You've got to be kidding me!!!

So... 

I have signed up with a trainer (at 180lbs) and tomorrow will be 3 weeks. The first week I was around 178 or so, but I was obsessing over the scale so my trainer and I decided I should avoid the scale until we do our monthly updates. Well, this morning I couldn't resist anymore and I weighed myself... 178!!!!

I've lost NOTHING in the last two weeks. I'm borderline hysterical over here. I've been working so hard and my husband and family swear they can see it. but I'm my own worst critic... Please tell me I'm not the only one who has/is going through this.

I am devastated 

Have you measured yourself? You are creating muscles which weigh more than fat. Try on some clothes and see if they are lose.

Relax!  When you start a workout program it can be a bit of a shock to your system.  It can cause your body to hold onto extra fluids to try and repair some of the damage you have been doing to your muscles (yes, a workout damages your muscles and your body repairs them and makes them stronger).

Give it a few more weeks to stabalize.  Take out your tape measure if you need to measure something and find our if weight is shifting -- to places where it looks nicer!  Also pay attention to how your clothes are fitting. 

The number on the scale is only 1 way of looking at this.  Even if you haven't lost weight, you are likely stronger and healthier than you were before.  The scales will move -- just give them time. 

as suggested by patternlover41 take your measurements..neck, chest, waist, hips and thigh...do this every other day.

Muscle has weight so the fat is going but your putting more muscle on.

For faster actual weight loss...you need to reduce the calories, eat  high fibre, high nutrient foods and include grains and cereals..

give it time...it will happen..

I agree with themassageguy. When I first started with a trainer I was about 202 lbs., got down to 190 lbs. and was stuck. It wasn't until I joined CC and counted calories based on the recommendation that I finally started really losing.

I'm finally down to 142 lbs. after a little over 5 months of counting calories AND exercising. It's much easier to eat 500 less calories than burn 500 from exercise - but it's even better to combine a bit of the two!

My suggestion would be to stick with the trainer, but concentrate more on counting calories.

I think i just need to relax. I have been counting calories (i keep a food journal that tracks cals/fat/carbs/prot/fiber which my trainer checks). I'll talk to him tomorrow and maybe we can do my measurements early so I can put my mind at ease.

Thank you all for your encouragement!

One more thing to add quick. Your body will store more fluids when you first start weight training and even if you change your routine. To build muscle, you break down the muscle fibers through weight lifting for example. This is a simple explanation and may not be 100% correct, but the basic concept is correct. Anyway, this fluid retention is temporary and in some people can last a few weeks in others longer. This could be part of the issue. In any case, I expect that you will start seeing visible results very soon.

By the way, it sounds like you've been doing everything right. It's a process, but it's worth it. Hang in there and let us know how that body of yours feels in a few more weeks!

Here's the update for those interested:

The trainer agreed with lots of what everyone had to say. He took my measurements (not officially... so he didn't tell me where i lost what... said i have to wait till next week,lol) and in the last 3 weeks i have lost around 6 inches..which i great! He also ended up increasing my calorie intake. Then he said exactly what scaroppo said about the storing of fluids.

Thank you all so much again for the support and advice. It just reiterated that i need to stay focused on getting healthy the right way and to not obsess over the small stuff.

I'll let y'all know how my official weigh in/measurements go next Friday

Oh Em Gee! I just basically posted the SAME THING!! I feel for you, babe, and I totally sympathize. I'm so glad the others who've posted here had such good advice and information. Go on witcha bad self!

My first month was horrible!  I initially lost 4-5 pounds and then two weeks in I went up a pound and it stayed that way for 2.5 weeks!!!    After that 2.5 weeks I dropped 4 pounds almost overnight and it has been nice and steady since then.  It has slowed down a bit again but I am only 7 pounds from my goal weight so I'm not too concerned.  I have no clue why my first month was so bad, I guess my body had a lot of adjusting to do!!

You sound like me...I started going to the gym at the beginning of the year...even though I'd been using an exercise bike at home. I've been going for 4 months, and the weight was falling by a half pound a week...I was getting very frustrated, even though my clothes were getting looser. Last week was the first time I lost a pound for the week....I was ecstatic!!!

We all lose weight differently...you just have to hang in there!!!!

Its muscle weight! HA dont wrry sweety!

i was at the beach hanging out with thelifegaurds(local thing), and she measured herself and she was relle muscly & thin and she weighd in at 175. So dont wrry!!