Results: Tape Measure VS Scale

OK, this is just a bit of advice...I wish I would have thought of this prior to getting banded. I thought about measuring my body...waist, bust, hips, thighs, etc. with a tape measure, but decided against it for some unknown reason. Instead, I opted for the scale.

I have been exercising and eating properly, but that damn scale hasn't budged. I was getting discouraged and almost gave in to evil (I have not touched or eaten any evil since pre-band...BTW, evil=McD's)

The thing that bought me back to good thinking and behavior was as simple as putting on a pair of pants that I couldn't wear 2 weeks ago.

The scale is a useful tool, but it can deceive...lol

I think I am going to measure my progress with the tape measure...the scale will be useful, too.

I'm planning to use both. In fact, I just took my measurements (just chest, waist, and hips) tonight for my "before." Surgery is at 9:30 tomorrow morning!!

-Marianne

I got a measuring tape also the scale is driving me crazy. One day I'm down 2lbs then the next day up 3lbs then back down 3lb within two days.

I think the measuring tape is the way to go because if you gain muscle your weight goes up.

yes... I think now that i read stuff, that is the way to go.. congrats... please let me know how you do.... I am waiting for date.. should be july... ready to go and anxious to hear how new bandsters do...

I weigh myself every two weeks, and I don't peek in between, because weighing myself more than that will drive me nuts. I can lose up to seven pounds on a hard exercise day as weel, so the scale remains the least of my worries as far as figuring out my progress. Fitting into clothes I haven't fit into in over a decade or having to go out and buying new ones because no clothes I currently owned fit me...that's the way to measure progress. :) It's also fun to be able to feel every rib and feel your stomach fall below your ribcage when you lay down. :) My weight loss has slowed to a trickle at 205 pounds, but according to my trainer, I should not be too upset. She says, if I lose another 10 pounds slowly, I'll be in awesome shape, and I'll probably never get to 180 unless I stop exercising. How is that for ironic. :)

Scales lie.

And scales can have too much control of our emotional status when we are fragile and vulnerable.

Taped measurements in your journal are useful.

Also full length photos front/side/rear taken against the same backdrop with camera and your own position in the same place, will provide a wonderful comparison.

Ultimately, the fact you have to send all the old wardrobe back to Omar the Tentmaker and shop at stores that DON'T specialize in plus sizes will tell what you want to know.

I measured myself too before my surgery and I haven't remeasured. I will save that for a time that I am too discouraged to pick me up. I have used the scale since surgery though. I have noticed even though I am not losing weight per the scale I have changed a couple pant sizes already so the scales aren't always telling the truth :)