctors scale weighs me five lb heavier than at home. Always has. I just shrug it off. I don’t care which number is correct as long as my favorites clothes fit.3
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Given your workout schedule, especially if you're doing weight training, I agree with the posters above that the differences can be explained between the differences in scales and your workout regime.
You've said that your clothes fit better, and you've noticed changes in particular areas that would be difficult to classify as negative. I'd said you're re-comping, and doing a fine job of it from the sounds of things.
A tape measure might be a better friend to you than a scale at this point. If your measurements are remaining reasonably steady, and your overall energy levels are good, all is well. Listen to your body and be gentle with yourself .
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Have you weighed your clothes to determine they were only 1-2lbs?0
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I've seen my weight go up 8lb from my scales at home to the doctors three hours later. Only difference being clothes and cups of herbal tea. There are some great articles out there about the effect of hydration, time of day, hormones (affecting the amount of water retention) on your weight. A metal box DOES NOT ELIMINATE every success that you have sweated over and worked for.0
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TouchofWrath wrote: »Hey.
Some of you may recognize me from my posts I've made months ago, others may not.
I have been working out since early December; I do cardio 3-5 times a week, with weight training every other day. I have also been eating healthier, doing my best to stay around 1200 calories; I don't avoid any foods, other than meat, but that's due to being pescatarian. I have avoided looking at the scale for the last few months due to fear of what it would say. I have struggled with an Eating Disorder in the past, and still struggle from disordered thinking.
Today, after about 4 months of not knowing my weight, I discovered it at the doctor. I am devastated.
We don't know each other, but here's what I can gather from this post and your profile.
You're a hard worker and committed. Working out 5 days a week takes work.
You used to be around 200lbs and, even if the scale today was accurate today, holy crap that's AMAZING. How many people can say they lost that much weight and kept it off?
You are smart and articulate. Your post clearly shows you have a head on your shoulders.
You are kind. I can see it in your eyes. You are a cat lover and children's counselor. What could possibly be more admirable than helping children?
You're an Anime nerd and a pescetarian. Hey, I'm a nerd and pescetarian, too! Nerds unite!
In short, you're having a bad day. I know how it feels. It sucks. But maybe if you can widen the lens a bit, you can reflect on all of the positive qualities you have. You are not your body. You are a smart, articulate, pretty, hard-working and compassionate person. These feelings will pass. I promise.
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Clothing contributes to weight more than you think, so when you weigh in at the doctor, you will weigh more than if you weigh in at home sans clothes. Since you’re weight training, muscle is more dense than fat. You could have replaced fat with muscle, meaning you have may lost inches, but gained a few pounds. Also, if you ate or drank at all before going to the doctors that will affect your weight. If you’re looking at BMI for determining “overweight,” I don’t think that’s always a good indicator. The other day I saw a post from someone of before and after pics (similar body type to mine at start) and it took her 17 months to get where she is now (which is close to how I want to look). I have been working out for a while, but not really seeing the results that I want. I didn’t realize it might take 17 months to get there. I think that things just take a lot longer than we expect them to sometimes.0
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My home scale always weighs me 8-10 lbs less than my doctor's scale.0
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Hey hey!!! I was a scale scared freak the first two times I lost weight!!! I couldn't get on it except at Walmart!!! This last week I went opposite of that!!! I have a scale I step on it and post it daily!! Log my food work out and stick to my plan!!! Dr. Says you are good!! You are good!!!! There is a lot to look at!! Muscle mass...body fat....bloating...lack of sleep!! Remember this is about the way you feel not the number!!! Since I have challenged myself to get on the scale and push my body to eat better work hard and do right I lost 7lbs and I feel stronger and better than ever before!!! It's in the head not on the scale!!!! Stay positive!!! Here if ya wanna add me!!! Check out my story!!!1
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QueenNeice wrote: »Hey! I hope your day is going better now than it was when you were writing this post! I just wanted to shed some light on why you may have gained weight. First off understand that the scale doesn't matter. The scale is just a number and it doesn't determine whether your healthy or not. Secondly, weight is distributed on each person uniquely. So someone who is also the same weight as you (133 lbs) may look bigger or smaller than you just depends on the person. Thirdly, you mentioned that you do cardio and then weight training every other day. When you lift weights your burning fat and gaining muscle. So the scale may show you have "gained weight" but the scale isn't designed to differentiate whether you gained muscle or fat. So to put it in perspective, I think the weight gain you are seeing is due to you gaining muscle which isn't a bad thing, because as you continue to lose fat you are toning, and tightening your body, so you don't have loose skin. I personally think you have lost fat especially since you see that your tummy is slimming down. So if you want to know how much fat your losing, my best suggestion to you is to check you BMI (body mass index) which will give you a more accurate rating on your total body fat percentage. I would also research for your height, what is a good percentage range for you to be in for that. Other than that, please don't feel bad, disgusted or ashamed in anyway. Your doing amazing!! Have patience with yourself, love your self through the process one step at a time, and do more research so you understand exactly how things are calculated. AND REMEMBER: the number on the scale doesn't matter. Its how you feel on the inside!
I agree. Also, you should measure yourself. I gained a couple of pounds and felt very discouraged, but when I took my measurements, I had lost inches, which is way more important to me than the actual weight loss number. I suggest an app- I have one called Body Measurement Tracker (for Android) and I'm pretty sure there are apps if you have an iPhone. Good luck! We are all here for you!0 -
What's your BMi? I always weigh more at the doctors. My gp says a BMi of 25.0 is average. Weigh yourself in the morning after you go to the toilet. Also check your waist circumference. I'm an average bmi, but my waist circumference is too large. Well done on all that Exercise, that must be helping your mental health. And we'll done for clothes fitting.1
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OP, if you google or search on Instagram “pound of muscle versus pound of fat” you’ll find photos that show replicas of what the same weight of muscle looks like compared to muscle. Yes, a pound is a pound, but the volume of muscle versus fat is pretty different. I’d much rather carry an extra pound of muscle around any day.
I’m not suggesting that the entire weight difference you’re seeing is all muscle, but it might explain some of it. Others here have offered additional reasons.
You have also said your face looks better and your clothes look better on you and you look slimmer - the scale does not tell the whole story ESPECIALLY when it’s not the same scale you use at home.
Taking photos of yourself and taking measurements can help show progress where the scale does not.
None of us here are professionals but we do want you to know that the number on the doctor’s office scale only tells part of the story. You are working out: you are probably building muscle. Be kind to yourself, and don’t give up.2 -
I seriously only weigh myself every couple of months or so because of this same issue! I workout 3 to 4 x per week burning anywhere from 250 - 600 cals per workout! Good sweaty ones! I am 5' 2" and 160 lbs. I used to get uneasy and "disgusted" if I started creeping toward the higher 130's.... I am 56 years old now and look in great shape! I just want to tell you, it will never be good enough if you don't accept and love yourself NOW. I would love to be back in the 130's... and am still doing my 1200 cals per day here and working out, but I refuse to be a slave to it anymore! I still enjoy all the foods I like, and have a drink if I want. It's like the saying goes... you look at a picture of yourself 10 years ago, and say, I looked great there! But at the time, you were trying to lose just the 5 or 10 more lbs... its and endless cycle. I hope you can find peace with your body as it is - healthy and strong!! Sending hugs!!!1
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TouchofWrath wrote: »Hey.
Some of you may recognize me from my posts I've made months ago, others may not.
I have been working out since early December; I do cardio 3-5 times a week, with weight training every other day. I have also been eating healthier, doing my best to stay around 1200 calories; I don't avoid any foods, other than meat, but that's due to being pescatarian. I have avoided looking at the scale for the last few months due to fear of what it would say. I have struggled with an Eating Disorder in the past, and still struggle from disordered thinking.
Today, after about 4 months of not knowing my weight, I discovered it at the doctor. I am devastated.
We don't know each other, but here's what I can gather from this post and your profile.
You're a hard worker and committed. Working out 5 days a week takes work.
You used to be around 200lbs and, even if the scale today was accurate today, holy crap that's AMAZING. How many people can say they lost that much weight and kept it off?
You are smart and articulate. Your post clearly shows you have a head on your shoulders.
You are kind. I can see it in your eyes. You are a cat lover and children's counselor. What could possibly be more admirable than helping children?
You're an Anime nerd and a pescetarian. Hey, I'm a nerd and pescetarian, too! Nerds unite!
In short, you're having a bad day. I know how it feels. It sucks. But maybe if you can widen the lens a bit, you can reflect on all of the positive qualities you have. You are not your body. You are a smart, articulate, pretty, hard-working and compassionate person. These feelings will pass. I promise.
The response above is so lovely and compassionate! Although I’d just been lurking, it even made me feel better about myself. 👍👍👍1
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