Calling all WW - I'm Frustrated!

[CookinginMO/KS]

First of all I'm brand spanking new to WW. My first WI was today and I had a 2.4 loss. Not quite what I expected since I was 100% faithful... even had a couple days below by DP, had 27 AP for the week, and had 24.5 WP remaining. I guess what frustrates me is that my WW buddy cheated and ate fries and ice cream during the week and less AP and she lost 4.2. I know, I know, can't compare (she is much heavier than I am) but I went to this meeting just knowing I had at least a 3 lb loss (because truly I was soooo good) and all these other newbies are having their
5+ lb weight loss announced and I was just sinking into my seat. Okay, I sound like I'm having a meltdown but I need some fellow CL BBer's advice! Thanks!

[applecrisp]

A 2.4 loss is great, even if you don't right now. I know you are disappointed but you know everyone loses at different rates.

And, since your friend weighs much more, it makes sense that in the first week that she loses more. I know you know that in your head, but I thought I would mention again. :)

I don't know if you are on the WW thread, but they give great support and advice.

[lindrusso]

I have always read that 1-2 pounds a week is very realistic to expect for weight loss, so you sound just about right.

There is absolutely NOTHING to be sinking in your seat about - a loss is a loss and you should be proud. :) I've lost weight before and never had anything over a pound or so, so 2.4 sounds great to me! ;)

Are you working out too? Even if you're not, be careful not to go too low in points - your body can sometimes respond to too low calories by slowing down your metabolism to conserve. I've also read that eating a bit low one week, a bit higher one week and changing it up can help too.

Keep up the good work!

[funniegrrl]

As someone who lost a LOT of weight a few years ago ... I was finally able to do it after a lifetime of struggle by ignoring the scale. I know that's counter-intuitive to common dieting practice -- esp given the absolute stupidity that is Biggest Loser, but honestly ... the scale is the very last measure of how well you're doing.

When I shifted my focus from "losing weight" to "living right" so to speak, I was able to weather bumps in the scale. I did WW years ago and I think it's a good program, but so many leaders/groups treat the scale as the ultimate authority that I think it's counter-productive. You're right, you can't compare yourself to someone else, and you can't predict what the scale is going to do week to week. You can't set "goals" based on losing x pounds in y amt of time, because you can't control how your body is going to function. You can control what you eat and how much you move, but you can't count on your body and its complex hormonal and metabolic systems to do exactly the same thing 24/7. That's especially true for women. Also remember that "weight" isn't just fat but muscle and fluid among other things. I would bet that, in addition to other things, you didn't lose as much water weight as your buddy this first week.

Don't pin all your feelings of success/failure on what the scale says. It's going to do what it's going to do. If you just do what you're supposed to do, and learn how to deal with food and exercise in a consistent, healthy way, you will burn fat and you will get smaller. The number on the scale is fun to watch and a boost when it behaves, but you can't use it as your only guidepost. Instead, you should feel successful because you navigated your first week on a new way of eating and came out on top. What did you learn about yourself and food? What strategies are you devising based on what you've learned? THOSE are your successes, not those couple of pounds.

I really encourage you to read my favorite article on this topic: Why the Scale Lies (http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/weight/scale.htm).

[JackieO]

I guess what frustrates me is that my WW buddy cheated and ate fries and ice cream during the week and less AP and she lost 4.2. I know, I know, can't compare (she is much heavier than I am) but I went to this meeting just knowing I had at least a 3 lb loss (because truly I was soooo good) and all these other newbies are having their 5+ lb weight loss announced and I was just sinking into my seat. Okay, I sound like I'm having a meltdown but I need some fellow CL BBer's advice! Thanks!

Maybe your WW buddy did what my DH did the first time we tried WW together -- we went to a noon meeting. I joined him during my lunch break, he was working from home that day and went to Burger King for a double-whopper special meal before the WI. So, he weighed in after consuming a huge amount of food; I weighed in with nothing in my stomach but breakfast. Next week, he lost 6 lbs (and was chastised for it!) and I lost something like 1.2, but of course, he hadn't eaten anything before the WI that day. Factor in that he originally weighed 200+ and I weighed about 128. (I'm only 5'2").

And definitely read "Why the Scale Lies."

Cheer yourself on. You had a great loss for your first week, and stick with the plan -- you'll keep on losing. Good luck, and check in here often!

[MNGirlTX]

even had a couple days below by DP

First of all, a 2.4 pound loss is great!

Second, this may be part of the problem...you should eat all of your daily points each and every day. If you don't get ENOUGH calories, your body can go into "starvation mode" and refuse weight.

[AZLorena]

Okay my friend. You are putting way too much emphasis on your expectation of what that scale should say. A 2.4 lbs loss is awesome! I would kill for a 2.4 loss in one week. I am a week away from making lifetime (cross fingers).....I have lost a total of 137lbs. Here are the things that I have learned.

This really is a not a race, but a journey. It has taken me over 6 years to lose this weight. Some with WW some without. You cannot compare your losses to anyone elses....it will just drive you crazy.

Don't place too much emphasis on that number that is on the scale. It is not a measure of your worth as a human being. It is just one small way to gauge your progress.

Always go to meetings....whether you think you lost or you think you gained.....especially on the weeks that you think you gained. If you have a slip up...the best place for you to get right back on track is at your weekly meeting.

Don't set any time limits on when you need to lose the weight. Just be happy with the weight that you do lose when you lose it.

If you work the program....you are going to lose.....and you are going to gain here and there too. When you look at your progress...make sure to look at it on a larger scale that just week to week. When you have a gain, take a look back at where you started and pay attention to your overall number. (Example. This past week I was up 1.2 lbs and out of my goal range. In the last six month I might have lost 12 lbs. Why get upset about on little week and one little pound that I know will come off if I just work it.)

Losing all of this weight has been the most difficult and yet the most rewarding experience of my life. Embrace this experience. It will make you stronger than you ever thought possible.

BTW you can check out some of my before and after pictures at http://www.buddyslim.com/azlorena

Good luck and PM me if you need me.

Lorena

[Chris415]

I can't add much to the eloquent responses you received here, but as a WW Lifetimer who took a YEAR to lose 30 pounds, I can unequivocally say it is about the journey. You're teaching your body how to eat differently than you have for XX amount of years. So be kind to you and don't beat yourself up. The last thing you need are negative thoughts in your head. You are doing something incredibly positive for yourself, so start thinking that way! :)

And if it's any consolation, I didn't lose ANY weight the first week of WW, so I know where you've been!
Chris

[suebear37]

Cooking in MO/KS,

Congratulations on losing 2.4 lbs! And I'm so impressed that you managed to accumulate 27 activity points!!!

I'm back at WW again & last night was my first weigh-in after a week on the program. I lost 4 lbs, although I was hoping for more. And I can understand your frustration with not losing as much as your friend... one of my friends who started with me had a 7-1/2 lb. loss. I'm OK with the amount I lost & the way I figure it, I'm 4 lbs. lighter than I was last week at this time! The weight didn't get there overnight & it's certainly not going to come off that way. either.

Did you add your activity points into the total you ate everyday? The reason I'm asking, our leader told us to try not to eat any activity points. She also told us last night that due to hormones, women only get one week a month that their weight loss is accurate. If you're not menopausal, that might also be part of it.

Hang in there!!! :)

[newtricks]

Cookin'

You are doing very well following the program so it absolutely positively will work! No question, No worries if you keep doing what you're doing you will reach your goal. :)

I'm sorry your first weigh-in wasn't what you were expecting. But those expectations will get you every time. I've been doing WW for 6 months and am down from a size 16 to an 8 and 35 pounds. I *still* have to give myself a pep talk when I'm waiting to get on the scale so I don't get discouraged. Because if I told myself "oh, what's the use" everytime I had a gain or stayed the same I never would have lost the weight.

I know you know not to compare yourself to your friend but I look at her results and think that's more a curse than a blessing. I have done WW a few (ok, many) times and usually it's with the mindset of "how much can I get away with?" so your friend might leave that wi thinking she can cheat and still lose wight and it will catch up to her eventually. Whereas, you're just going to keep at it. Right? :)

(and I'll just echo other posters who suggested that you should probably eat all your daily points - especially with all that activity. I'm all for not eating weekly and activity points but those dailies are kind of the bare minimum and you need that fuel.)

[CookinginMO/KS]

(((((()))))) That's a big hug to all of you who replied. I can't tell you how much I needed and appreciate the reminders and encouragements. The scale and I have had an unhealthy relationship all of my life and it is a daily struggle whether or not to give in to it each morning and jump on. Sad to think that an inanimate object sets the tone for the remainder of my day. I'm approaching my 2nd week with a committment to eat all my DP AND drink all my water (now that I've reviewed my past week and realized I never hit my H20 goal one single day). Thanks again and I truly am inspired by those of you who have perservered and done phenomenal. Be good to yourselves...be proud! :p