So, someone posted just the other day about scales messing with their minds.

I weighed in at 162 just one week ago. Was really happy about that. It was down from 165. Stayed on track this week, even upped my workout. Ate proper meals. Did everything according to plan.

This morning, I was hoping to see that 5 creep in. The 159.

Jumped on the scale.

170.2

WTF. HOW DO YOU GAIN 8.2 pounds in 1 week!?!?! I am freaking out! Did I go out to the cupboards during the night and sleep-ate the entire contents!?!?!

So I step off the scale, freaked out. Step on it again.

176.

AAAAGHHH.

Step on it again

168.

And then it stayed at 168 several times. 168 is still a lot of weight gain for ONE week.

I don't know what to think anymore. Just yesterday I fit into a dress that I couldn't fit into when I started my journey.

This is why I was avoiding the stupid scale from the begining. I feel like a total failure and now I don't know what to believe anymore. I have a cool even to attend tonight, and all I was hoping for is to feel sexy and fit and now I feel worse than when I started my diet.

It's okay, just make sure you have fresh batteries in the scale and that it's on a level spot, and in the same spot all the time. If I move my scale over 6 inches from where it normally sits I will get a different reading -- the joys of digital I guess. Alternatively you could get an older style scale, but the .somethings won't be as obvious.

If you were sticking to your plan you have nothing to worry about -- it could be some water retention or something like that; as you said, you have clothes that are fitting better. Are you feeling better? These are the things that really count.

Is this a digital scale? Sounds to me like you need a new battery.

Also, how you feel is how you feel - not what number the scale assigns to it. Your body is what it is, whether the scale shows you 159 or 169 or 179. Even if you had not got on the scale today at all, your body would be exactly what it is. So try not to fret about the number.

Yeah, that is not normal... do you have a digital scale? My guess is that you need to change the batteries. My scale consistently shows me the same thing all the time. Also, make sure your floor is flat...

It's a digital scale...and one that will end up in my garbage if it does this again with new batteries.

Carter, you're really right. I just felt so exhilarated and now I feel like I'm going backwards for some reason. What bothers me is that I really thought I did amazing this week.

I feel like I'm going to cry. It's so pathetic.

And so you did. But fluctuations and a broken scale have masked that. That's too bad! But there is nothing you can do about it - except focus on how well you kept on plan, and keep on keeping on plan next week and the week after and the week after that.

Unfortunately one doesn't always see week-to-week downward marching of the numbers, no matter how on-plan we are. It would be nice if we did, but our bodies are complex machines governed by a lot more variables than we have control over. A week-to-week view is just not enough to get a real sense of one's actual progress. That is just not how it works for for most people. Sometimes you can be perfectly on plan and see a week-over-week gain. It sucks, but it's life. It's how things are.

You can let it make you feel pathetic, or you can acknowledge that this process is more than what happens in one week, and just get on with it. Be proud of yourself for how well you've done. Keep at it.

Is it near your TOM? My weight always goes screwy around then. I don't take it personally.

It's not my TOM yet....

Actually, I just quit the pill about a week ago. it makes me worried- maybe the pill kept me fitter? Maybe it's something with my hormones? Usually the pill makes you gain weight, but now I have no clue. I am just not going to care and keep going with my workouts.

Whatever it is, it must be the scale because fluctuating 7-8 pounds in minutes doesn't reflect very well on it. Guh. Dumb scale. Ruined my day.

Yeah your scale is totally borked! Your weight might go a little nuts from quitting the pill but I doubt you'd gain 8 pounds in minutes!

Don't let it ruin your day You KNOW that number isn't accurate.

Have you measured yourself lately? If you've either lost inches or stayed the same—celebrate!

I lost an additional 2cm from my hips, and 1 cm from my waist. I know it's not much, but it's nice to add that to my overall 7 cm lost from my waist! I have another 10 to go, but it's awesome for now.

I feel better. I worked out, I had my light lunch. I won't let it get to me. And I won't weigh myself for a while! Haha.

Who says it's not much?

I measure every place I can get a tape measure around. When I feel like I've had a good week but the scales don't agree with me, I'll whip out the tape measure and record the newest measurements. That seems to help me not get discouraged.

If you just stopped taking the pill a week ago it is hormone related and all water retention. Drink plenty of water and you'll just have to wait it out while your cycles go back to normal. Not fun, I know. Get new batteries but don't weigh yourself for a month.

I too am questioning your scale.It shouldn't jump around so much. Sometimes mine jumps around too, but within half a pound, not THAT much. I cosign getting new batteries.

I usually use like a 3 pound hand weight, but any weight will do to test the scale. If it doesn't match 3 pounds exactly then I know it is time to change the battery. If it still doesn't match after the battery change then throw out the scale.
I used to weigh myself daily so I know all about the day to day fluctuations. Now I weigh myself every Sunday and take measurements every Saturday. I am always afraid of the weekly weigh-in will fall on an off day and discourage me but as long as its going down, I'm happy. I know how you feel about doing all that work for a week and being disappointed but it sounds like you may have gained some muscle because you stated that you did lose inches and your dress fits better.