Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - %*&*ing Scale

So, here I was, started riding more seriously in the hopes of taking off some weight, checking my scale regularly...weight's coming off down to 218 from 255, go for a check up and get weighed...248!!! My scale is way off!!!:cry: Anyone else ever have this happen? I know I've lost a significant amount of weight, just on the way my clothes fit(as in, my old ones don't and my new ones are smaller sizes:thumb:), but now my goal seems farther away (I want my suit to fit again)...:(

I'd guess you have lost 'visceral fat' (fat inside and around organs) put on lots of new muscle. don't forget you can -/+10 lbs of water weight per day... theoretically you could vary 20 lbs on two consecutive days with water weight... just what i have heard and seen...

water weight toys with my emotions as well. dont be discouraged, if you enjoy riding your bike and it keeps you active, keep it up. i used to drop significant weight after football season/conditioning in high school, but the weight always came back. the weight loss has to be achieved in the same lifestyle that you plan on keeping, if its going to last. maybe instead of keeping numbers on the scale, you could record your times on the bike. the push for faster times could improve your workouts.

It's not just a water weight issue, returning home from the check-up, my scale still said 218, when the doctors' said 248, it's busted. Even swung by my parent's place, their 2 scales read 248 and 249. Now the issue is, I don't reliably know exactly how much I started out weighing when I began or exactly how much I've lost. In clothing fit, I've gone from a tight 42" waist to a loose 40" in jeans with a couple pairs of 38" shorts that fit.

42 to 40 is something to be happy about, still I understand how not having an accurate measurement to start is a bummer.

Forget about the weight - it's how your clothes fit that tell the tale. You're already down from 42 to 40. This will accelerate if you keep up with the riding and moderate your caloric intake. You'll be down to 38 (maybe less) before you know it.

I don't think I could make that mistake!:D .....248 to 218? I'd definitely be able to feel the difference just pinching my belly!:p

As long as your scale is giving you consistent results, then the exact number isn't as important. Now, if it shows 218 one minute and 225 the next, then you have a problem.

But, since you goal is to fit in to a suit, then the number really is moot.

So, here I was, started riding more seriously in the hopes of taking off some weight, checking my scale regularly...weight's coming off down to 218 from 255, go for a check up and get weighed...248!!! My scale is way off!!!:cry: Anyone else ever have this happen? I know I've lost a significant amount of weight, just on the way my clothes fit(as in, my old ones don't and my new ones are smaller sizes:thumb:), but now my goal seems farther away (I want my suit to fit again)...:(

Hmm. I've seen somewhere a rough estimate that 20 pounds more or less equals a pants size. I dropped 14-16 inches from my waist size and about 140 pounds, so that's close. BTW, I went from a size 64L suit to a 52L. However, since I've added back 40 some pounds I'm in your situation. My jacket closes without visible strain, but it's a snug fit.

Keep in mind that your suits might not fit properly after the weight loss, especially if you've been lifting in addition to riding or the suits were fitted a long time ago. Your body is going to change shape as you add muscle and as you age.

It sounds like there is simply a 30# difference between your scale and the doctor's. Just dial your scale up 30# and you will be on the money with the doctor. Or if you want to you can check with your doctor's office and I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you came in once a week to weigh. Just whiz in and whiz out. Or, if you want, you could just get a higher quality scale that can be calibrated and go from there. Don't be upset. Weight is just a reference number. You really know that you are changing by the way your clothes fit. YOU ARE DOING GREAT!!

It's not just a water weight issue, returning home from the check-up, my scale still said 218, when the doctors' said 248, it's busted. Even swung by my parent's place, their 2 scales read 248 and 249. Now the issue is, I don't reliably know exactly how much I started out weighing when I began or exactly how much I've lost. In clothing fit, I've gone from a tight 42" waist to a loose 40" in jeans with a couple pairs of 38" shorts that fit.

Based on the rough rule of 20 pounds to a waist size, you've lost about 30 pounds, which is what your defective scale was telling you. So it seems you are on target, and have something to celebrate.

If your current scale is inaccurate, but consistent, you can just get your new scale and apply a conversion factor. I did this myself not too long ago when I got one of the new scales that has the impedence feature to measure body fat percentage. It recorded my weight as three pounds heavier than my old scale, so I just added three pounds to my starting weight.

I was so upset about my unintended "weight gain" that I went out and rode 80 miles this morning. Take that you stupid scale!

Can I buy your scale?:)


Seriously, adjust that scale now. Reality is a better plan than self delusion. The important thing is that you HAVE been getting fitter and losing fat. Ultimately, that is what is important.