Hi everyone. I'm 4 days away from my 'B'day' and am thinking about what I want to record. I'll take a pre-op pic as normally I avoid cameras like the plague so I don't have one where I'm not stood at the back of a crowd!

I'm not sure what to do about measurements tho. All along I've thought I wouldn't measure myself as I know I'm big and I don't want to be reminded how embarrassingly big I got. I'd never tell other people my measurements as I find figures are a stark reality( and we all kid ourselves that we don't look as big as we actually are).

Will I regret not measuring??

At 5 days my surgery co-ordinator was happy with my weight -loss on a calorie counting preop diet so I'm sticking to that until the op. I'm doing 1,000 to 1,200 a day. She reassured me that some people find it really hard to stick to calorie counting which is why the milk diet if often suggested to take the focus off food. I've had 2 sticky days where I have gone over the calories but I think they have balanced out overall.

I've decided that because I'm calorie counting, any pre-op loss won't be in my overall figures as it's just like any other diet. My starting weight will be whatever my kitchen scales show on the morning of surgery. In a way I think this is just a self preservation thing- not wanting to think I got as big as I did. I'll be more than content to know I'm down to wearing a UK size 12 clothes rather than having lost 5stone( 70lbs). If I mention 5 stone loss I'll get gasps but will just be reminding myself of the guilt for getting so heavy.

What's everyone else going to do? Any thoughts?

I had read tons of posts on here before my surgery, all so very helpful. I did take my measurements before surgery so that when I seem stuck at a particular weight, I can measure and compare to what I started with. Its strange, but when I look in a mirror, I don't see a different body, but, looking at measurements, I know there has been change. I have not told a single soul what my numbers are, that information is just for me! I personally would have regretted not doing it. As far as your weight loss... by all means count your pre-op loss!!!! It is part of your journey! Best of luck to you!

I agree with Kathy. When the scale gets stuck and i measure i see how far i have come. I too look in the mirror and dont see the new me. I know my sizes i wear are smaller but the measurements dont lie!!

Don't look it like look how big i was but look how far i have come!

Good luck

wendy

I agree with the above posts. I did not measure prior to surgery and regret it quite a bit. I do have the measurements the doctor took but it isn't the same. I wish I'd taken all kinds of measurements pre-surgery. I have hit a plateau with the scale the last six weeks and while I was getting super frustrated, I realized when I went shopping to replace the clothes that were falling off, that I was in a smaller size. Having my measurements might have prevented the cloud of depression that settled over me. Perhaps my plateau wouldn't have lasted so long.

lifebegins2012 I have the same feelings of shame and embarrassment about letting my weight get THIS out of control. I did not take measurements and I am more than fine with that decision! Every time I go clothes shopping I more than see results. It's really a personl choice. No matter what, the weight WILL come off and you WILL look and feel like a new person!!!! Best of luck on your journey!

Thanks girls.You've all made some good points. I still have some of my attendance/weight cards from slimming clubs as far back as 2004 so in a way I suppose it's a similar thing. I've looked at those in the past to help get motivation to try and continue with yet another diet,

I think I maybe will take measurements. I may decide not to look at them again but they'll be there.

Best wishes to you all xx

I wish I would have taken measurements too!

you need to measure. I have the women at Curves do it every month. I started in August. I get a printout with the measurements. I will be having it done tomorrow.

last month I had already lost 41.5 inches on my body.

there are times when weight loss slows but when you have had measurements done, you know things are still changing!

I also think it will be a good reminder as time goes by what a big difference we have made in our lives!

Measure I see results there when I don't see them on a scale!

Do people measure anywhere else as well as waist, hips,thighs? I don't know how far to take it. I'm now thinking I'd quite like to monitor my wrist. It might sound a silly choice but I've not been able to get one of those watches with a fixed size bangle/strap on for something like 15 years.

What about feet and ankles? xx

Where ever you think there will be a decrease, I'd measure it. I'm seeing & feeling clothes fitting better so I wish that I would have taken true measurements. All I can go off is weight & clothing size. It's all good.

Do people measure anywhere else as well as waist, hips,thighs? I don't know how far to take it. I'm now thinking I'd quite like to monitor my wrist. It might sound a silly choice but I've not been able to get one of those watches with a fixed size bangle/strap on for something like 15 years.

What about feet and ankles? xx

I keep up with bust, waist, hips, thighs, upper arm, and neck.

I wish I would have taken measurements but will have to go with clothing sizes. As for other measurements.... My feet have gotten smaller... Guessing because they don't carry as much weight anymore. I went from an 81/2-9 to a 7 1/2 -8. Kinda cool. I still wear my old shoes but have to wear double socks and inserts! Haha

breast, arm, neck,waist, hips, calf is what i did

do it all, you will be shocked!!!!

I measure same as zinhaa, although I also add in measuring my upper thigh. I haven't done it in quite awhile though, this is a good reminder for me to get the tape measure out and see the changes.