NOT feeling frustrated--the secret to my success

[Teachamy 1,042]

Hi all,

I finally made it to the bariatric center yesterday to get weighed, after 2.5 weeks away from the scale. I lost over 5 pounds in that time--and am very happy with my loss. I find that on this page I am constantly advocating for people to step off the scale, to stop allowing an arbitrary number to dictate your mood for an entire day. (Or longer) But those posts about, "HELP! I am in a stall! I gained 3 ounces!" persist. We will all see weight fluctuations for a myriad of non-weight-related issues--you weighed in the afternoon instead of the morning, you moved your scale, you are retaining Water, you are constipated, you stepped off, then on, then off, then on, etc.

I go to my bariatric center once a week, or less. I guess I am what the people here call "a slow loser", maybe because I had a low starting BMI, maybe because I am on calcium-channel blockers that slow my heart rate and metabolism. Either way, I get a real thrill to see losses when they occur, and weighing less often keeps me from obsessing over numbers. This isn't a race, the numbers are not a reflection of who I am as a person. I made a brave choice for my health, and I am talking the talk AND walking the walk. I am proud of myself and happy about my decision.

So to summarize...

1. Step off the scale

2. FInd some lo-cal treats that float your boat: I devour sugar-free popsicles, Viactive Vitamins, and Gummy fiber-supplements (yes, I consider supplements a treat! They are yummy!)

3. Remember that there's no such thing as "cheating". You are making a choice, healthy or not--it's all up to you.

Thanks for letting me share!

Amy

[DeniseNCC1701 306]

Yeah, I kinda, sorta, needed to hear that today. Thank you!

Be well…

[wendyt 108]

Great post; thanks for the words of wisdom!

[squeaker31 65]

Thanks for this! I am newly sleeved and trying to stay focused on why I did this really ... To facilitate a long term healthier lifestyle. Some of my friends are obsessed with asking me about how much I've lost and how many pounds can I expect to lose. It's not about the number. If I honor my commitments in recovery and beyond I will see an improvement in many areas! Of course weight loss is the goal but I don't have a "goal weight" in my mind.

[Teachamy 1,042]

Thanks for this! I am newly sleeved and trying to stay focused on why I did this really ... To facilitate a long term healthier lifestyle. Some of my friends are obsessed with asking me about how much I've lost and how many pounds can I expect to lose. It's not about the number. If I honor my commitments in recovery and beyond I will see an improvement in many areas! Of course weight loss is the goal but I don't have a "goal weight" in my mind.

I know how you feel squeaker. People keep asking me how much I've lost before telling me they "found it". I try to focus on the benefits to my health, cutting my insulin by 75%, no more chronic hives, and perfect cholesterol levels so far. And damn it, I look good!

[Harley59 67]

Great post !! I couldn't have said it any better. I am only 10 days post op and getting obsessed with the scale and people that know about the surgery asking how much I have lost. Well this morning, my practically brand new scale ......stopped working. I am taking this as a sign - to get off the scale and move forward. As you so well said, we took a brave choice for our health and that is what we need to stay focused on. Thanks for sharing