The “Blame it on the New Scale” Edition
Starting Weight: 330 pounds
Weight Last Week: 305 pounds
This week’s weigh-in: 306.2 pounds
I am so frustrated people. Help me out here. This is the first time since starting my weight-loss journey that I have gained two weeks in a row. It makes me just want to curl up in the corner and have a good cry.
I have lost and gained the same pound or two several times over the past 6 weeks. I think it is safe to say that I have hit my first plateau. The problem is, when you weigh as much as I do, it is far too early to be hitting plateaus.
The hardest part about this gain is that I felt I worked really hard this week. I worked out several times. I ate pretty well. I am just at a loss as to why I am at a standstill. It’s very frustrating. I am not giving up, but I have to admit I am a little overwhelmed by it all right now.
The one thing I will say, and this is by no means an excuse, is that I am on my third scale in as many months. My first one was a digital one that I had to replace the batteries on every couple of weeks, despite it only being used a couple of times a week. The next one was an el cheapo non digital one that only went up to 300 pounds. So who knows if I have even been reading it accurately these past couple of weeks.
But, at the recommendation of several of my readers, I purchased the Weight Watchers scale at Bed Bath and Beyond this weekend. I love it and hope it works well for me. When I first stepped on it today it read 296.6. I almost did the dance of joy. But reason got the better of me and I tried again. I was bummed when i gained 10 pounds in about 2 seconds.
The Chick Magnet weighed in this week at 252.8 this week. He lost a little less than a pound. He is SO consistent! He set a goal for himself that when he reaches 250 pounds he is going to invest in P90X. Only a few more pounds to go!!!
Some of my non-scale victories (NSV) this week include:
- My clothes are fitting better and better all the time. So I know there is progress being made, even if it’s not reflected on the scale.
- I, and all 4 kiddos, walked the Down Syndrome Indiana’s Buddy Walk on Saturday. There is no way a few months ago I would have even stepped out of my comfort zone and done something like that. I mean, seriously, let other people see me huffing and puffing and sweaty. No thank you! I can’t describe to you how good it feels knowing that I was able to support my pastor’s family and sweet little Ashlyn. And the kids did SO great. I was worried that they would be whining and complaining, but they had a ball! Our team, Ashlyn’s Rubies, raised over $2000 for DSI (thank you, by the way, if you gave to support us!
- People keep telling me I look good and they can see changes. I am waiting for the day when I start believing them.
Sweet, sweet, precious girl. And no, I am not referring to myself. She makes me look good though, does she not? Love this beautiful girl!
That’s the truth.
How was your weigh-in this week? Any new goals for next week?
Have you ever hit a plateau? What did you do to push past it?
The Chick
I am so sorry about your gain! I agree that it is probably scale drama. This would be the time that you could look at your measurements and maybe get a bit of a morale booster. Maybe you should only measure once a month…or when you plateau.
I lost 4.5 this week. Getting an accountability partner really helped! I’m focused and ready to make this happen
Erica-that’s awesome!!! Congrats on the 4.5! I do need to pull out my measuring tape again.
SO many things can create a difference in your weight!! If in fact you did get a new scale that could be part of it. I always used to tell my Weight Watchers members to only weigh once a week and always at their meeting. Weighing more often and on different scales can make you crazy. Also try to weigh at the same time of day and the same clothes (or lack of
)
Are you tracking what you eat? If you are, go back over your foods. See if you ate anything saltier than usual, Chinese food or something processed. That can show.
Realize that even though you feel it’s too early for a plateau, your body needs to adjust. You’re making a lot of changes and your body is probably shaking it’s head saying, “What the Heck is she doing?!?!” You feel you did everything right. It may show up next week or even the next. Many people are every other week or every third week losers. You may be one of them. It’s frustrting, but your efforts show up eventually. Keep going. You’re doing a great job!! If I can help with anything or you just need to talk, feel free to contact me. You have my e-mail. I have 24 years experience as a WW Member and 15 as a leader. I’ll be glad to help!
Wow-thank you!!! That is great advice-so glad to have someone so knowledgeable joining me on my journey. I will definitely let you know if I have any questions. And my pattern does seems to be one big week a month, with a few smaller, and even negligible weeks. So here’s hoping this week is better!
You may be retaining water. Just keep up the good work. A one and a half pound gain means 5000 extra calories. You would certainly know if you ate that many more calories. It could have been more saltier foods as Brokencookiesdon’tcount said. So hang in there. I’m really proud of you for doing the Down Syndrome walk.
Thank you Toni!
First of all hugs to you. I know how frustrated you feel. The scale is such a double edged sword. We need it for the feedback. We need it for the motivation. However- it can really mess with our emotions. When we have a gain we usually know why. For you- you don’t know why and it is heartbreaking when you feel you had a great week and then the scale completely squashes that confidence. There is not a lot of advice to give here- just keep going. Keep doing what you know is good for you. The scale will catch up eventually. Think about the things you would tell me or another friend who was in your situation. Try and listen to that advice ( not an easy thing to do) Hang in there! This is a hard journey! *hugs* to you!!!
Thank you Jill-I could use a hug right about now!
Gaining 10lb in 2 seconds – made me giggle. Go ahead & have your cry – might lose those 10 lb right back again in water weight from the tears.
I bet it’s scale drama too – I use the same scale every morning and it goes up & down 3-5 lb daily. Are you weighing in at the same time of day? That can affect the results too.
Keep plugging away – the results are totally visible, and you have the confidence of knowing you are doing the right thing for yourself. I am waiting for th under 300 post – can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Thanks Eileen!!! I think your scale might be going up for a different and more justifiable reason though
I do try to weigh at about the same time. It is amazing how much it can vary in any given day.
I know I am more consistent when I keep my food journal as accurately as possible. I know you are really good about quality foods… but maybe the quantity is getting the best of you. Do you have a food scale? I’d say to pick one up at thrift store or garage sale if you don’t already have one. Keep positive, you know stress can make you pack on the pounds for no good reason other than it’s your body’s natural defense mechanism. That hated hormone Cortisol!!!
Stay focused on the finish line. This is a marathon, not a sprint!!!
I do need to invest in a good food scale. I have one but it’s not a very accurate one. I am sure my portions are off and I haven’t been tracking very well. Thanks for the suggestion!
Ahhhh. My poor girl. I totally understand the frustration. I tend to lose weight only if I go on a fast! My body holds on to those pounds better than bark on a tree! You will beat it at it’s own game though, I can almost guarantee it. You are doing all the right things and one day you will get on those scales and see a significant loss similar to when you first started this journey. You are doing it the right way and losing it slowly by changing your eating habits and exercising. That is the surest way to get pounds off and keep them off. Know that I am praying for you and all the chicklets! Love you.
Lisa- I am hoping to chat with you soon, but is it possible that you aren’t eating enough? That is a sign that your body is holding on to what it has. I think if you gain again next week, you should add around 100 calories to your diet for a few weeks, and see if that helps.
Alyssa-I have had that happen in the past, but unfortunately, if anything, since RIck has been gone I have been 1) eating more emotionally/out off stress and 2) not cooking as much just because of being so crazy busy and trying to simplify things. Unfortunately, I am sure that is part of the culprit-I need to reign it in before it gets out of hand.
I know how frustrating that is. It totally could be the scale, though. I wouldn’t stress about it this week. See how next week goes with two weigh-ins on the same scale.
What I would do this week is make sure you keep making good choices — track your food and make sure that your portions aren’t creeping up on you (the voice of experience); make sure you’re being consistent in your workouts and pushing yourself a bit. It can be easy to get a little complacent in the workouts.
It could be that your body is starting to get used to your current workout routine and it’s time to bump up the intensity a bit or change up your workout. I love what Jillian says about these weeks, though: Keep doing the right thing and eventually your body has to respond.
Don’t give up!
Great advice Kris-thanks!!!
Well, are you feeling any better today? Sometimes it’s best to just move forward and forget the scale! Chin up, this is the day that the Lord has made, let us REJOICE and be glad in it!!!!
Thank you Lori!!! I need that reminder!
Sorry to hear about your depressed reactions to your weight this week. It can be a blessing when you see the numbers go down but then it would be more than helpful if we could all chuck that darn thing out the window when it doesn’t say the right number. As long as you are counting your calories and working out at least 5 times a week, I don’t think you have to worry about it. Contestants on the “Biggest Loser” actually have times of no weight change for weeks (and they have personal trainers and a team to assist them). So if it happens to them, I’m sure it happens to everyone. If you are worried about your weight scale, just go to a doctors’ office and double check your weight. I’m sure if you are just asking to weight yourself and they aren’t busy they won’t charge you. Then you can double check your weight scale at home, to see if it is working correctly.
I’ve been reading for a while but haven’t delurked yet, so I’ll choose today as my day to do it, so, hi! My name is Jenni and I enjoy reading your blog
Whenever my husband leaves (he was AD Navy and now is in the Reserves) I’m always really careful about what I eat, but I still manage to gain weight the first couple of weeks he’s gone, no matter what. I’ve read about stress affecting our weight and didn’t really believe it until I realized the pattern I was in. I’ve only got two kiddos and I feel very stressed when I’m alone, I can only imagine how you might feel with four!
My cure for this is to be really good for about a week, (and I mean *really* good) and then give myself a 24 hour break from real life. I plan a super fun day with the kids with no rigid schedule, we stay busy during the day and then we eat “special food” (some kind of easy quick meal with low nutritional value) for dinner. I then put the kids to bed an hour earlier than normal just so I can have a long evening to relax. Since I prefer to splurge on dessert rather than salt, I get a nice dessert (just a single serving I buy from the bakery or grocery store) and I either read a fun book, watch a movie or tv show I like, or I take a long bubble bath. It helps me de-stress and regardless of the extra calories, my body thanks me with a weight loss soon after.
I realize that may not work for you, but I encourage you to not lose heart! You’re in a stressful season of your life right now and the scale is reflecting that. Just keep in mind the positive changes you’re making and how much good you’re doing for your family right now. When things calm down I’m sure the scale will start reflecting your hard work!
Hi Jenni! Thanks for de-lurking
I love your idea! It sounds wonderful and a great way to give yourself permission to just chill for a day I need to learn to do that. Maybe I will try that in the next couple of weeks. I am working really hard this week and next moving furniture, cleaning, moving stuff in storage and purging. I am hoping once the house is finally ready for the market then I can slow down enough for a deep breath.
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