I think I'm finally ready to bust out the other side of the funk I've been in for a few days. Sometimes what it takes for me is something ridiculous.
Since the beginning of this weight-loss attempt, I have been using a digital scale to weigh myself every day. It's made by a company called Taylor, and you just step right up on it and a number appears in the little window, right? And that's how much you weigh, according to the folks at Taylor. Here's the thing... I don't understand how the device is arriving at a decision. I can't tell how it works. Are there tiny elves in there, throwing out numbers according to how squished they feel when I step on? Might as well be, for all I can tell. Also, I have tested it recently by weighing myself a few times in a row. Most of the time, I get the same number... but I have also gotten three different numbers on three different tries. That sort of thing makes my left eyebrow saunter up towards the top of my head and stay there. Are you kidding? What the hell is happening in there? Who's in charge? Seriously, folks... how much do I weigh?
So I decided to get myself a scale that I understand, an analog scale that has a clear causal relationship going on. I get on the platform, and inside the thing a spring is compressed. A mechanism then causes a needle to move a certain amount depending on how much the spring is compressed. The needle points to a number, which I then write down. I may not be completely on point as far as the mechanics are concerned, but I feel like I understand it. So I ordered me one of those. It arrived Tuesday, and I set it up and tried it out for yesterday morning's weigh-in.
Can you guess what happened when I weighed myself on both scales, the analog one right after the digital? I bet you can. C'mon, guess. All right, I'll just tell you. The digital scale has been weighing me... wait for it... fourteen pounds light. That's correct. I went from 288 pounds to 302 pounds in seconds.
I still weigh over 300 pounds. I am devastated and amused, both at the same time. I can't believe I have to break through that 300 wall again. Sigh. At least I'm close. And I've still lost the same amount of weight, it's just that I started heavier and have farther to go. So, I'm adjusting the starting weight to 389 pounds... but goal is staying at 225.
I don't know why, but I got over the despair that came with the scale revelation pretty quickly. I actually feel ok about it now. Kinda tired, but willing to plod onward. I'm not full of vigor at the moment, but I'm hopeful for vigor's return... because at least I'm still interested in staying the course.
Also I plan to shoot the unholy dogshit out of that lying digital scale.
Steve "Big Daddy" Hodgson
February the twenty-fifth, 2010
302 pounds
Don't shoot the digital scale yet! Just because you understand the mechanism of the analog scale doesn't mean it's right. And just because something has a digital readout doesn't make it any more or less reliable than the old-fashioned version. What you need to do is weigh yourself on one of those scales that they have in a doctor's office (I'll bet your doctor would let you do it for free) and then run home without eating or drinking anything and weigh yourself on both scales with exactly the same clothing on, same stuff in your pockets... and see which one most nearly agrees. Then use that one.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes you so certain that the digital scale is the liar? Wait. You know what? It doesn't matter which one is right. You're working hard, making good decisions, taking care of yourself, and accomplishing a LOT. I'm so proud of you. I've been sabotaging myself for years and haven't known why. I may have found some insight in your words, my friend. Time to get moving. Literally.
ReplyDelete...the best scale is the one at the drs office or hospital. I'm still at 5 pounds loss and I can't wait for the scale to read 20 pounds lighter...until then I will just be patient and remember how many years it took to gain the extra weight. This time I will be successful....! So have you given up alcohol with this diet? Empty calories that really pile up. Remember, the grass always greener on the other side...so be content to nibble on your own grass! Love you much, Doreen
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cynthia. Make sure you also keep measuring success by the choices you're making, not just the numbers. But you know that.
ReplyDeleteIt's snowing here in North Caroli- nope, now it's sunny. And now it's windy. Now it's cloudy again.
Hmm... Weather is like life, sometimes ;) Fight the good fight!
Scales are pretty silly. I can swing a 10 pound pendulum between home, Weight Watchers and the doctor's office. I stick with what WW says each week. Everyone is so right, it's all about the better choices and thoughtful determination. xoxo
ReplyDeletePS - As long as you're using the same scale consistently I'd say you're getting an accurate reading of your progress. And that's the important part, no?
ReplyDeleteDo the scale police come into Rosa's? Perhaps not since you probably don't sell food by the pound. I remember the scale police/regulator/whatever he was would come in regularly to verify our scales at the Wedge. Just a thought. I shared your blog with my K-team and they love you, too.
ReplyDeleteHey - another thought. We can all PROPERLY celebrate your grand re-opening (or re-undering) when you're at 299 again, in a few days <3
ReplyDeleteYes, well said, everyone. Dad, you're right. I will do just that. But I'm gonna shoot SOMETHING, by God.
ReplyDeletemake some origami/papier mache fast food representations and shoot the shit out of a triple deep fried meat-part product. or better yet, some cheap frozen burritos, those should get some good Gallagher-action.
ReplyDelete