Ok, I've been working out five days a week since July 30. Monday through Friday, I spend 25+ minutes on either a treadmill (that varies from inclines of 0 to 6 and back) at a speed of 3.5-3.7 mph, or 25 minutes on a recumbent bike at varying resistance levels. THEN I do 15-20 minutes of weights for my legs, arms, shoulders, etc. I'm lifting 40-50 reps on each part at 40 pounds. I'm a big sweaty worked out mess when I leave, five days a week.

And I'm eating SO much better. I'm eating smaller portions of dinner, with more veggies, and also fruit and/or protein bars for snacks, high fiber cereal for lunch, etc. In all I come away with at MAX 55 grams of fat and generally 1,300 to 1,450 calories a day. 1,500 calories on the rough days, but not ever any more.

When I started I was 216 pounds on my scale, and then after a week of working out and eating better I was up to 220. I didn't worry, because the lady at the workout center said, and I've heard before, that you tend to gain weight right at first.

I decided not to weigh myself again 'til the end of a month. Well, I was going to wait 'til the end of five weeks, but I jumped the gun and weighed myself Friday. I weigh 216. Which is my starting weight, originally, AND the exact same weight I've been for months while eating all sorts of good, greasy, fattening foods.

So I'm slightly discouraged. Or make that VERY discouraged. After ALL this work and busting my butt and eating right and counting calories I'm back again at the SAME weight I started. I couldn't lose then, and wasn't gaining.

What's the deal? Should I eat less? Am I doing something wrong?

If anything your calories seem a bit low to me...

have you taken measurements - and are you seeing any kind of changes there?

No measurements, because I've been having issues finding a tape measure!! I'm going to ask 'em to do it for me when I go work out this afternoon. I've got people telling me I'm looking like I've lost weight, but I don't see it.

Maybe it's just that I want SO badly to see how GOOD I'm feeling now reflected on the numbers on the scale. I will find out my measurements, though.

As far as the calories, I feel like I'm eating all day long! It's hard to get used to having as many snacks (however healthy they may be) as I am. I feel like I eat a TON, and then overanalyze dinner and eat maybe not enough.

Don't be discouraged! You are doing a terrific job! I remember when I joined a bootcamp class to get in shape for my wedding. I killed myself the first month and didn't lose any weight. I was so pissed and wanted to give up. But I kept going...it was in my 3rd month that I had the transformation. It was like my body morphed into a toned fit new person. It was in that month that everyone took notice and wanted to know what I was doing. I gaurantee your body is shifting fat to muscle and adjusting your water weight. Keep it up and you will definitely start seeing results.

I suggest you take measurements and use your clothing as a sign of your progress. Muscle will weigh more but it helps you burn more fat...keep building that muscle and be patient on the scale. You are on your way to a more tone and fit body. And remember, you are making lifestyle changes that will make you feel better no matter how little the scale moves in the beginning.

Sending you positive thoughts and warm wishes this week. Don't give up!

Thanks Lovely Lady and Maleficent....the encouragement and advice is totally helping my mood today.

Well it may also be from gaining Muscle which wieghs more then fat but is smaller. So deff take measure ments. and dont get down on yourself. When going on your own diet and workout plan its not always going to be perfect at first and will need tweeking the first couple weeks untill your at a comfy. place where your losing wieght and feel healty doing it.

Thanks!!! Measurements are DEFINITELY on the agenda for today... I wish I knew what measurements I started with, but they'll at least give me a starting point from today on.

Do you notice that you have more wiggle room in your pants? That is where I notice my weight loss first. I notice I don't have as much strain on the waiste line. LOL Take notice of the small things in the beginning that show you are making progress. The scale is a mystery...with water weight fluctuations it can be very discouraging in the beginning.

Remember...a few lbs lost here and there start to add up over a few months. Don't give up!!

Well, I have noticed more room in my lower legs, and fewer lumps in my lower thighs and around my knees.

So maybe things ARE progressing....

Please don't be discouraged! It is finally working if you are the same weight you started as, that means you have lost fat and gained muscle weight. The scale is not the only way to measure. Just observe the way your body is changing and becoming more fitter.

The key to successful weight loss is consistency and patience. You must cary on with the way you started and measure yourself after another 2 weeks. Don't let yourself down and believe that what you are doing is for a healthy new you.

When I work out the same happens to me my mussles become so so so hard and therefore no wonder my weight is more. After couple of weeks the muscles get used to it and all that happens is you burning fat.

I never really thought of it like that....I've lost that much weight in fat!! Sounds better now....

Keep up the good work! As others have mentioned, the scale is not the only tool in which to meauser change/success. When you work out with the weights, its not daily is it? IU've heard you need to give your muscles a break every other day or so. You are doing GOOD for your body- don't be discouraged!

How are things going?

Hey MindiK train 5 days a week weights first cardio second 30-45 min. recumbent bike manual 1 as fast as you can. Food your eating to little 5-7 meals a day. Protein ( chicken-white fish-turkey-lean ground beef) carbs (potato-rice-sweet potato) complex carbs (green veggie's) easy on the fruit it's a natural sugar (FAT) . Train your whole body once a week break up your big body parts and small one's (legs and biceps)ect. reps 12-15 (remember you need to feel the burn. Your breaking down the muscle's and building them up with sleep and food. P.S Do cardio in the AM before you eat and after you train. If your eating clean all week (and you should be) have two cheat meals a week anything you want. This will shock your metabolism to burn again. Any questions please feel free to contact me . Your doing great hang in there.With a little help a support it will happen.....BobbyStayFitMD..

I also have been weighing myself and have been the same for a couple of weeks. My pants though have more wiggle room so I know that I losing fat.

Katy