A long time ago, I posted a topic by this title. I think it is worthy of a repost.

We've got lots of folks who are coming around saying that they have done induction and not lost any weight. That happens. Then we ask if they have measured. They have not.

I would like to share my experience.

I can lose as much as 10 pounds over night for no reason. I know, I'm wierd, but it is true. I've done it on a number of occasions! I can also regain that same 10 pounds 2 days later for no apparent reason!

I still weigh, but I've found the tape measure to be a much more friendly ally in my weight loss journey.

Cases in point:

1. Last year, before I had a health crisis (unrelated to this woe) I had lost about 15" (I measure neck to thigh) yet never lost a single pound!

2. I recently re-started an exercise program, and have actually gained a few pounds. I understand this is a typical experience when starting a weight-bearing exercise program. To be very honest, I was disgusted when I stepped on the scale and showed a gain! But the phrase, "the scale is a cheat and a liar!" was going through my head, so I got out the tape measure. I had lost 1/8" off my upper arm! The rest of my measurements were the same, even though I'd posted a "gain."



Now, that may not be a big deal to you, but it is to me! That is a very difficult area for me to "budge" weight/fitness wise!

Again, I showed a slight gain. Again, the phrase, "the scale is a cheat and a liar" went through my head. Again, I got out my tape measure. Again, I posted a loss -- this time 7/8" off my hips and calf (recently added that to the measuring.)

So, while I've showed a gain, I've actually lost an inch in just a few days.

Who do I believe? The scale who is a cheat and a liar, or my tape measure, who is my friend.

Who do you think???



Blessings!
Sharron
Author of "Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place," and "Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine," available where ever books are sold.

www.thelowcarbcook.com

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart." Colossians 2:2

What a gift to click on this morning and read this posted message. I have been fussing at our scales this morning! I have worked so hard and gained a pound this morning. I said,OK how did that happen and to make matters worst my husband lost a pound (the one he has been waiting on). My head has been drooping and I have been pouting but since reading this I'm going for the tape measure and smiling. My husband was even saying I am looking at you and I can tell you are losing. I believe him now! I am smaller!!!
Mary

IT HAS BEEN SAID...some people try to turn back their odometers...not me..I want people to know "why" I look the way I do...I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.

I know you are right... I guess for me I have done this once before and the quit because I got pg, but it was different that time and I guess I am expecting the same thing. I know some of our post must be frustrating for you experienced LC's, but thanks for bearing with us through our frustrations, it really does help us through the day, atleast it does me.

Bcelisa

Lisa,

I'm not frustrated! I'm just trying to share my experience to hopefully help others to look at something besides the scale to gauge their progress.

Lemme tell ya, I was one of the most annoying newbies there ever was 3 years ago yesterday



Blessings!
Sharron
Author of "Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place," and "Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine," available where ever books are sold.

www.thelowcarbcook.com

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart." Colossians 2:2

I think it's time for me to get out my tape measure today. I haven't measured in awhile. I am ALWAYS happier when I do this. It shows steady loss, inspite of the lying, cheating scale,

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
www.iwsgroupinc.com - website design and development


Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER

I have been meaning to measure all week. Iwill do it today. I usually live by the scale when dieting. I had my husband hide it this time. I just want to know I am doing this way of life correctly, and I will check the scale every once in awhile.
Besides, I hunted for the scale yesterday and couldn't find it.

Good luck all!!
Seesko

starting weight 242 1/5/04
goal weight 135

Smile...it makes people wonder what you are up to!

Sharon, you are so right! The numbers on the scale are just that - numbers. But the tape measure shows us what everyone else sees. I weigh every day, out of habit, but I record my mreasurements, without fail, once a week. Helps me not to stress over the weight fluctuations.

Jen
175/129/120

Sharron,

Thanks for the reminder! I forget to get out the tape often enough but you are right...it tells a much better story of our progress!

"Normal is in the eye of the beholder."
Atkins since 8/27/03
240/207(140-160)

I started a exercise program last july and the past 2 months since I joined a gym I now workout 5 days every week for 2-3 hours each time. In july I was a tight size 18 at 230 lbs, and today I am size 16, and extra large in most reg sizes and i weigh 226 lbs!
I do not pay any attention to scales!

To get to the rainbow you must first pass through the rain!

That is a great idea I finaly lost 2 1/2 pounds next to my husbands 7 pounds . I think that I will start to measure I have never been a real fan of that but maybe for self esteem I should.

Polinia

I have to agree with you about the scale...I started working out at Curves...and imagine my surprise, when one week later, I was 2 lbs heavier! And I had been doing everything right. But I decided not to get disappointed because I knew I was gaining muscle...plus my clothes were starting to get really loose on me. 1 month later, the scale showed 4 lbs lost and 6.25 inches lost...woohoo! And even though the scale didn't show any weight loss a couple of weeks ago, I was a size 7 one week, and the following week, I was fitting into size 6 jeans and size 4 skirts! So even when the scale isn't moving, the inches are...

Sheyla
186/131/105 5'0"
from a size 18 to a size 4/6!
started Atkins 01/02
restarted 09/20/03

The Lord their God shall save them on that day as the flock of his people. They shall sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. How ATTRACTIVE and BEAUTIFUL they will be! Zechariah 9:16

WOW Sheyla, that's wonderful,

You should come and join our Curves thread over in the Exercise forum. It's growing by leaps and bounds.

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
www.iwsgroupinc.com - website design and development


Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER

I mostly gauge progress by how I feel and how those clothes feel. I have never measured, but I weigh in every single day. I have learned not to fret over the daily reading - it goes up and down all the time - What I watch are trends over several weeks or a month at a time. And listen to what those people who only see you periodically say - they'll notice and many will let you know!

225/183/170?

“I can conscientiously assert I never lived so well as under the new plan of dietary, which I should have formerly thought a dangerous, extravagant trespass upon health.” --William Banting (Thanks Lez)

BamBam, that's a good point......clothes and others' comments just about seals it for me. Some days I'm ready to throw the scale out the window, but I wouldn't trade the smaller clothes fitting and the comments for anything in the world. Today my DH found some mystery jeans and asked if they were mine. I had never seen them before (well maybe on my daughter's body before she GAINED weight) So he asked if I could fit them over my skinny but, LOL.

HAHAHAHA, they fit!!!! I'm wearing them right now!!!
Size 11!!!!

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
www.iwsgroupinc.com - website design and development


Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER

I am kind of depressed, I thought I was doing so well but when I got on the scale I gained back 3 lbs of the 5 I lost. I don't know why!!! I'm in sthe second week of induction...

p.s. My breath is very bad, I found these sugar free mints called blitz power mints sweetened with splenda. Is it ok to use? Help, I can't talk to anyone ...