Wow, I could have written this. I'm down 54 lbs as of this morning (220 to 166).

First, please check out r/loseit. There are wonderful people over there who absolutely excel at providing advice and support much better than me. You'll see thousands of stories of people just like you (and me) who have been where you are and who are still where you are.

As others have said, motivation fades and sheer determination is what will pull you through. Just take one small step every day. Today, just read a little on r/loseit. Next week, google TDEE and write down what you eat without trying to restrict.

Also - No zero days

You've got this and people are here to help!

EDIT: OK, now I'm on a computer and can type for real. I'm 35, female, 5' 5" tall (or 1.67 meters) and weighed 158 lbs at 10 yrs old. I've been there. I've been depressed. I've felt worthless. I won't pretend to understand exactly what you're going through, but I think I can relate.

First, let me say congrats on taking a step by posting here. You know you want to change and that's the first thing you have to do - make a decision. The second step is much harder...actually taking the step. You can plan forever and feel like you've accomplished something, but planning doesn't count without action.

Before I type out actual weight-loss advice. I want you to check on one thing - your medication. I'm absolutely not saying you need to go back on it, but please take a hard look at going off and if what you're feeling is related to that. Please, make sure you're working with a doctor to change/go off your medication. You may still be "coming down" from it. I truly don't know the specifics of these things, but I've seen the effects. I've seen too many people go off their medication because they "feel fine" not realizing that it's the medication that creating that feeling. Talk to your doctor, (s)he may say it's normal, maybe you need to try something different, maybe you don't need them any more, but please please please put some hard, rational thought into it. OK PSA over.

I know you're looking for motivation, but motivation fades. And it's not even determination that keeps you going. It's habit, making something so common, so boring, so regular that it feels weird to not be doing it. Measure your food (e.g., servings) until anything more than one serving that looks weird. Walk 15 minutes everyday at 4:45 PM until going a day without it feels weird. By the way, it took me maybe 3 months of dedication for these things to become habit. Make a chart. Do your habits 3 days next week. 4 days the week after that. Work up to 6 or 7. Give yourself gold stars. (No zero days...)

Ok, some concrete things. I'm going to offer a few universal pieces of advice, followed by a few things that worked for me. Take everything with a grain of salt. If I've learned anything, it's that everyone needs to figure out what works for them.

• Small steps - Please don't go from 2500 calories a day to 1200. You'll fail by dinner. This week, just weigh/measure and write down what you eat and look up the calories. Don't try to cut anything out yet. You need to get a baseline. Maybe all you need to do is cut out the daily Starbucks. Maybe you eat healthy, but too much - cut each serving by 1/4 cups. You won't know unless you figure out where to start.
  
• Don't set an "all or nothing" attitude - I'M NEVER EATING SUGAR AGAIN!!! The quickest way to get a stubborn asshole like me to do something (i.e., eat sugar) is to tell me I can't do it. I feel this is a universal issue.
  
• CICO - aka Calories in vs. calories out. This is the weight-loss guiding principle. Google and read about total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). The amount of calories you burn in a day. Using 5'5", 21 yrs old, and "sedentary lifestyle" you burn about 2,100 calories by simply sitting on the couch and breathing. To lose weight, you need to take in fewer calories than you burn (calories in vs. calories out - CICO). Period. That's it. A 500 calorie deficit per day = 1 lb lost per week. If you want to eat more, you're going to have to move more. I eat about 1800-2200 calories per day, but I make sure I move a lot too. If I didn't want to exercise so much, I would have to eat less.
  
• Be prepared - Have healthy snacks on hand. Have water on you at all times. Know when you're going to a party and may over-indulge (and that's ok). EXPECT THE SCALE TO GO UP AND DOWN. Get your mindset around that now. You will probably drop up to 5 lbs the first week you really go hard at this. That rate won't last, be mentally prepared for that. Here's my daily weigh-ins. Be mentally prepared to gain. lose, and plateau.
  
• Stick to it - This is the single most important thing you can do. You fucked up yesterday. It's going to happen. Ate a bowl of brownie batter crying alone in your bed with your cat while watching old Friends re-runs? (My husband is a lucky man). Ok. But this is something you're going to have to fight for a long time. It can't be all or nothing (see above). You have to find a way to pick yourself up and try again. So many times I've said, "well, fuck it. I ate the brownie batter yesterday. What's the point? Might as well just quit. But if you're in this for the long haul, the concept of giving up doesn't make sense. Give up what? My treadmill habit? What's the point.
  
  Ok some specifics that worked for me.
  
  
• Daily weigh-ins - most people will tell you to weigh yourself weekly or monthly. However, after doing that for years, I would always get discouraged when my weekly weight was higher. I started doing daily weigh-ins and learned to embrace the ups and downs. When you pull back on a year's worth of work it puts everything into perspective. It also helped keep me focused. 2 days up meant suck it up buttercup and put down the peanut buttercup.
  
• Take a few before pictures - Take more photos every 10 lbs you lose. I saw results in the photos before I saw them in the mirror.
  
• No cheats, just treats - There is no "off limit" food for me. I pretty much eat what I want. Having said that, what I want is to lose weight and what I want to eat is food that will help me do it. I have my treats, but maybe one cookie, not 12. We're going out to dinner tonight so I'm having a light lunch. I'm not "doing" Keto, paleo, vegan, whole30, weight watchers, Facebook milkshake diet. Props to those of you who do, but to me, those are not permanent. And anything that I "go off of" when I'm "done" = massive weight gain post-"diet" in my world.
  
• Pick a tracker (MyFitnessPal, FitBit, SparkPeople, excel, whatever) - Most people use MyFitnessPal to track food and weight. I use a combination of SparkPeople, Fitbit, and excel. I like excel. I'm both fat and a nerd (my husband is a lucky guy). Make tracking a habit. If you miss a day, start again tomorrow, MyFitnessPal doesn't care. I get excited to update my spreadsheet. Hell, I'll send it to you if you want (PM me).
  
• Start at home - It can be daunting starting something new, luckily we live in the internet age. No one cares if you can't do a 30-min YouTube work out in your basement. No one has to know. People get intimidated by the gym - I was. I still don't go to a gym. But there are millions of workout resources online. You don't need equipment or training or cute workout clothes. You just need 3-4 days per week to form a habit.
  
  I've become addicted to seeing results and, frankly, it's kinda fun at this point. People notice. I get compliments. I feel proud. You can do this.
  
  Today is Sunday. Pick one of these things and implement it tomorrow. Download MyFitnessPal. Buy a food scale. Set up a spreadsheet. Take your before photo. Or at least read No Zero Days.
  
  Hope this helps!
  
  EDIT 2: Several people have asked me for my spreadsheet, so here it is. I'm not going to lock cells so people can edit it as they like, but the idea is that you only type in the pink cells. I filled in the first row as an example. Everything else will fill in automatically. You'll need to fill in your goal too if you want it to appear on the table.
  
  It's up to you to track calories in and out. Like I said, I use my FitBit for this . I also have a cheap fat monitor and started tracking that when I started HIIT workouts and the weight loss slowed. Anyway, add columns, delete those you don't need, and most importantly keep with it!

egg cooker for egg cooking

shark bed for pet snoozing

squatty potty for help pooping

My old scale would "remember" your last weight, and if you were within a pound or two of your previous weight, it would just display the previous weight. I didn't think it was possible for an inanimate object to be lazy up until I discovered that.

Edit: wound up buying this scale, which works the right way, after specifically looking for one that doesn't do this (seems to be a widespread problem).

https://www.amazon.com/TENS-7000-Digital-Unit-accessories/dp/B00NCRE4GO

It's mentioned elsewhere in the comments this is what the kids were playing with. Can you imagine? They were in SUCH peril!

I started going to physical therapy bc I’m a fucking nerd and studying just made me sore. They gave me some awesome stretches and add on exercises each time I go back. I felt a little silly at first going in with just back pain from sitting too much but it’s helped SO much, 10/10 would recommend.

Edit:
OKAY here's my PT routine (plz don't make fun of me for how elementary it is). It's focused on my lower back/hips bc apparently "core muscle strength" is not something that I'm familiar with. For reference, I do cardio like 3-4x week and don't really do strength exercises at baseline. So a lot of the exercises are trying to isolate transversus abdominis, apparently that's a good one for posture. I also have super tight erector spinae especially around my shoulders.

Stretches:

-Open book stretch

-hamstring stretch w towel

-faber stretch

-cobra stretch

-Tennis ball stretch for upper back pain this one hurts like a bitch but feels dope afterwards

Exercises:

-Actually contracting the TV I really sucked at this at first. The trick is to not try and clench your abs too hard bc otherwise you'll just activate the rectus muscles. If you put a finger around your ASIS and then activate your TV, you'll feel your finger sort of pop up.

-Foot lifts while keeping TV activated again it seems suuuper easy but if you do it a bunch you'll feel it.

-TV exercises w a ball

-clamshell exercises I did these just w body weight at first, and we just added one of those resistance bands

-At my appointment today they just added on body weight squats and lunges lmao I am a 24 year old adult and cannot do a proper squat without falling over

Extra shit:

-I got one of these and wear it for a couple hrs a day when I can remember. I think it really helps, but it feels weird at first

-These TENS units always used to scare me but they're actually dope af.

-I also have a heating pad that I put under my shoulders/lower back for like 20 mins if it's been a long day

Seconding this -- buy 50 tests and mail them out as needed!

http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-50-count/dp/B004AOMAOG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1372640455&sr=8-2&keywords=wondfo+pregnancy+test

YES. SO TRUE! My boyfriend and I kept telling ourselves stuff like "they can't be that good, we don't need one, blah blah."

We finally bought one because he saw a sale and we LOVE IT. We also got a squatty potty stool and it is great. The experience of pooping has been transformed. You can get both for like $60 or $70 bucks total on amazon.

Our bidet is this one and I got this squatty potty.

OP, seriously. Bidet. Squatty potty. You won't regret it. Except maybe you will then regret that not every toilet in your life is as richly equipped as the one at home. Pooping elsewhere sucks ):

You need to upgrade your pooping experience.

When I had my IUD, I bought a bunch of the cheapo pregnancy test strips off Amazon just for those days when I felt stressed because I didn’t have my period yet. Missed period stress is the worst. Being able to take a quick test to put my mind at ease every now and then was worth paying $7.50 for 20 strips on Amazon. Plus then you can be that friend who can support her best Judy when she’s worried she’s knocked up. “Come on over whenever; I’ve got Oreos and a pregnancy test with your name on it.” 👍

Lot of good info here, but a few things are missing:

• Use a sitz bath. Place it over the toilet seat, fill it with warm water and Epsom salts, and browse reddit for about fifteen minutes. Do this twice a day.
  
  
• Use a Squatty Potty when you poop. It shifts the position of your abdominal muscles, allowing you to pass doodoo more easily and without straining. The last thing you want to do is squeeze that little fucker out even further.
  
  
• Wipe your bum with medicated wipes. In addition to quenching the fire down below, they also feel goddam luxurious. Some people might tell you they're bad for your septic tank or sewage system. These people are damn, dirty liars. Do it anyway.
  
  
• Sit on an ass donut any time you need to be seated for a while. In the car, at the office, having tea with the Queen -- the Ass Donut™ goes wherever you go!
  
  Several commenters have suggested using Preparation H or some other sort of cream. Do that, too. With abandon. Don't be shy about it, neither. Eventually, your new buttmate will quietly slink away into nameless oblivion.
  
  Source: Had a few buttmates of my own.

Pregnancy tests are cheaper if you buy them on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AOMAOG/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You need one of these

The good news is this is a TENS machine that they made cute and pink. You can get them over the counter a lot of places or on Amazon for under $50.


https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.myhormonology.com/menstrual-cramp-pain-tens-therapy-could-nix-it/amp/

Tens Unit - Tens Machine for Pain Management, Back Pain and Rehabilitation. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UrEazbDMRF99V

try gaming with a wrist brace, this changed my life:
https://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Fitted-Wrist-Brace-Number/dp/B002NLGNW8/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1509646693&sr=8-3&keywords=mueller+wrist+brace&dpID=41vKh4vif0L&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

You can also buy multi packs of tests from Amazon for cheap. Always useful for the paranoia. The exact same dollar store tests are like 89c at walmart.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VT2OQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2ZURzbJTGRD89

We are ahead of you in pooping techniques. You guys recently learned about squatting benefits and started buying these https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/dp/B00ESKVN7W

Well that's the real reason this was invented. So you can squat over the toilet and still get below parallel.

Forget the Period Tracker! She can have the most regular cycles in the world, but you still completely miss the fertile window.

Read Taking Charge of Your Fertility, buy a BBT thermometer (I use the Mabis one) and some OPKs (Wondfos are loved here), and use FertilityFriend to track her temperature, OPKs and cervical fluid.

Also, FertilityFriend has a charting course that's a good way to learn the basics.

Edit - Also, yay for another guy speaking up! We did a subreddit survey a little while ago and we only got four guys answering, so I'm glad there are five of you now :D

This thing.

*edit*

The reviews on this thing are golden!

Bought these in bulk from trollx rec, will never look back ;)

You too can benefit from better pooping posture with only 24.99 down!

https://smile.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/dp/B007BISCT0

"I wipe my ass with paper on a stick"

A Squatty Potty and a cat shaped toilet brush holder. These items were called "My husband didn't want to come pick out items, so I got all the stuff I wanted!"

We got both items at our bridal shower!

Ladies, I invested in a squatty potty and it's been a god send! I have major constipation this time around and I can tell it will be my savior post partum. First time around I was just like you!

62 is really thick if you're soldering PCBs/components. I guess if you're just soldering wire to wire or wire to connector, 62 would be fine. I have a roll of 62 and 31. I mostly use the 62 to tin.

Also, use a sponge. Don't just go around flicking your excess solder/flux. It is, of course, very hot. I burned myself a few weeks ago and the wound is just now almost healed.

I got that exact third hand thing on Amazon for like 6 bucks here. It makes soldering significantly easier (most of the time). It even has a magnifying glass arm for PCB soldering.

Legit? They use a stick that holds TP.

It's pretty fucking gross to think about it.

I don't think I could get to the point where buying that is a better option than not stuffing my fat ass with 10k calories a day.

Okay, here we go. First of all, good job having safe sex but let this scare be the motivation to have safer sex, i.e. get on some birth control on top of the condom use. There are a variety of options and is cost/parents are an issue go to your local Planned Parenthood to go over your options. :)

That being said I understand what you are going through right now. A lot of what you're describing is what I suspect not pregnancy just because it'd be crazy early to be getting signs of being pregnant. I'm thinking you're just being hypersensitive to things because you're stressed and worried. Google is hell for people who suspect unwanted pregnancy, haha. If it would make you feel better, take a test, but I'm not sure it'd pick up on pregnancy this early so it may be a waste of time.

http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-25-count/dp/B0002YIQEQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342981043&sr=8-1&keywords=pregnancy+test

I would buy a pack of these for the future to have on hand for possible scares like this one down the road. They're cheap, work, and it's nice to not have to worry about picking up a test at the store when you're already stressed, especially with you being so young. I would also pick up the morning after pill to have on hand. Not now because it is not an abortion pill and will not work if you're already pregnant and you can only take it up to 72 hours after your sexual encounter, but again, good to have on hand.

Overall, however, if your condom didn't break then I'd say your chances are slim to nil that you actually are pregnant.

I would also take this as an opportunity to talk to your partner about unwanted pregnancy. Would you want to adopt, get an abortion? It's your decision, but would you have your partner's support both emotionally and possibly financially? Would he want to keep it? These are important questions that I think it's important to ask your partner.

If you have any more questions, ask. I've been in your shoes before and know how it feels.

You can buy the same pregnancy tests used in hospitals on Amazon for $.33 each!

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Reach-Comfort-Wipe-1/dp/B001G70QW8

Holy shit this is real. At first, I thought it was the wrong item..then I noticed the use in the picture is...awkward...then I noticed... "Great for personal hygiene."

Oh God.

Take a test. It's not physically impossible for you to have gotten pregnant; it's just very unlikely if you used condoms properly. But not impossible.

Another possibility is stress, which can make your period late. It could also simply be your wonky cycle being, well, wonky. Mine is wonky too. It's been like that for so many years, in fact, that I go on Amazon and buy these in bulk because it's way cheaper than buying the pee-on-a-stick kind. This is what that use in doctors' offices, and they're easy and I'm poor.

I'd recommend also going and getting on the pill. Your period will show up regularly (or not at all, depending on which kind), and it's an added layer of protection on top of condoms. If you really don't want to gamble with pregnancy, it's a good idea to take the pill.

Congrats on losing your V-card. I wish you many years of happy, healthy fuckin'!

Someone just linked to these

I think you misunderstood the point of this subreddit. This is not a meeting place for conspiracy nuts, we are the ones that make fun of them.

>They have, but there has never been a time in history when so much of the world economy as revolved around energy.

No, the economy has revolved around other things, which got replaced by the things that outdated them. There is no difference here.

>>And the people in positions of power have never once managed to suppress it.

>Oh really, I beg to differ.
(TENS) device

They kinda did a shitty job suppressing it, considering you can buy it for 30 bucks on amazon!

The same is true for the lightbulb and AC current....

Might wanna go for some examples that do not actually support what I just said.

>Oh wow you really have bought into the lie. Before Trump ran he had never been accused of bigotry, NOT once.

Aaaaand of course you are a Trumpster.
There are two parts to this claim I have to address. First of all, even if no one bothered to address his racism until he ran for president, or hell, even if he hadn't done anything bigoted until that point, that still would not change a thing. But - and that's the second thing I have to address - your statement that no one accused him of bigotry before he ran for president is blatantly false. (A Trumpster saying something demonstrably false...go figure. Alternative facts, right?)

There are many instances when Trump has been accused of bigotry before he ran for president.
Like a 1991 Book by John O'Donnell, former president of Trump plaza, who worked with Trump for many years. In this book, he accuses Trump of calling black people lazy in spectacularly bigoted terms. Or the full page add he took out against the (now found innocent) Central Park 5, the racism of which was even discussed in court, as the defense lawyers explained that it stirred up hate and influenced public opinion. That was in 1989. He was even fined 200k because his casino would remove black dealers for racist patrons, in 1992.
I could go on, but like I said, even if he just started being racist and being called out on it in 2016, this would still not change a damn thing. I just wanted to point out how demonstrably wrong and stupid that claim was, that he wasn't accused of bigotry before 2016.

I am not going to dignify the rest of those incoherent and ignorant Trump ramblings with an answer, because they have even less to do with conspiritard ideas then what I already corrected so far.

>No, but there is tons of circumstantial evidence. And people have been sentenced to death with only circumstantial evidence many times.

By that metric, you should also believe in bigfoot, the loch ness monster, fairies, demons and atlantis, among other things.
Truth is not established by quantity. A ton of shitty arguments put together does not make one decent argument. You can have a million hillbillies with crop circles and tinfoil hatters with blurry photos or misunderstood archaeology. If anything, this makes your point weaker.

But since this actually has something to do with the sub we are posting in: Give me an example of what you consider convincing circumstantial evidence to seriously consider that intelligent alien life has been on earth.

I generally don't even post here or read this sub, but I got redirected from another sub and happened upon this. Being a guy that's overweight and actively taking steps (and succeeding) to lose weight, I felt like responding.

1. No shit. BMI is used as a baseline. If you look like Brock Lesner or Dwayne Johnson, you're not paying any attention to the BMI.

2. All? No, of course not. Nobody with a brain fails to acknowledge that there are several disorders and diseases that can cause obesity regardless of diet or activity level. However, it's reasonable to state that most obese people have poor diets and low activity levels.

3. Of course fat itself isn't unhealthy. Being obese is the symptom, not the illness. Excess body fat is simply a sign that you're leading an unhealthy lifestyle.

4. You're right, it doesn't. A lot of people simply don't give enough of a fuck to change anything. I know people that smoke, know it's unhealthy, and just don't care. There are smokers that have strong willpower, too. There's also a difference between being unable to quit an unhealthy habit and simply not wanting to.

5. Yeah, it is real. It's just as real as the negative impact of high obesity rates on the medical industry. Oh, and the poor hygiene thing? Yeah, well, they make ass wiping sticks for people that are so fat they can't wipe their own asses. I doubt those are as effective or as dexterous as the human hand wielding them.

6. There's a difference there, too. I don't shame people that are fat, I shame people that are fat by their own volition and act like it's not their fault. Look, if you're fat and you know why and don't care, good for you. It's your body. If you're fat and hate everyone that's not fat? Yeah, fuck you. The traffic flows both ways, bitch.

7. I'm not even sure this stereotype exists. Everyone over the age of twelve has heard the term "chubby chaser" once or twice.

8. No shit. See #4.

9. Context is everything. I'm pretty sure "Move your fat ass." is very much an insult directed at the size of the individual's posterior.

Squatty Potty

Price: $25

Product Link

Gifsauce

Think this thing is weird? It sort of is, but its healthy as fuck, and will help you shit like a motherfucker. Now, don't get me wrong, I hate having white plastic anywhere in my house, I wish I could get everything made out of stainless steel, obsidian or slate, but the utility of these things really makes up for being unsightly - because being healthy makes you less unsightly anyway.

Get an electric nail filer and if you have difficulty seeing little nails, a head magnifier (I had one for crafting purposes but it works really well for baby nails).

If you're a pee-on-a-stick addict, get a big pack of the hospital grade strips off Amazon.

OP could also order online! Amazon carries a 50-count test strip for something like $20. Hang on, getting the link.

Here we go.

So much cheaper.

NO STOP DON'T BUY THOSE

Buy these. You get fifty of the dang things and they're the same kind your gyn would use.

[Try this]
(https://www.amazon.com/SE-MH1047L-Illuminated-Multi-Power-Magnifier/dp/B003UCODIA/ref=pd_sbs_201_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=XXFZXPWRHM9VGHASZF8G)

I don't see anything, still super early.

Out of curiosity is your phone auto correcting Wondfo to wondfro?

Have an IUD. I use these every so often just for the reassurance. Worth every penny.

20 pack of pregnancy tests

Here's 20 for $6.50 - http://www.amazon.com/ClinicalGuard%C2%AE-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-Individually-Sealed/dp/B007VT2OQG/

Buy this and this.

"Flushable" is not a claim that is strongly regulated though.

Yes! I remember someone saying they were basically the same tests used at clinics.

I have a bag of the Wondfo strips, too ...just in case! I don't feel so guilty (price-wise) testing myself every couple of months or so when I think something is "off".

Smoke-stopper, they protect from serious screwups in soldering and wiring. https://youtu.be/4z7yRG56aKM

But don't sweat it man, just scream it out, grab a beer or a fat one and chill. We all have to make mistakes to learn, everyone here has dumb shit we can claim too. Some cost us more or less and some cost us in different ways. It sucks no matter what though, that never changes. Also get a simulator and a cable to connect your tx to your PC to control it or the simulator time will be useless. Use the sim to practice risky moves before actually trying them in a flight and also as a way to fly when you're grounded for repairs or whatever. It's not the same feeling, but the practice will pay off in saved components very quickly I can promise you. My last tip is to get a hands free magnifying lens: either something in a stand/clamps to your desk or a headmounted setup like this for $10 on Amazon Prime:

https://www.amazon.com/SE-MH1047L-Illuminated-Multi-Power-Magnifier/dp/B003UCODIA

If you're looking for a more frugal option, you can buy these in bulk on Amazon. They don't have the plastic stick, just the indicator strip that you pee on, but they are the same quality as ones you buy in a store.

Here's 50 for $18.99; they also have packs of different quantities if you search!

https://www.amazon.com/TENS-7000-Digital-Unit-accessories/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1549452494&sr=1-4&keywords=tens+unit

​

Any commercially available TENS unit probably won't have a setting to have a sustained contracture (risk of electrical burns if abused), but this is the type of machine I'm referring to.

People say https://www.amazon.com/RENPHO-Bluetooth-Body-Fat-Scale/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ plays nicely with the FitBit app, and it's a whole lot cheaper than the Aria.

It’s relatively easy. Many people think it’s super hard but it’s not. When you get hunger cramps you’re actually thirsty so drinking a lot of water is key. What helped me the first few weeks was sparkling water (La-Croix) with 0 calories and sugar. After about 3-4 weeks your body adjusts. Black coffee also helps.

My number one advice for all of you guys is buy a smart scale because it helps you keep track not just of weight but BMI, Body fat, etc. it really motivates you. Every 2-3 days measure yourself in the morning after taking a piss and you have to be fully naked no socks for accurate measurements. Maybe one day I’ll make a video on my experience with more tips as I see a lot of people struggle with this. Good luck!

We have this one from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1UX8RW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Each of us use it and it tracks separately on our phones. Works great

Don’t buy a livia!! They’re like $150!! You can buy literally the same machine for $30 on Amazon it’s just not cute like the livia. This makes me so mad!!! They took a cheap, useful technology and “pink-ifyed” it so they could upcharge women in pain over 100% >:( I have a TENS unit (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mUfcAbGPT84CF) and it definitely helps but the livia thing just makes me so furious about capitalism and patricarchy!! Sorry for the rant lol

Magnifying head light. Less than $10 and I use it way more often than I would have thought.

http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-50-count/dp/B004AOMAOG/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371507696&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=wandafo+test

that's the best i could find right now. i guess their prices went up from when i bought them, but still 38 cents a piece is way better than like $5 or more a piece from the drugstore lol

Have you tried peeing into a cup and then sticking the tests in and leaving them until the control line shows up? That's what I do lol. Also something cheaper is getting just the test strips in bulk off of Amazon. I paid $7 for 20.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007VT2OQG/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Not TOTALLY relevant...but there's no need to buy those pregnancy tests at CVS when you could get these for ~$15 for 25 of them.

They save a lot of panics for missed periods, not to mention saving the hassle of seeing exes at CVS. :P

I used to get those same symptoms years ago, so I bought this

I just keep it near my computer and put it on whenever I play tagpro. If I play for more than a few hours at a time I still sometimes get tingling, but otherwise the brace has eliminated the problem.

And I still press the keys unreasonably hard to get that extra bit of speed.

A lot of people here use the MABIS thermometer and really like it. I just got a cheap one from Target and it works just fine. As far as OPKs, the Wondfo brand/other internet cheapies are really popular and super cheap compared to some of the digital ones (Clearblue, etc). It depends on your preference, though. My first time around I used the Clear Blue digital OPKs and I liked that they were cut and dry with their negative/positive response. This time I'm using Wondfos because they're much cheaper, although there is more room for interpretation with the negative/positive. You can check out /r/TFABLinePorn to see what pictures of positive/negative cheap OPKs look like. You can also get cheap HPTs bundles, too. Happy shopping!

MABIS Basal Thermometer, Digital BBT Thermometer, Basal Body Temperature Thermometer... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O6YCZY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_mdyrzbBGK3WVV

Wondfo Combo 50 LH Ovulation & 20 HCG Pregnancy Test Strips https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RY8UBNC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_blyrzbS8T1B71

Clearblue Advanced Digital Ovulation Test, 20 Ovulation Tests https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AOJ5R8W/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_ZlyrzbKCE31EJ

>brushes

If you use GW brushes, get the Standard, Fine Detail, and Wash brushes. These give you a good starting point for most of the stuff you'll be doing. Otherwise you'll want to find similar brushes in other ranges (Windsor & Newton make good brushes). If you go with third-party brushes I think the sizes you'll want are 1, 0, & 3/0.

>mats,

You can get any sort of sewing mat, where it's basically just a piece of rubber you lay on the table. Joann's Fabrics or any sort of sewing store should have this. Here's one I found on Amazon.

>thinners

The paint you're working with is water based, so water will work as a thinner. If you decide to airbrush things that will change what you need but for now, build a wet palette.

>cutters

Try these

>etc

You'll need some glue at the very least. You might also want some helping hands to hold things while you paint them/glue them together.

>is there a site that tells you what colours you need to paint certain colour styles?

I'm not aware of any one site as a catch-all for painting any scheme, but googling things led me to this site that goes into detail about painting Space Wolves. You could also consider this video from Games Workshop where they go through the steps of painting the model.

As for the paints themselves, I'd recommend working with the Vallejo Game Color paint range. They come pre-thinned (extremely helpful for new painters) and convert to Games Workshop colors pretty easily.

Some more hobby stuff to help you get started:

Zenithal Priming

Airbrushing

Object Source Lighting

I once knew someone (with a normal BMI) who used one of these butt-wiping sticks after he had surgery:

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Reach-Comfort-Wipe-1/dp/B001G70QW8

His range of motion was limited, but he REALLY did not want another person helping.

One of the top-rated reviews on this product is from a guy who weighs 500 pounds, so it apparently also works for the morbidly obese.

I want to start off with this very important thing to remember, "take your time" while doing this model there was times I only sat down for a few minutes and times I was there for over an hour.
I would recommend practicing the techniques listed below on the sprues (the frame surrounding the parts of the model)

I over do the details,(lot of it you can't see in the pictures. I post) but I enjoy the painting and get satisfaction off of it, it can be toned down and still look good

I normally look over the book, Google the characters/vehicle down load multiple pictures to refer to and get an idea what colors I want before getting started. I also watch YouTube videos to see if there is something difficult I need to be aware of.

Sometimes it is easier to paint some of the details while the parts are still on the sprues, see the black in the chest plates I painted them before I cut them loose, it was easier to do them that way. But I always waited until I put section together (ex: chest, waste , arms , legs and head) to do the wash "weathering" this way they all blend together. With this one, I want it to look more weathered at the bottom and less as it went up

Some definitions:


Wash "weathering" this is how I made the "dirty look" i did not let it set for 10 mins. I applied small sections and wiped off what I did not want with a Q-tip. The darker parts, I just applied small amounts with with a fine tip brush.

Dry brush

As you can see here Dry brushing really gives the look of age /worn out.
you would be better off going to the link I provided and watching a few videos.

Variety of brushesif you buy the dirt cheap brushes, you will get a cheap paint job. The ones I linked are a good set to start with, they give you a wide variety of choices. Main thing to do is CLEAN...CLEAN CLEAN...them after each use. With thinner and soapy water. Do not leave them setting in the thinner or water, the points and edges with get messed up quick. Wipe them off with a paper towel, reform the ends when done.

Magnifing head set is the best way to get the small details, i have this set and they work okay, there are better sets out there.

Hope this helps

If taking another test is a money issue, because honestly the drug store tests are wayyyyy overpriced, order the tests from amazon. They sell the simple strip tests that Dr. offices use 50 tests for $20.

i bought these and theyve been great so far, but they all expire next year, so that kinda sucks.

A decent estimate for sure, I've got this one and enjoy using it, but I really believe getting this kind of analysis is worth the money if you're serious about it. I'm near the University of Minnesota and can get a test done for $40 (alumni) but I've see it at other local places here in the Twin Cities for $45.

Try pooping the way nature intended-by squatting. Read some of the reviews for a product that makes it easier here!

I'm checking out their Amazon page and it's hilarious the description of how/why the squatty potty works. I wonder how many sales they're gonna make after the publicity of denouncing her. Probably more than they made with her commercial lol

Got a super faint line yesterday and another faint one this morning! And then I went and bought a digital test to try tomorrow because I still don't quite believe it.

ETA more info:

I was using these super cheap tests from Amazon and I just bought a Clearblue digital to try tomorrow.

I used an Ava bracelet that I bought with HSA dollars to track my cycles since last December. Except, we went to a super remote area on vacation last month and so I was unable to sync data. So I just guessed ovulation week based on previous predictions and banged it out every day for 5 days, with day 3 being the predicted ovulation on day 14, since I sometimes ovulated on day 16 or 17. We had sex twice on day 3.

I tested the day before my estimated period (cycle day 26) and got nothing. Tested the morning of my missed period and had a faint line. Tested again this morning, another faint line.

there I just saved you $200

Ginger, teleport, vignette, play timed sessions and stop BEFORE you feel “funny” and do this every day, get a tms kit on amazon and run it below your palm while you play : amazon, use the natural locomotion app on steam, take breaks, ginger tea, Benadryl

If you go to /r/TFABLinePorn sometimes the title will tell you the brand.

The most common strips I know of are the Wondfo, Clinical Guard and Easy@home.
They are mostly used due to how cheap they are compared with the First Response and other big brands.

For example, on Amazon: [wondfo] (https://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Strips-25-count-medical/dp/B0002YIQEQ) vs FRER

Sorry you're having anxiety problems - that shit sucks. Having cheap pregnancy tests on hand can help ease your mind when these things come up. They arrive in an inconspicuous package, and you wouldn't have to worry about going into a store or whatever is available on campus.

Long cycles occasionally happen. Sometimes stress can delay ovulation, but having the occasional long cycle isn't unheard of. If your period is actually 3 days late, taking a home pregnancy test should be accurate. If you haven't had any kind of sexual activity since March, and have had fairly normal periods since then, you are probably not pregnant. If you are 7 months pregnant, a HPT will also give accurate results. Sugar, toothpaste, anything else really won't help determine if you're pregnant. It is very important that you find out if you are pregnant or not - if you are, you'll need to know what your options are/get prenatal care. But again, I do not think it is likely you are pregnant.

You haven't mentioned if you have been using any forms of birth control. If you're a sexually active person, which it sounds like you are, figuring out some methods can go a long way in easing your anxiety. Most apps are not great at predicting when you're fertile, and so please don't rely on an app alone for protection. Babies are not the only thing you can catch, either - I would suggest having condoms on hand to help contain semen.

BMI is bullshit. I am a BMI of 31.1 and am much healthier than average. What you should be measuring is bodyfat percentage. Pick up a pair of these if you want a credible basis to begin your fat loss. If I had to guess, your bodyfat is around 25-35%. It should be much lower, high teens at the most.

Try cutting out foods that have the highest concentration of "empty calories" (ones that cannot be efficiently used for fuel and are stored as fat). These food are ones with very high sugar and simple carbs.

Stop consuming these foods, and slowly begin to introduce whole grains, vegetables, and lean meats into your diet. Don't buy any "weight loss pills", as these are a scam of epic proportions. The most you will see from these is rapid water loss (looks good on the scale), which is unhealthy. Eat a large breakfast, and try to eat frequent, healthful meals. Don't consume large ammounts of food at night or in the late afternoon.


Cheat days are going to be vital to keeping yourself on track. At first, you might need 2 or 3 meals a week but slowly change this to 1. You must not binge, try to keep to only consuming 1 unhealthy, moderately sized meal for your cheats.

I know your situation well, I love food myself. There are many healthy (and tasty) alternatives to your favorite foods. You just have to make an extra effort to include them into your diet.

I hope the advice helps, good luck and feel free to contact me if you wish to know more.

edit: damn this may be harder than I thought, you eat some pretty good food! :)
It seems like you eat out alot, so this may be of some help to you

This is the greatest scale I have ever owned. Flawlessly accurate. The company is solid as well. I highly recommend it.

I use glasses kinda like this

Makes it much easier.

I really love small, cute things so I was happy to make her!

30 for $8

25 early detection for $11

25 for ~$3.50

50 for $19

It will change your life.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007BISCT0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_c99aub1918BEB

4.5 stars on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/dp/B007BISCT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498170152&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=squatty+potty&psc=1

Welcome to the cult of Mabis, long may she reign.

It's called a third hand tool or helping hand: https://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Magnifying-Glass/dp/B000RB38X8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1499213965&sr=8-3&keywords=third+hand

Often used for soldering; or any task where you need to hold items while working on them with hand tools. Using for tying flies would work, possibly examining gem stones too.

Nice - you'll be glad to have that variety of tips, depending on what you are working on! If you have any spare Christmas money, I'd recommend picking up one of these self-adjusting wire strippers - it sort of matches your color scheme too! And if you do a lot of de-soldering (anything with lots of headers or through-hole IC sockets), a desoldering iron can save a ton of time compared to your solder wick and desoldering pump.

A few other things that I've found useful (mostly repairing electronic keyboards / synthesizers, although I'm hoping to get more into Arduino / Pi soon):

Hakko wire cutter

Helping hand

Hemostat / Forceps

Digital multimeter with audible continuity tester

To give you a more detailed answer, here's what you'll need:

• A soldering iron, like this one
  
  
• CR2032 battery holders (I've used [these] (https://m.ebay.com/itm/10pcs-Plastic-CR2032-CR2025-Cell-Button-Lithium-SMD-Lead-Battery-Socket-Holder-/111611684009) successfully in the past)
  
  
• CR2032 batteries (you can find these at just about any grocery store)
  
  
• A 3.8mm Gamebit bit or screwdriver depending on what you already have
  
  
• Some good heat resistant gloves probably
  
  
• Not required (I've so far done all of my own replacements without this) but definitely helpful: a "helping hand" like this one
  
  
• Patience
  
  If you're at all worried about doing this, I can tell you that, having no prior experience to soldering, I've successfully replaced batteries on 8 of my own carts without damaging any of them. You can do it!
  
  

1. Start by taking the two 3.8mm Gamebit screws out of the front of the cartridge and removing the plastic shell. Since you have the board out, now would also be a good time to clean it and the plastic. Use soap and water on the plastic (letting it dry thoroughly) and isopropyl alcohol on the board's gold contracts (where it plugs in).
   
   
2. Heat up your soldering iron by just plugging it in, resting it on its stand, and leaving it for a few minutes. IT WILL GET VERY HOT, DON'T TOUCH IT. To test if it's hot enough, just put your hand near it. You should be able to feel the heat coming off it if it's warm enough.
   
   
3. Begin removing the old battery. Locate it on the board, then find the two corresponding points on the back of the board where it connects. Also, take note of the polarity of the connections; the tab that runs from the top of the battery down is the positive end, the bottom is the negative. Start heating one of the contacts while pulling up on the battery away from the board (this is where those gloves and helping hand come in handy) Once you've got one end out, go for the other one.
   
   
4. Take your battery holder and (if you're buying the ones I linked) bend the tabs so they're perpendicular to the holder itself. I used tweezers to do this. Be careful not to bend too much, or you may snap the metal tab off! (I've done that more than once...) Once you've done that place a fresh battery in the holder
   
   
5. Now comes the hard part: putting the new battery holder in. Remember the orientation the old battery went it, and orient the new one in the same fashion. If you forgot how the old one went in, the two tabs are actually different sizes, so you shouldn't be able to put it in the holes if you've got wrong. Proceed to heat the solder under one of the tabs until it flows again and slide the tab into it. You may have to alternate back and forth to get it in fully, but by the end the holder should sit flush against against the board
   
   
6. Place the board back into the plastic and screw the screws back in. One note about bigger boards (like the Yoshi's island cart you have): some plastic pieces may interfere with the board when you put it back in. One thing you could consider doing to remedy this is using a file to scrape away some of that plastic if you don't mind doing that to a cart or (preferably) the holder. Also something to note, Yoshi's Island and other Super FX carts have metal tabs on the plastic of the cartridge that act as a ground by touching the outside of the cartridge slot. If this isn't placed back properly, your cartridge may not boot, so that's one thing to check if that's the case after reassembly. Now, congratulate yourself. You've done it! Give yourself a pat on the back and get back to gaming. Good luck with 100%! :)

Well if you do somehow get the urge to do some spleunking in those dank caverns, just be careful which folds you enter. That is, unless your hamplanet regularly uses her Long Reach Comfort Wipe!

Suggestion - get a scale like this. I have it, and love that while my weight has varied by less than a pound for 5 weeks, I’ve watched as my composition has changed in other ways.

RENPHO Bluetooth Scale

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fs1VDbEH3FAJX

Even better, one of those Tens units for personal electro muscle stimulation.

I use this one that is half the price and has the same features. Work great for syncing with health app on iOS.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_iCU.BbK1TYYRP

RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat Scale... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

hmmm, well this is the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/RENPHO-Bluetooth-Body-Fat-Scale/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=renpho&qid=1556646875&s=gateway&sr=8-1 it was recommended to me once, I've since converted my coach and I've suggested it to other competitors and it's always been very accurate for us!

I own this scale from Amazon. It's less than $30 and I've had it for two months now. Beyond its body fat readings, which I'm not sure of the accuracy of most scales, the Bluetooth feature is really helpful for recording results to your phone in apps like Apple Health or My Fitness Pal. The scale also has a phone app that is pretty decent by itself; again, like any piece of technology, it will not be 100% accurate but if you're measuring yourself as well as weighing yourself consistently it can certainly help with organizing your data trends wirelessly.

How much over 400 pounds? This EatSmart scale is highly rated and has a 440 pound capacity.

I find this light to be very effective, not to mention pretty cheap, and I like that it has a few different "temperatures" of light and has more than enough flexibility for me to get it in just the right spot.

​

I also rely heavily on this head magnifier as my vision isn't what it once was. It's super cheap and works great.

​

I find that Army Painter brushes work really well and cost much less than most of the other brushes I like. I particularly like their detail brushes. I don't think I could paint eyes without my beloved "The Psycho" brush.

​

I love this light box. Also very cheap (noticing a trend, I'm always looking for a deal, lol). These acrylic display boards fit nicely inside the light box and give photos a cool, polished look.

Bulk pack of Wondfo tests from Amazon. :D No curious looks from other shoppers or the cashier!

But maybe you will have my luck: bought a big pack (25 or 50, can't remember which)... got positive result the day they arrived.

Amazon Wondfos are even cheaper! I'm in my 9th cycle now and haven't yet emptied out my first 50 pack. And I really do test whenever I feel like it.

I just have to second the Squatty Potty! Makes a world of difference! http://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Ecco-Toilet-Stool/dp/B007BISCT0

Squatting on ceramic toilets is incredibly dangerous! I'm sorry that happened to you but glad you didn't die, or something.

Have you tried a squatty potty? Best thing ever. The poop slides out like butter.

This is what I was going to come and say - AMAZON. A friend of mine was in a similar situation last year and didn't realize she could get pregnancy tests online. These are the "Amazon Choice" ones and are cheap and prime. Decently reviewed. One of the reviewers also said it comes in discreet packaging. And even if there are a couple of duds in the batch (which I don't imagine why there would be, but you'd run that risk even in the more expensive ones) there are lots of other ones to do as well.

The biggest thing though, and I know this will be the hardest part, is to just take everything a day at a time. Right now, you can't control what's going on, but you can control your reaction. If you're not pregnant and your period is late, it could be due to a multitude of factors, not least of which is stress. Mine was late by a month and a half because of stress in school. You just don't know until you do the test or your period comes, whichever happens first. It will be ok. It may not be great, but it WILL be ok. hugs

https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/dp/B00ESKVN7W/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1525367260&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=squatty+potty&psc=1

Stick with your scale. You've lost 12 pounds. It doesn't matter if you went from 285 to 273 or 269 to 257. You still lose the same amount of weight.

In the meantime, you should really upgrade to a digital scale. They're relatively cheap. They last forever. And they're more accurate.

Here is one for $20:

• https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital-Weight-Technology-Elegant/dp/B00F3J9G1W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1478546633&sr=8-3&keywords=digital+body+scale
  
  A lot of people swear by this one:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital-Weight-Tempered-Pounds/dp/B01HI1W1V4/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1478546633&sr=8-4&keywords=digital+body+scale

Ive used and liked this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3J9G1W/

However, different reading can be due to an old battery or using it on an uneven surface. Even if you are using it somewhere solid like on bathroom tiles, the floor can still be uneven - I'd check that it actually doesn't wobble before using it and see if it still gives you inconsistent readings before buying anew one.

> You can also buy 'em in bulk on-line dirt cheap from China, too.

Yep, the [Wondfo]
(https://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Strips-25-count-medical/dp/B0002YIQEQ/) tests are really well reviewed and dirt-cheap ($0.50 a test or less depending on how many you buy.) But if you just need a test or two, or can't afford $12 upfront, the dollar store's the way to go.

Isn't it so cool that all of this personal health information is quickly becoming more accessible to us?

You're pretty muscular and in good shape. I don't think you need to lose any weight.

Also, since you have higher testosterone and are more muscular than an average woman, you can't evaluate yourself based on only BMI. BMI is based on height and weight for average women, who don't have high testosterone levels. So, if I were you, I wouldn't pay attention to only BMI.

DEXA and Bod Pod are good methods for measuring body fat, but they can be expensive, as you mentioned.

If you go to a gym, you can ask them if they have a body impedance analyzer or calipers. Those aren't as accurate as DEXA or Bod Pod, but they are usually cheaper.

You can even buy a body impedance analyzer for about $33. If you use a body impedance analyzer, just be sure to follow all of the directions regarding when you use the analyzer. I think it's supposed to be used exactly 2 hours after you eat a meal. (I haven't used one in a while). They are fairly accurate. I think the accuracy is about +/- 5%.

If anyones thinking of getting into a hobby that requires soldering, a quality soldering iron where you can set the temperature is immensely helpful. The Hakko FX888D is great starting point.

Having extra hands to hold wires in place and a magnifying glass is pretty much a requirement as well.

Those are really cheap. They are mostly used to solder wires since they can't support much weight. I would get him something better like this or this if you wanted to spend a little more. I have all three of these, so I know what is good :)

A cheap basal thermometer is just fine to get started. Lots of people like the easy@home one because it stores many previous temps and is backlit. If you want super basic, I used this one for awhile...it has no back light and only stores one previous temp, but it does the job.

When Mabis is recommended, the nine dollar basal thermometer is what's meant. =)

You might make a mess of a switch or pot on your first time around dripping extra solder and shorting out some connections but those are also the cheapest components involved so no sweat if you need to swap something out.

Before you solder you want to make a physical connection first. Twist up the tips of the wire so they're thinner and thread them through the little eye holes on the contact points and bend them over into a hook shape so they're now hanging onto the part before heat gets involved.

Now apply the iron tip to the component where you're going to solder for a second or two to heat it up and touch the solder wire to the component (not just to the iron tip) and it should melt and flow to lock down the physical connection you formed above.

Your biggest danger is mostly going to be burning/melting components by having the iron in contact with them for too long so just work quickly and deliberately and you shouldn't have any issues.

A higher quality iron with variable temperature control should make this easier as the really cheap $10 irons often don't get hot enough to melt cheaper solder quickly so you spend more time pressing the hot tip to the components trying to melt solder and burn up gear.

Don't skimp on tools.

Also wear safety glasses as the last thing you want to do is fling hot solder off a springy wire right into your stupid eyes.

"Helping Hands" tools can be really useful as well. Most of the time when you burn yourself it's when you're doing something that kinda requires more than two hands at once so instead of holding pliers and an iron like chopsticks with solder in your mouth and a row of blisters on your thumb just take a step back and find a smarter way to work.

Oh and just a reminder - metal is a great conductor of heat so if you're putting the iron to a component you'll notice pretty quick if your skin is touching another exposed metal surface of the same component or wire.

I've built 2 RGs and haven't had any problems due to size or parts being flimsy. I also have big and very shaky hands. Here's my advice:

• I think we all drop and lose parts from time to time. The best way to handle this is to build in a clean space. Make sure your floor is clean, vacuumed, etc. before you begin. Make sure your lighting is good too!
  
  
• A good pair of tweezers is a godsend when working with small parts. Also consider a helping hand.
  
  
• When making the frame, make sure to gently bend the joints back and forth a bit to loosen them up before putting the armor on them. If you fail to do that and attempt to move the piece before loosening it up, you do risk damaging the part. This is mostly due to the pre-assembled nature of the RG frame.
  
  RGs are very fun kits that don't take up a lot of shelf space while also looking very impressive. I'm very happy with the ones I've built and I've got a couple more on deck. I highly recommend you try one. People talk up the RG 00 Raiser a lot and I personally built the RG Wing Zero and RG 00 Qan[t] and had few problems with them. (The RG 00 Qan[t] does have a loose V-fin problem so I recommend some plastic cement or glue for that.)

If you're taking your first steps into wiring, then you should get comfortable working with wires and tools. Here is a kit that will introduce you to wiring, soldering, etc.

Along with that, there are a few tools that might be useful to you:

• A small stand with clips and magnifying glass
  
• Solder wick for desoldering
  
• Soldering tip cleaner
  
• Extra supply of solder
  
  And there are videos on YouTube that will teach you how to properly solder a wire to a soldering point. For that Elenco kit, the main goal is to get both the siren and the flashing lights to work, which it will if you wired everything correctly and used the correct resistors. It can be easy to make mistakes while learning to solder for the first time but most mistakes can be fixed, and it's very difficult to cause enough damage to render the board completely unusable.
  
  Also, one note of caution: soldering irons are extremely hot, as the intent is to liquify the solder and attach it to the soldering points.

something like this could be right up your alley

I don't have any suggestions on soldering irons, but I do recommend a brass wire sponge over a regular sponge for tip cleaning.

They work great and don't require any water. I personally feel they are better for your iron tip and don't get nasty like a sponge can.

Something like this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000PDQORU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1373850851&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX112_SY192


Edit: that weller above that you listed is a good iron. Because you are doing SMD as well I would also recommend a solder sucker, as I call them ha.

This here http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002KRAAG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1373851104&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX112_SY192

Helps a ton if you get solder is the wrong place or need to take some off or out of a through hole.

Lastly, these third hands can be a life saver at times if you will be working alone often. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000RB38X8/ref=pd_aw_sim_indust_2?pi=SL500_SY115

Good luck!

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Reach-Comfort-Wipe-1/dp/B001G70QW8

Look and shudder.

I'm 100% echoing all of this. The summer heat is really starting to get to me now at 31 weeks, and I just can't wait for the cool weather, crunching leaves, comfy layers, and sweet baby cuddles. We have an outdoor fireplace now, and I'm so looking forward to bonfires and listening to the crackling fire without being eaten to death by mosquitoes.

Pregnancy during summer is awful, but the compromise of a fall maternity leave is something to look forward to! And as far as the carpal tunnel, I can help with that! The link below is to a brace I bought about a year ago. My hands both randomly go numb, and I wasn't finding relief from anything. I've had carpal tunnel for a few years now. I came across these braces, and I can't tell you how much they help. It's a significant difference. The only other tips I have are to wear them just tight enough that it won't fall off your hand, and it helps to wear them often. Just at night is enough to reduce the symptoms, though.

https://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Fitted-Right-Wrist-medium/dp/B002NLGNW8/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1466437752&sr=8-2&keywords=mueller+wrist+brace

http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Fitted-Right-Wrist-medium/dp/B002NLGNW8/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1450478619

I have one of the Eatsmart scales and it is very accurate. I let it re-calibrate every time I use it. Tap it, let it re-calibrate, then weight. On a very rare occasion it will be off a little. I weight myself twice and if it gets the same both times I record that. On a rare occasion it will take three weigh ins to get two that are the same. Make sure you are standing up straight and standing still. Also weight wearing the same thing for each weigh in, for me that is just my boxers.

Scale I have and would recommend: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032TNPOE

If your partner is not attracted to your more healthful appearance it is time to discuss it with them and consider a new kind of weight loss (ex partner).

I got an EatSmart Precision Plus - mostly because the screen lights up when you step on it, so I don't have to turn on the lights to see the readout, but also because I was kind of blown away by the Amazon review score. 5 stars with over 7000 reviews is unreal.

But anyway, the part that is relevant to you is that the platform is really big. Plus, it's consistent and seems pretty reliable.

http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-50-count/dp/B004AOMAOG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1372640455&sr=8-2&keywords=wondfo+pregnancy+test via u/happyplains

These work great. Any that say 'test strip'. They are easy to use.

Ooh I can help here!! You can buy huge packs of test strips online for mega cheap. I bought this pack ($19 for 50) and they're going to expire before I could even come close to using them all!

I use an eatsmart scale (specifically this one: http://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Capacity-Recognition-Technology/dp/B004L6NTHU/ although the "body fat %, body measurement calculators" are to be taken with a grain of salt as they are seldomly very accurate but could be good for consistency measuring purposes). It's a great scale to track weight and I tried "fooling" it like you did (stepping on, stepping off, letting it reset, then stepping on again) and it always gave me the exact same reading...even if i waited like 5 minutes.

So personally, I can vouch for that one but reading the reviews on Amazon, any of the eatsmart scales (there are 3-4 of them..$50 being the most expensive) should be good.

if you cant take a nightly poop this will apparently help you ;D

There are products like the Squatty Potty designed to put you in the right position while you sit on the toilet.

That's fiscally irresponsible, get the 25 pack.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VT2OQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7wzJyb40HVN1E

I have really bad anxiety and while I'm pretty confident I won't get pregnant before I'm ready, sometimes I wonder if I am. Thanksgiving last year, I spent way too much time worrying. After that, I got a pack of 20 for $7.50ish and every so often if I start to wonder I take one to give myself peace of mind. I read reviews and whatnot and people had said they were struggling TTC and buying these were cheaper than one of the drugstore ones. Reviews said they can notice as early as seemingly 2-3 weeks (one review said they tested positive 8 days post-ovulation). That's decently early to get accurate results. I was a bit surprised they could be that good at that price, but yeah. They're definitely underrated.

Honey, do you have a squatty potty and bidet? You could probably find both of them for around sixty bucks and they will change your pooping forever. I've also heard of people making their own squatty pottys from some wood and screws to save the $$$.

I know this wont stop the pooping, but it will make it more bearable.

Source: I poop a lot.

Bidet options: https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=a9_asi_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aluxe+bidet&keywords=luxe+bidet&ie=UTF8&qid=1494437956

Squatty potty: https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/dp/B00ESKVN7W/

Squatty Potty = no feet on seat

lottery tickets, remote control plugs, DropStop seat gap filler, glass tupperware set, squatty potty, Code Names (or any board game), Yeti colster, hydroflask bottle, packit freezable cooler, a set ofoutdoor globe lights, gift wrap organizer

I would be very interested to know how you accomplished that.

I have a Weight Gurus scale...

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Connected-Solution-including-Backlit/dp/B00N9ENKDI/ref=sr_1_3?crid=11J292QVF2TBO&keywords=weight+gurus+scale&qid=1555072208&s=gateway&sprefix=weight+guru%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-3

...and have downloaded the Weight Gurus app to the iPhone and it syncs my weight, BMI, etc. to my iPhone via that Weight Gurus app.

When I go iPhone > Apple Health.app \> Sources, I see Weight Gurus there.

When I continue to the next screen, Weight Gurus, I see I have allowed it to write and read the following data: Body Fat Percentage, Lean Body Mass, and weight.

Where, in the Apple Health.app, do your find your weigh-in data?.

TENS 7000. Amazon. $26.

I love it.

I'd also purchase these pads. Amazon. Ebay.

And I like using electrode gel for a better attachment. Amazon.

I regularly use a TENS for other issues I have.

Talked to my OB and she was onboard for me using it during pregnancy and labor if I desired.

I got one through my insurance - it was astronomical and didn't feel as good as the "medical grade" TENS units they use at a PT facility.

I returned that one (it was like 400$ - absurd), and tried a few different ones.

I bought this one from Amazon - it is amazing and does an excellent job for much cheaper(30$)! Weee!
I also bought these pads as replacement.

But seriously - it is far, far better than the one I received through prescription and it is the third one I tried off of Amazon (after learning about it from others with my genetic disorder). Highly recommended!

Not sure if you have ever used one before - but definitely make sure you understand how to put the pads on correctly before you use it!

Have had sciatica off an on for close to two decades.
where is your pain?

my pain points are in the right outer hip and right butt. when it shoots the pain goes across my lower back and sometimes can feel pain in my lower abdomen. When I walk down stairs or put weight on my right leg it feels like I'm going collapse as there's no strength. standing out of bed or leaning over 1/2 way is pain. additional symptoms are extreme tightness in my right calve and hamstring.

Haven't got it officially diagnosed, but have had my back X-rayed the day after a massive attack. No visible problems in the disc, other than normal arthritis for my age. Last two years it has come on around November, after the long summer. Summers I tend to do a lot of bike riding down the beach (20 mile bike rides). My theory is my legs (thighs & hamstrings) along with calves become too tight from being overworked. they pull on butt cause my lower back to become weak. combined with an office job sitting in a chair that pinches sciatic nerve that shots to the outer hip. it's a multiple combo problem that takes usually about 3 months+ to unwind.

things that I try to do to relieve the pain:

1 - yoga

2 - massages. if can't get a masseuse regularly try getting a Tens device on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O7CM12W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3 - ibuprofen. I haven't got into prescription pain meds, I hate how they make me feel depressed. Aleve can be tough on your stomach. it makes me shit blood so I stick with Ibuprofen

4 - this has been the most effective of nearly everything. Get an old T-shirt. fold it vertically to about 5 inches wide. roll it into a ball. wrap it in tape. lay on the floor. stuff the rolled up t-shirt under you butt. lay there for at least a 1/2 hr. can watch tv doing it. some people say doing it with tennis balls, but that's not dense enough to get the blood flowing. or golf balls people say, but those don't cover enough surface area. Move the ball around occasionally. getting to the outer hip is tough but can be done.

5 - foam rollers. they can work somewhat but the t-shirt ball is more effective on a deep massage. i have this one and like it over the smooth surface type of rollers as the little nobs can get to tight muscle knots https://www.gaiam.com/products/05-61793_2

6 - acupuncture. I did it 2 years ago about 2 months into the pain & tightness. two sessions and I really didn't see any improvement. but then 2 months later I had the most insane shooting nerve experience up S1/S2 nerve. It literally dropped me to the floor. Don't know if was directly from the acupuncture session, but it was scarier than shit. the shooting nerve literally cracked my back right in the pelvis.

7 - core exercises. your lower body is overworked. need to balance out the body with core strength. most effective for me is while doing yoga.

since you've already had a doctor visit, get him to write you a PT prescription. I haven't tried a chiropractor yet. been thinking about it as have a couple decent recommendations.

It comes with the scale I bought from Amazon.

RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat Scale - FDA Approved - Smart BMI Scale Digital Bathroom Wireless Weight Scale, Body Composition Analyzer with Smartphone App, 396 lbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kiJTBbGXCT77S

There's the link to the one I got.

You are probably fine, but it sounds like you are getting a little crazy over this. There is an easy solution. Keep them in your drawer. Use them whenever you feel a freakout coming.

The missing period is actually one of the reasons that I decided to go on Mirena. I've been on it for a little less than a year and my periods have already stopped as well.

The only thing I would recommend is to buy a bulk pack of hospital pregnancy tests (super cheap on Amazon, less than $6 for 35) and use one any time you start to worry.

I used these while trying to conceive:
http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Combo-Ovulation-Pregnancy-Strips/dp/B00RY8UBNC/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1458407868&sr=1-1&keywords=wondfo

You can get just the pregnancy ones as well:
http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Strips-25-count-medical/dp/B0002YIQEQ

These are the exact same items that some doctors/clinics will use in their office. It's a little messier than the ones you can get over the counter because you need to pee in a cup that you can dip the strip in but that's not a big deal IMO.

Edit: side note, the ovulation predictor strips worked, I had my little bundle of poopy on 2/17. It was nice to have a bunch of pregnancy tests though so every month I could go through one or two when I got impatient.

I have Mirena and so far I don't have periods anymore. I just trust that it is working and I never really worry that I might be l pregnant. If you can't bring yourself to trust that your birth control is working, why don't you buy pregnancy tests in bulk for cheap? Here is the link from the side bar: http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-25-count/dp/B0002YIQEQ

If you're actually making yourself overly anxious about this, you might want to talk to your doctor about either switching to different birth control or finding ways to cope with no periods. Good luck!

If someone is ttc, I would recommend these pregnancy strips from Amazon. They are the cheapest I found, plus it gave me a positive at 3 weeks! Pregnancy test can really add up fast. I have no idea why they make them so expensive. The only difference with these is that they don't have the plastic covering over the strip.

33 cents a test!

If you need to test often for whatever reason (I did not get a period on Mirena so I took a monthly test just to be sure), these guys are awesome! They're just as accurate as the others, but they don't have the fancy outer casing.

1300 calories is way to low, IMO. I'm muscle building and losing some fat and I eat 1600-1800 calories a day. 22-23% body fat for a woman is healthy.

Uping your protein intake is important for muscle building and helps burn fat, too.

Carbs is what really makes it hard to lose body fat. There have been a lot of research on it.

My intake is:

Protein: 150-250grams

Carbs: 50-100 grams

Fat: <65grams


Personally, this is just my diet, I'm not saying that everyone should follow it, just a general idea. (I'm 5' 6'5" and I weigh 138-140lbs but I look about 120 because of muscle)

I hate cardio, I really do, aside from swimming, but cardio helps burn fat quicker and tightens your muscles. While weightlifting builds your muscles and body tone.

How often do you weightlift?

I suggest getting a BFP Hand Scale or something similar to this:
http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306C-Loss-Monitor-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341949478&sr=8-1&keywords=body+fat+percentage

And maybe reading up on If It Fits Your Macros (IIFYM)

http://www.thespartanwarrior.com/post/9041775488/understandcalories

http://www.thespartanwarrior.com/post/6114152789/iifym



Oh and I went from 136lbs at my lowest weight up to 140lbs and lost a pant size, too. So, I definitely gained muscle and lost fat. :)

Well also note that I have zero muscle tone. (If I had muscles they would probably show through at this BF%). I used my trusty Omron Monitor to measure the BF%.

I've used it on my boyfriend and he's about 6% with visible abs so that seemed about right. (We plan on getting calipers soon) My BMI right now is about 16 (normally 17.9). Many companies are starting to not allow models with a BMI under 18 to work for them.

I think that people tend to overestimate the body fat of models. And forget that appearance is dependent on amount of muscle (along with amount of body fat).

Assuming you are mostly concerned with aesthetics (looks) & looking athletic, you probably want to stay in the 20-25% body fat range as a woman.

Untrained, a woman with your current stats is predicted to be around 27% body fat, so slightly above the top of the range you want to be in. This is just an estimate though, and you can get an accurate body fat % measurement with a caliper. However you calculated that you were 25% when you were at 156 lbs, was inaccurate.

Here's a basic plan for you:

Initially cut down to 125-128 lbs, or around 20-22% bodyfat, on a diet of 1400-1500 calories a day, weight training 3x a week or more. Once you reach that goal, slowly bulk back up to 135-138. Keep alternating these cycles to build muscle & stay in the right body fat % range. Keep in mind that if you are in a cold climate, you may struggle with cutting weight in the wintertime.

You want to spend 3-4 months in each phase (so avoid rapid loss or gain), lifting weights with progressive improvement along the way. Each time you go back to the lower weight, you should have a slightly lower body fat % than the last time you were at the weight - if you are actually building & retaining muscle mass through training. If you have the same body fat % each time you come back down, your training is sub-optimal because you didn't build & retain muscle - you just gained & lost the same body fat for no good reason.

Repeat these cycles for a few years or until you are happy, and then eat & train to just maintain that weight if you want going forward.

Here is some baseline info for you to check out re: goals & diet plans, etc:

Basic Info | |
--------- | :---------: |
Gender | Female |
Age | 26 |
Height | 5'6" |
Weight | 138 lbs |

• | - |
  BMI | 22.3 |
  BMI Categorization | Normal weight (18.5 - 24.99) |
  
• | - |
  Estimated Body Fat % | 27.3% |
  Estimated Fat Free Mass | 100 lbs |
  *Estimated Fat Mass | 38 lbs |
  
• | - |
  Estimated Goal Weight @ 30% BF | 143 lbs |
  Estimated Goal Weight @ 25% BF | 134 lbs |
  *Estimated Goal Weight @ 20% BF | 125 lbs |
  
• | - |
  Estimated Weight Change for 20% BF | 13 lbs |
  Estimated Time @ 1 lb/Week | 3.25 months |
  *Estimated Goal Date | 4/10/2017 |
  
• | - |
  BMR (Calorie burn per day at rest) | 1383 |
  Exercise Frequency | 3x / week |
  | BMR 1.375 |
  TDEE (Calorie burn per day w/ exercise) | 1901 |
  Estimates more accurate for untrained individuals. Use a caliper for actual values.
  
  Macros - Female (3x / week) | Calories | Protein (.8g/lb) | Fat (.4g/lb) | Carb | Fiber | lbs / Week |
  --------- | :---------: | :---------: | :---------: | :---------: | :---------: | :---------: |
  Lose Weight / 20% Deficit | 1521 | 110g | 55g | 146g | 21g | -0.76 |
  Lose Weight / 15% Deficit | 1616 | 110g | 55g | 169g | 23g | -0.57 |
  
• | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  Maintain Weight | 1901 | 110g | 55g | 241g | 27g | 0.00 |
  
• | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  Gain Weight / 5% Surplus | 1996 | 110g | 55g | 264g | 28g | 0.19 |
  Gain Weight / 10% Surplus | 2091 | 110g | 55g | 288g | 29g | 0.38 |
  

Not to be an enabler...but if you all don't want to spend a ton of money on pregnancy tests from drugstores or grocery stores, check out these from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-25-count/dp/B0002YIQEQ

Dollar Tree also has very accurate ones for $1 (and I believe that is specific to Dollar Tree, not any other dollar stores, but someone correct me if I'm wrong!).

Bulk you say? Wondfo brand is super cheap on Amazon, but they are just the strips so you have to pee in a cup first and then dip. I personally prefer that, cause I think it's easier to pee in a cup than on a stick. It's always good to have another brand on hand in case you're not sure (something with a digital read out), but this really gives a good bang for your buck.

Take a deep breath and calm yourself down a little. It is very likely too early to bother with a pregnancy test. You will have to wait for your period and if that doesn't show up, take one then. All this stress you are putting on yourself could delay your period too.

If he didn't ejaculate inside of you it is pretty unlikely that you are pregnant. Yes, sometimes precum will have sperm in it but it is usually at a low concentration. It is possible to get pregnant but unlikely. Try to calm yourself down and wait until your period is supposed to start.

Also, here is a cheap place for pregnancy tests

This is a great product, not that I know from personal experience or anything...

Also, in one of my bioe classes, we had a guy come in from I think Baxter and explain how after they developed a pregnancy test in a stick vs. a 'home science kit' type of thing, someone in marketing had a bright idea to stick it in a plastic holder so they could charge like $8 for 2 tests instead of $3 or something. Sigh

edit: for an example of the 'home science kit' type of test, scroll down to the 1978 entry here

If anyone is curious, here is how modern day sandwich Elisa or 'blue line' test strips work

It's true that weight doesn't matter on its own. It's just a tool that we use to track fat loss. But depending on how quickly you're losing weight, it would be very difficult to put on muscle at the same rate, especially from cardio, as opposed to weight training. Muscle growth caps out around a couple pounds per month for most people. The world's strongest man may be around 400 lbs, but he can also deadlift over 1,000 pounds. It's just important to keep some perspective on that, because none of us are on his level.

It sounds like the psoriasis could play a role in the fat percent reading. You could try to use one of the impedance testers that goes through your hands (like this one). But I think the bigger factor is that the impedance fat percent testing just isn't that accurate to begin with. It can be influenced by all kinds of thing. When I test mine at night versus the following morning, it can easily differ by 4 or 5%. So I don't really trust it. The calipers are a good alternative, as long as you're careful to use them correctly, and the same each time.

I've been lifting heavily for some time now (while eating on a deficit), and muscle growth has certainly happened, but not quickly enough to stop weight loss. I find it's a lot harder to track getting healthy without being able to put some numbers to it. To each his own, though.

The BMI ratio supposedly shows how overweight someone it, it's not like there's a good test that's easy to administer to show body fat % instead of this.

...oh wait and another

Side note, I just got a full workup the other day complete with blood test, everything except BMI was healthy. Doctor looked at it, mentioned that it is an outdated method because it doesn't take into account muscle and said nothing else. So I guess I am a special snowflake.

Something like this I think will serve your purpose, along with a simple digital scale.

If you're willing to teach yourself how to use them (and you will have to if you want consistent readings), I have found no better/more precise solution than this: http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-3000-Personal-Tester/dp/B000G7YW74

Amazon.com. They have many options from packs of just pregnancy tests to packs like the one I get, which has OPKs and pregnancy tests. For $16.95, I get 50 OPKs and 20 pregnancy tests and my husband and I have amazon prime, so I get it in two days without having to pay any additional shipping. I use a pint sized take out tupperware to pee in and I haven't gotten any on my hands (more than I can say for the time I tried an expensive test stuck in my urine stream).

On the one hand, yeah, I should be supporting smaller, more local businesses. On the other hand, I can pee on things as many times as I want during the day and it's still cheaper than a Starbucks habit :)

Get these. Seriously, they are like 30 cents per strip and are what they use in hospitals.

Get dat Squatty Potty

As a 1 oz/day user, I poop regularly at 8 am each day. I even wake up at 8 to poop on days when I can normally sleep in. I rarely poop twice in a day.

I just make sure I do two things:

1. Drink a 32oz tumbler of ice water with each dose. (I drink 4-5 of those a day anyway.)
   
2. Eat a high fiber breakfast. (my fav)
   
   Another thing that helps, but is not necessary, is a squatty potty. I used to use it only when constipated (when on other opiates), but now I use it as much as possible, because it just feels right.
   
   Finally, when nothing else works, a 1/3 - 1/2 bottle of tart cherry juice will get things moving.
   
   The only thing that will for-sure-every-time constipate me is the capsules, so I avoid those like the plague.
   

Second vote for squatty potty.

Also...I'm just going to leave this top review here:
https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/product-reviews/B007BISCT0/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_show_all?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews

Yeah, those, you can get 100 strips for the cost of one at a CVS. They're like 30 cents each at that point vs like $15. So anytime my friends were like oh no my boobs are tender and I'm nauseous, I'd like like girl I got you, I have like 20 tests in my cabinet rn haha

dude trash pregnancy tests are like the worst thing to find, bc a lot of them have an evaporation line after the 10 min or so reaction line that looks like a (false) positive test. no one told me it's a thing and I once checked one way too late and I was super scared for like a week haha

I highly recommend a big pack of pregnancy tests. They're really easy to use, and they'll set your mind at ease. Very cheap for a ton of them. I use these: https://www.amazon.com/ClinicalGuard-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-Individually-Sealed/dp/B007VT2OQG/ref=zg_bs_166804011_4/138-8654923-4304842?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=KNS9WNGTGM1WJMSVENK6&th=1

Take them as often as you like to ease your mind :)

Do you have a Squatty Potty yet?! [What a time to be alive. ](Squatty Potty The Original Bathroom Toilet Stool 7"- White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ESKVN7W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cDSIybGFRKQG9)

I would have silently gifted her this. Because, fun fact, squatting is actually the most efficient way to get shit done (pun intended). Maybe she just wanted to be as efficient as possible and get back to work as soon as she could?

In conclusion, to be efficient at work but also to avoid the whole unhygienic footprints-on-toilet-seat situation, the solution is the Squatty Potty!!!

You can really google that information, or just look it up on amazon. I mean, there are scales with 25k reviews, over 4 stars and under $30. What can we possibly say that isn't covered by that amount of data?

One
Two

Absolutely. This shit's hard, but it's all doable.

Set your goals, figure out your plan to achievement, but remember that you're going to fail every now and again. This is normal. Just take it one day at a time.

Here's a few more tools I personally needed in my belt before I really began to start gaining serious momentum.

A food scale - The best thing you can do is spreadsheet out your food you eat in a day. Christ, this was so hard for me, but adding up the nutritional information on to-the-gram portions was the ultimate step to weight loss. Is it boring eating the same shit every day? You betcha. But it all feels right when you start to...

Weigh yourself every morning after you piss and log it in a spreadsheet This was like the last piece of the pendant I needed to unlock the giant door of "Discipline". Holy fuck, I cannot understate how important this was for me. Being able to look at where you were yesterday, or 14 days ago, and see with actual fact where you were... Eating the same shit every day strictly for nutrition all of a sudden became okay to me. I suffer from massive depression, and food was my big comfort. But seeing this data just greased the cogs and the machine began to move with a speed I couldn't manage in the year prior.

On the plus side, my entire diet is available at Costco. So even though it takes time to wash pounds of chicken, weigh it out to 300g (+/- 10g) and bag it up, I'm saving a ton of money in the process. Chicken there is $2.99/lb, at Safeway it's $7.29/lb. I still buy my broccoli there, though, because $2.49/lb is totally acceptable given the taste. Cutting up crowns of broccoli and steaming them is infinitely more tasty than the pre-cut florette bags.

Good luck, man. I wholeheartedly mean it. It's tough going, but if you are absolutely fed up with the current state of your body and lifestyle, the progress means so much.

Just noticed that the temps you gave go to only one decimal place. If you do decide to temp, whether regularly or periodically, you need to get a thermometer that does two decimal places. The one you have is unfortunately pretty useless for temping. You can get the Easy@Home or Mabis BBT from Amazon for pretty cheap. I have an Easy@Home BBT and like it a lot. I temp vaginally with it. It has a blue backlight and recalls your last 30 temps.

I'm still pretty new to this myself, but like you I have some electronics experience in the past. I just got this Weller 40w iron station with a desolder braid/sucker and a solder tip cleaner. Oh and a more precise tip for the solder iron

I'm really happy with it all so far, and couln't imagine needing more for a while. A heat gun would be nice for de-soldering and reflowing premade boards (like modding Boss pedals), but that can also be done with a regular solder iron as far as I know. You can get the above for about $60 total, so it's a nice way to get your feet wet without a huge investment. Then you gotta add on components/enclosures/pots/switches etc. Maybe get a helping hands and/or circuit holder if you need

Oh and get a good multimeter. I went a step up from the $20 ones and got this one which I'm also really happy with.

USD 150 is a very good budget, you need to get some reliable and proper tool.

Soldering iron: https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX888D-23BY-Digital-Soldering-Station/dp/B00ANZRT4M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523249667&sr=8-3&keywords=hakko+888

Solder: https://www.amazon.com/Kester-24-6337-0027-Solder-Alloy-Diameter/dp/B0149K4JTY/ref=sr_1_4?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1523249737&sr=1-4&keywords=kester+63%2F37

Cleaning wire: https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-599-029-Replacement-Insert-Cleaner/dp/B00Q88Q1ZG/ref=sr_1_2?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1523249854&sr=1-2&keywords=hakko+brass+wire

Helping hand (Optional ) https://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Magnifying-Glass/dp/B000RB38X8/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1523249902&sr=1-1&keywords=soldering+helping+hands

Might be worth getting a solder wick for when you inevitably screw up. Solder vacuum isn't a terrible idea either. I have both, I use them for different things. A third hand is also useful. I find myself using the glass more than the arms but it's all useful. If the iron you buy doesn't come with one a brass ball is great for keeping your tip clean without cooling it off like a sponge will. Micro-cutter is useful, not sure if angled or straight is better, up to you I guess. Last but not least a pair of angled tweezers. You can get those anywhere.

These are all the things I have within arm's reach when I'm doing a project. Have fun!

I think they have to use toilet paper on a stick

I have as well, and to share what helps alleviate mine in case it can help someone else: TENS machine and compression massage. Not compression socks but something that "massages" legs through varied levels of compression.

I've linked below both the TENS unit and compression leg massager I use. Hopefully it can be helpful to others as well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_4js7JHJsUw6Z9
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QVL81JS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_y7puDbNVYVGRK

>$200-300.

HAHAHAHAAHAHAHA

try $26: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NCRE4GO

I recently bought a portable TENS unit from Amazon for $27 - it's been an amazing purchase so far and really helps with my bone and joint issues.

Here's a link if you want to give it a try: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O7CM12W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RmOFxbHST306X

TENs machine is a crap-shoot, sometimes it helps, others not so much. There is a decent TENs unit on Amazon for <$30

I finished a Prednisone course last week, and I am just this moment having to use it again, the back pain is flaring up. I have several discs that are 'obliterated', complicated by diabetic neuropathy and DDS.

Correct me if I’m wrong, OP, but I believe it’s the Renpho Body Fat scale. It’s super cool, I use it too!

I found caliper to be the more precise of all way of measuring, I have a couple of model, but they are kind of hard to use in a consistent way.

Like you, I want to monitor my progress, especially monitoring that I am not loosing muscle or a minimum amount while cutting fat. In the past, I did loose a lot of muscle while loosing the last 20 pounds, so this time I just want to be sure this is in check.

Unfortunately, using caliper is kinda a pain in the ass to use and the slight variation in pitching the fat, or the emplacement and the measurement is off and hard to compare.

Personally, I am using this body fat scale:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01N1UX8RW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

It measure your weight and you body fat, your lean body mass, etc and it sync with your phone automatically. Bio Impedance is not reliable if you want to know your true bodyfat percentage (can be off by +- 4%), but to track your progress it is awesome if you use it in the same circumstance. I weight in the morning at the same time every morning after I wake up and pee. On the other hand, in my case, the bodyfat this scale is estimating me is the same as what I measured using my calipers. So for me, it is pretty accurate while being very cheap and very very convenient.

I love my weight gurus scale. It syncs via Bluetooth to their app, and then their app syncs to Fitbit and mfp. And it's way cheaper than the Fitbit scale.

Edit: it's this one

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9ENKDI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Wy6MzbHRHTFXY

[here you go you sick fuck. jk have fun!](Tens Unit - Tens Machine for Pain Management, Back Pain and Rehabilitation. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2gi5xb3SBG0DG)

Look for a lumbar support pillow. You're gonna look weird carrying it around but it supports your lower back and it will help with the pain from sitting in the chairs in classrooms. I use it everywhere, car, classes, library etc.

I use this one personally: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IJNJAZ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0BMJzb92CBH25

Try Tiger Balm. It's another cream similar to icy hot but works better for me.

I have a tens unit from Amazon that works pretty well for a battery powered one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NEMJzb3SXNPQ5

Also an electric heating pad and reusable ice pack or if your dorm has an ice maker like mine a reusable bag for ice depending on what works better for your back.

Get a good backpack. Something with a sternum strap and a hip strap if possible so that the weight is more evenly distributed. Also, I never carry anything other than exactly what I need for class to keep the weight down and try to buy as many textbooks as possible on Kindle so that there's less weight there as well.

A good mattress pad if you're in the dorm so that you can supplement the mattress with one that's better for your back. They can get expensive (Mine was about $100) but it's an investment in your health.

A good pair of inserts in your shoes from Roadrunner, an orthopedic doctor, or a similar store where they mold to your feet has truly helped my pain a lot. I stick them in the pair I'm wearing for the day and I'm good to go.

That's bullshit that they won't cover Lyrica.

Generally, though, they won't cover it as a "first line" medication, but they will if the first line doesn't work, ie the gabapentin. Lyrica also has a good anti-anxiety component, so theoretically you could switch completely and have both the fibromyalgia and anxiety treated under one Lyrica prescription. Maybe ask your fibro doctor to submit a request for the Lyrica since the gabapentin isn't touching your pain levels.

I'm glad cannabis is working for you and your office will start offering cards. That's great.

Do you have roaming pain or global pain? If roaming spot pain, you could try getting a TENS unit to get you through. They're affordable on Amazon now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NCRE4GO

TENS about: https://www.kinkly.com/2/1367/passion-play/sex-toys/electrify-your-orgasms-tens-units-for-beginners

TENS @ Amazon (or your local pharmacy in the pain reliever section): https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NCRE4GO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1480665453&sr=8-1&keywords=Tens&pi=SX200_QL40

Hitachi (all the items are available @ amazon) wandessentials.com

Have fun... And stay in trouble ;)

This, definitely this!!! I generally use them in my calves to break them up when they get too rock hard to deal with or 2 on calf, one on heel one in arch to alleviate foot pain and get overall relief. It’s a lifesaver when you’re vacationing and walking a lot everyday.

I’ve used a few expensive models but this one is by far the best and the cheapest: FDA cleared HealthmateForever... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O7CM12W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Not 100% certain if I am allowed to link, but just in case I have to remove the link - it is the one that is usually sitting for around $25-30 on Amazon with a 4.4 rating and over 7000 reviews. We have been very impressed and happy with it!

FDA cleared HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS unit Electronic Pulse Massager Tennis Elbow,Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,Arthritis, Bursitis,and other Inflammation Ailments Patent No.USD723178S https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O7CM12W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GcrRAbWA1G4QE

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I have this scale

I haven't tested the accuracy of the body fat part, but I have a DEXA scan next month and was planning to compare then.

>If I was you I'd just buy some Withings scales

Just looked up the one I have - yup it's a Withings. Works great, syncs with my Garmin and Strava apps (compatible with lots of different health apps), can do multiple people, and it's $60. If OP just likes DIY, knock yourself out, but considering there's a product on the market likely as cheap as you could DIY, why not put your time into other projects.

Edit: here's one for $25 that has over 11k ratings.

It came with the scale I use.

RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat Scale - FDA Approved - Smart BMI Scale

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_sElXBbWSDCNF1

RENPHO digital scale

https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital-Bathroom-Technology-Included/dp/B00F3J9G1W/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=scale&qid=1554146914&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/RENPHO-Bluetooth-Body-Fat-Scale/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=scale&qid=1554146914&s=gateway&sr=8-4&th=1

​

These two scales are really good for the price. I own the second one myself and its useful to track your progress with an app. Doesn't cost too much also.

Got this for $37 canadian ($30 US) https://www.amazon.com/RENPHO-Bluetooth-Body-Fat-Scale/dp/B01N1UX8RW

The scale only shows your weight, but everything else sends to an app. Cool af

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1UX8RW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

To save you some time :) and thank you

I bought this scale 3 years ago and it's been amazing. Always accurate.

EatSmart Precision Plus Digital Bathroom Scale with Ultra-Wide Platform, 440 Pound Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032TNPOE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KW1OAb1GW686P

2nd this. I've had this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032TNPOE/ref=cm_sw_su_dp for about 8 months & I love it. My parents bought one too.

I initially thought the massive # of reviews was a bit weird (I think there were exactly 1200 when I bought mine), but they actively encourage customers to do an Amazon review. In fact, there was a "Please Review!" note in the box when I got mine, and I did (which is rare for me) because it is a great scale for a really reasonable price.

1. Read the FAQ. It's full of useful information.
   
2. Buy a scale. This one should probably work for you. http://www.amazon.com/Eatsmart-Precision-Bathroom-Technology-440-Pounds/dp/B0032TNPOE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1348544133&sr=8-4&keywords=weight+scale+500
   
3. Find your BMR.
   
4. Always strive to burn more calories than you consume each day.
   
5. Be patient. Though at your weight you should be able to lose weight pretty fast considering your bmr should be very high. Just be dedicated with your diet and you'll do well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032TNPOE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

the one i purchased been working really good so far.... god tip i use a 8 pound dumbbell to make sure its accurate before i weight myself

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032TNPOE/
Got it off amazon a few months ago. Big blue screen, wide platform for big feet. Pretty happy with it. I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for something simple. $36.95 and prime eligible.

>I never could comprehend how you people who actually play tabletop pull this shit off.

I play tabletop games and I will now reveal the great and terrible eight-fold secrets of good miniatures painting:

1. https://www.amazon.com/SE-MH1047L-Illuminated-Multi-Power-Magnifier/dp/B003UCODIA
   
2. Figure out your shading and highlighting BEFORE you start painting a model.
   
3. PRACTICE.
   
4. PATIENCE.
   
5. PRACTICE.
   
6. PATIENCE.
   
7. MORE PATIENCE.
   
8. EVEN MORE PATIENCE.
   
   Serious Version: Be confident, take your time, don't rush, don't stress, and don't worry. Channel your inner Bob Ross, and know that even a brushstroke made in grievous error is a step towards ultimate perfection. Miniature painting requires far less natural talent than other kinds of painting, but far more practice and patience.

Or at least a Head Magnifier
Here's the Desk Magnifier w/light that I use.

Would love to hear some better recommendations though.

and maybe something like this may help? https://www.amazon.com/SE-Illuminated-Dual-Flip-Magnifier/dp/B003UCODIA/ref=sr_1_16?crid=14P7OOC4DPSD4&keywords=magnifier%2Bwith%2Blight&qid=1573913544&sprefix=magnifi%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-16&th=1

and i use this to hold components and board in place while soldering: https://www.amazon.com/June-Gold-Kneaded-Rubber-Erasers/dp/B074DC4F7G/ref=sr_1_12?crid=1QYF5TLM7IU2G&keywords=moldable+eraser&qid=1573913686&sprefix=moldable+%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-12

Meh, I don't really find it easier or better than just using a drill bit.

This thing on the other hand, is very helpful. Though it may be largely because I often do coils in the evening/nighttime and the lighting at my desk isn't very good.

Oh, I feel your pain. Spider mites scare the shit outta me. They are so tiny, and travel about on little threads of silk, drifting through the air, ready to infest another plant. After a recent scare with those nasties, I now wear what I call my "Dr. Pimple Popper" glasses to inspect my plants when I water.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UCODIA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought all my materials from Amazon and I've done about 3 Mods.

Heres a little documentation of my 1st one.

Seiko 5 Mod; PAM Cali Dial & Sword Hands & some more photos

Some things that I suggest you get before starting.

• Magnifier Opposed to a Loupe this works well and is rather convenient with 3 magnifications
  
  
• Precision Tweezers You need, need this. Seriously
  
  
• Crystal Press Self explanatory
  
  
• Dust Blower Often times you get dust on your dial while it sits, so get this to get rid of it
  
  
• Hand Press I don't particularly like the hand remover included but it does the job just fine
  
  
• Cushioned Holder I used this to hold the movement taking it out of the case
  
  
• Silicone Grease Used to grease the gaskets for increased water resistance
  
  
• Caseback Ball One of the best things you can get to be honest, it removes most casebacks
  
  
• Movement Holder To uhh, hold the movement
  
  
• Precision Screwdrivers You need this to unscrew the movement from the holders, also good tool to use for when you take apart movements to learn
  
  
• Hypo Cement Used this for bezel attachments for when you change em up
  
  Let me know if you've any questions, I'd be willing to help you out and answer them to the best of my ability :)
  
  Cheers!

http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-50-count/dp/B004AOMAOG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1311182944&sr=8-4

Buy in bulk and keep your mind at ease.

Amazon- Pack of 50 strips for $18.99 and Prime shipping.

Guilt-free peeing sister... Guilt-free peeing.

http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-50-count/dp/B004AOMAOG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1404182738&sr=8-4&keywords=pregnancy+test

You don't pay full price for tests do you? I buy [50 at a time for like $20] (http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-50-count/dp/B004AOMAOG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1367543997&sr=8-4&keywords=pregnancy+test) for whenever I'm feeling neurotic.
But yeah, you really don't have to worry so much. The fact that you don't have periods actually means the Mirena is working.

http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-50-count/dp/B004AOMAOG

i use these

Oh, they exist.

HCG Urine Test's are about as effective as everything else, and are occasionally sold without the big plastic housing. I am certain that some of those $20/piece tests you get at the store are HCG test strips in a big, plastic conatiner for easy handling.

The inexpensive ones look like urinalysis test strips. Here is some image of some:

http://clinicalscienceproducts.com/products_urine_pregnancy_test_strip.html

I have not seen them outside of hospitals, but it makes sense that they would sell these in packages of one at wall mart.

They are really cheap. Particularly when you buy multiples, they are cheap.

Oh, wow, you can get them on amazon. Here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AOMAOG

They work. I would recommend getting some if you are sexually active. If there is ever a scare, you can blow through 5 of these without worrying about how much they cost.

Also, with the way these strips work, they can detect some types of nasty tumors, so, there is that.

That looks sicknasty! I got this one when I was in college and love it. When it goes out I think I might follow in your footsteps :)

EDIT: Quick questions...could you post a link of where you actually purchased it? I don't see the option on the site you linked and the all-encompassing amazon.com doesn't carry it. Thanks!

I just got that one's big brother: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L6NTHU/

It also seems to be very accurate. Over the past half hour I've had a 0.6lb drop. (after going to the bathroom)

A short woman I recently dated had a Squatty Potty.

Squatty Potty

Naw, he's got a Squatty Potty for sure.

Changed my life and get one of these too.

You can get pregnancy test strips really cheap on Amazon. I get these ones. Better than paying $10 for First Response anyway :P

Absolutely.

OP, here is a link to Clinical Guard test trips from amazon. 20 tests for $7.29 and 25 tests for $7.99. You'll be set for a while.

I use them as do my friends, never had an issue with them (apart from when I didn't follow the directions. almost had a heart attack that time) and they're great. Simple to use, easy to discard of, easy to read.

ClinicalGuard® HCG Pregnancy Test Strips (Individually-Sealed, Pack of 20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VT2OQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zggzCb9E95EKJ

I'm dealing with this as well, but for me I'm always hopeful I'll be pregnant. I have confirmed endo, and I've been dealing with the symptoms for 20 years, but I still get surprised at how much my pre-period issues can line up with early pregnancy indicators.

I'm surprised they didn't automatically give you a pregnancy test at the Gyn's office. I can be on my period and they'll still do it.

One thing that has helped me with the scares is getting a huge pack of test strips so that I can do one (or more) a day without feeling like I'm throwing money away. Amazon has some really good deals. (Don't forget to have plastic cups on hand too!)

Also, have you tried a period tracker app? I am currently trying both Clue and My Calendar, to see which I prefer. They can help you track symptoms as well as your period, so you can see patterns. My Calendar also tracks temperature, which is a great indicator of different stages of your cycle.

I hate when people comment on anything I buy. I try to do self checkout whenever possible, but HPTs come wrapped in non-theft plastic that requires human intervention.

I bought these for my testing compulsion until I was too far along and the line got lighter again from the hook effect.

But actually this is a thing, and could help

https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/dp/B00ESKVN7W/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1483985818&sr=8-1&keywords=toilet%2Bfoot%2Bstool&th=1

https://www.amazon.fr/Squatty-Potty-Tabouret-toilettes-blanc/dp/B00ESKVN7W/ref=sr_1_10?__mk_fr_FR=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=6F72R6P6DMVL&keywords=squatty+potty&qid=1562747073&s=gateway&sprefix=potty%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-10


Ca a changé ma vie.

the squatty pott

huh only $25. you can also just place an appropriately sized stool around your toilet, but for this price I think it's worth getting the right dimensions and not having to deal with moving a stool back and forth.

>squatty potty

a toilet stool Amazon

Have you tried a toilet stool?

https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/dp/B00ESKVN7W/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1503810207&sr=8-1&keywords=toilet+feet

Thirding the bidet, and I'll recommend this one in particular.

I'll also suggest one of the various pseudo-squatting stools, such as the squatty potty.

Would it not be cheaper and easier to just buy toilet stools to squat on for anyone who wants one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ESKVN7W/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526918956&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=squatty+potty&psc=1

Buy a new scale and keep it in one spot. You're already all over the map when you move it around, so I think your (not ridiculous) fear of the electric one is valid, but misguided. Scales actually read better when they stay in one spot and don't move around a lot. Also, the floor material can change the scale. Don't weigh on carpets, try to make sure the floor is level.

FWIW, I was also terrified about this when I just purchased my new scale which I absolutely love. I was weighing at the gym with one of those sliding balance ones and was convinced there was a five pound difference. Turned out to be half a pound, and easily attributed to user error. Because your scale is all over the map, think about the peace of mind you'll have once you get a digital scale that you will leave in one place to make sure it stays accurate. You got this!!!

I got a decent one for less than $20 on Amazon.

(Well, at least it seems to be decent so far. I'm not a scale expert, I don't know what makes a good scale)

The Etekcity scale is the Amazon's Choice scale, but there's a worrying amount of reviews saying the scale randomly shattered without being touched.

The EatSmart scale has super good reviews praising its accuracy, and a lot less reports of the thing spontaneously shattering.

Anybody have some anecdotes with these?

Not OP but I'm also a fan of the daily weigh in and this is the scale I use. I've had no issues with it and it's always been pretty accurate, to the point that it closely matches what the scale at my doctor's office says.

I've had the scale for a little over a year. Never had to change batteries, although the daily weigh in is a more recent habit.

I was just struggling with this question too! I think I'm just going to buy another one. I looked on Amazon and bought their recommended one, which had a TON of reviews and over 4 stars.

I just ordered one from Amazon and love it! I've put multiple weights on it and it's right on the dot. It was a little pricier than I was hoping but I'm really happy with it. I'm not sure it's available on Prime anymore though :(

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00F3J9G1W/ref=sxts1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1479592928&sr=1

If you do not want children, period, you should probably still use a condom as pills are not a hundred percent guarantee. If you find the level of risk is acceptable then wait until after the first month to get into a routine and see how you feel on the birthcontrol.

You're still probably gonna wanna test, for those "just in case" feelings. My suggestion is bulk pregnancy tests, http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Strips-25-count-medical/dp/B0002YIQEQ like these to give you peace of mind.

EDIT: also the ladies at /r/birthcontrol are always there for you BC questions.

I think a huge, huge part of the problem is a lack of good sex education in schools for teens. At 14, girls should be given extensive lessons on pregnancy, how to prevent pregnancy, and I even think they should be taught to use these kinds of cheap pregnancy tests and provided with a few to keep on hand in case they have accidental unprotected sex (condom breaks, or they're just irresponsible). I know the tests only keep for about 2 years but at least this exposes them to the existence of cheap pregnancy tests and how to use them. Many girls would probably take the strips home and use them, just to try it out. I also think they should be given a couple of Plan B type pills to keep on hand as well.

So many of these late term abortions and turnaways could be prevented with some education and elimination of stigma and shame.

Check out these!

Breast tenderness, swelling, and growth are all side effects of BC.

If you don't get a period and still feel worried, testing a couple more times never hurts. These are great strip tests to have on hand. They're inexpensive and work just as well as the ones from the drug store. :)

they are $0.50 on amazon, no need to live anywhere in particular. https://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Strips-25-count-medical/dp/B0002YIQEQ

>I don’t know if a cheaper test - but I bet they exist.

Yep, amazon has cheaper. It just requires you to have a cup or something of the sort to hold the urine so you can dip the stick in it.

These strips are super cheap and they're essentially what the doctor's office uses.

You take a pregnancy test 21 days after a missed pill.

If you have anxiety with no missed pill, take a pregnancy test monthly (example on the 1st of each month).

You can get them very very cheap. Example: https://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Strips-25-count-medical/dp/B0002YIQEQ?ref_=Oct_CARAsinC_3762561_0&pf_rd_p=811e5d01-388e-5153-b637-f48c348f0d77&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-5&pf_rd_t=30901&pf_rd_i=3762561&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=J2N0SRR2WS656NYQ555Z&pf_rd_r=J2N0SRR2WS656NYQ555Z&pf_rd_p=811e5d01-388e-5153-b637-f48c348f0d77

Hey just putting this here for future reference (and for anyone else) - EVERY sexually active woman should have some pregnancy tests on hand, regardless of contraceptive method. Life, uh, finds a way!

Amazon sells packs of 25 for $12. Do yourself a favor and get some so you have them on hand in the future and don't have to pay $10 a test at the drug store.

I was told by my doctor that it could take up to 18 months for your cycle to return to normal after stopping Depo. I know the literature says up to a year, but my doctor suggested otherwise. I'm actually on Depo, but I missed 2 rounds and asked about this since I still never got my period.

I don't get my period on Depo and my mind still worries about pregnancy even though it is SUPER unlikely, like a .03% failure rate.

If you're being safe, I would suggest the same thing I do - invest in some cheap/bulk tests (http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-25-count/dp/B0002YIQEQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335488886&sr=8-1) and just take them whenever you feel nervous.

There really is nothing else you can do - the doctor can't make your period come back. So, just keep being protected and then keep testing if you really are worried. Just remember that it is a risk you take when you have sex and there is nothing much you can do except being as safe as you can in the way you trust most.

http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Strips-25-count-medical/dp/B0002YIQEQ

I just bought these yesterday. I haven't used them before though.

Why are you not buying them on amazon and avoiding the shame cube?

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002YIQEQ

I did the same thing when I skipped placebo but I highly recommend getting these tests: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002YIQEQ/

25 tests for $8. Those are exactly what they use for a pregnancy test at the doctor's office. The only difference between these and the fancy drugstore kind is the expensive packaging & plastic handle. Well, you do have to pee & dip rather than putting it in the stream of urine, but there you go. I've used these for years.

I bought one of these electronic scales.

From my understanding, they are pretty inaccurate. This might be something you could look into if you were interested.

BF is what percentage of your body (as an estimate) is made of as fat as opposed to muscle, etc. Muscle is more dense, so for people that lift weight BMI doesn't work (for example, probably ALL NFL athletes are "overweight" to "obese" including wide receivers, quarterbacks, etc according to BMI scale because they "weigh" a lot, however most of that is muscle).

160 is probably the "proper" weight (according to BMI) for someone 5'11" that may not have as much muscle on their body, but is in no way even close to overweight.

There are a couple ways to get the most accurate measurement for BF%: Link

It's kind of an inexact science to detect body fat composition because SO MANY factors change it (your hydration level, heart rate [I think], food in your stomach, and so on) that quick and easy ways don't always work well (calipers test I'm told is pretty inaccurate).

I got my estimate from this thing from Amazon, which got favorable reviews: Link

It is however an estimate, so you can't just use something like that and go "well, there you go, that's for sure my BF%"

I guess I can try asking a question here rather than starting a new thread for something related.

I bought this machine for checking body fat and I'm not so sure on some things. If I set it to athletic mode (I'm just starting SL but I was running and doing 1.5 hours on cable machines previously) it tells me my body fat is somewhere around 15.5%, if I set it on normal it tells me about 17.5%

Last Body Fat Friday I was estimated at 20%, and I'm pretty damned sure I'm not close to 15, 20% from all comparative pictures seems about right. Anyone know anything about this machine to know what setting to use?

Everyone stores fat in different places, that's why skin fold calipers assess and take the average from a few different places. If you want another reading, I suggest also using another means of measuring your body fat %, such as a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis device, or BIA for short. I personally use this one. Just make sure you use this first thing in the morning so any water intake doesn't mess with the measurement. I use both BIA and skin folds to check the validity of the other.

Anyway, you look to be at about 8-10% body fat, unless you carry a lot of fat in your thighs.

> I would assume so, but to not lose a single pound overall seems a little weird.

Don't get hung up on the scale. In 3 years of crossfit (still dipping my toe into the paleo waters) I've gone from maybe 245->230. But I've gone from XXL shirts to L, and have replaced a whole ton of fat with muscle.

If you need to track something, track body fat percentage. Get one of these or these. I have no idea how accurate they are, but if they're consistent they might do something for you.

First off, I don't believe that you're consuming 1400 calories per day, even if you 100% believe you are. If you were, you'd be losing weight even with no exercise at all. So the first thing I'd re-evaluate is how you're measuring your food for MFP.

Next up, I'm guessing that you are probably getting hungrier from all the intense exercise. Also, since bodymedia is estimating the thousands of calories you're burning, you figure you can "afford" to eat a little more. The thing is, you really can't trust the calorie burning estimates. And I would never adjust food intake based on exercise when you're trying to lose weight, you will fail.

I would suggest lower intensity exercise like bike rides and long hikes and more careful monitoring of your food. You will lose weight if you ACTUALLY eat 1400 calories and perform even light physical activities.

Once you begin to see a trend of weight loss, begin to add in the strength training and consume slightly more protein to compensate if you wish. This is not necessary for weight loss, but it can be nice for overall fitness.

Get a scale. Get some calipers too. Calipers can give a good idea of your bodyfat %, which will allow you to calculate your TDEE much more accurately. Calipers are cheap! These are less than $6.

You'll notice here on http://iifym.com/iifym-calculator/ that the Athlete's Formula for men doesn't even use BF% - you seem pretty darn slender, so this will probably give you the most accurate TDEE. In your case, your BF% wouldn't affect your calories much. Keep weighing yourself and adjust your diet accordingly.

Also, if you really want to know your BF%, just get one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-3000-Personal-Tester/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419967632&sr=8-1&keywords=body+fat+caliper

Seven bucks. And much more accurate than one of those garbage scales.

thought i would update:

i ended up goin with this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G7YW74/ref=oss_product">Accu-Measure Fitness 3000 Personal Body Fat Tester</a> for $11, shipped. Calipers seems like the way to go and will try out the plastic junk before investing in a long term metal one.

thanks everyone for sharing!

Hi!!! So my son has been exclusively breastfed (aside from introducing solids at 6 mos.) and my period came back at 4.5 months postpartum. Every woman is different in regards to breastfeeding/fertility. I've had 3 cycles since they first came back, but I just started temping this month so I can see if i'm actually ovulating. We don't want a big age gap so we are trying, but haven't had any luck. Breastfeeding can cause short luteal phases, but since you're done breastfeeding then this might not be an issue for you. My advice; get some cheap OPKs. Get a mabis basal body thermometer and start temping. Track your temps with Fertility Friend. This will hopefully give you some clarity so you can start to understand what's going on with your body! Good luck :)

I got a Mabis off Amazon. I've been temping with it since September without any problems.

The only downside I see some people complain about is the screen isn't backlit.

a lot of us use the MABIS one - it's cheap, it's reliable
http://www.amazon.com/MABIS-Digital-Thermometer-Temperature-Planning/dp/B000O6YCZY/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1462626891&sr=8-1&keywords=MABIS+bbt

Don't get the "Easy@Home" thermometer - many of us, including myself, found it to be faulty. It gets stuck on the same temperature over and over

Get yourself a Mabis!! I love mine!

I use this one.

It's the only one I've ever used, so don't have another one to compare it to. It takes probably about 2 minutes to take my temp, and I think it seems pretty accurate. I have had a pretty defined temp chart. When I first got it I took my temp multiple times and it seemed consistent, and I also took my temp with a regular thermometer at it seemed to align (although the other thermometer only goes to one decimal point).

It just does one single long beep when it's done, so that's nice for DH because it doesn't wake him up. I read in the reviews of another one that it beeped incessantly and that was the deal breaker for me, I don't need all that beeping first thing in the morning, lol. It does not have a backlight, so I'm not sure how important that is to you. It shows the previous temp when you turn it on. So I'll temp right when I wake up, but if I'm not ready for any sort of light yet I just turn it off and then turn it back on when I officially get out of bed to see what the temp was. My biggest complaint about it is that it only shows the previous temp for a hot second. I tend to turn it off and back on about 3 times to make sure I am reading the temp correctly. So that's my two cents.

All hail Mabis!!

I have done natural cycle (so timed with OPKs, no monitoring/meds) IUI using frozen donor sperm! In my case, it's because I'm a woman married to a woman.

I started off using the cheaper OPKs that you can get online (a lot of people here use Wondfo, I happened to use Easy@Home). Those are nice because you can buy a ton of them for not much money. A lot of people tend to use them twice a day, and I did at first as well, but I quickly learned that I pretty much can only catch my LH surge between 4-6pm. Most people tend to surge in the late afternoon-early evening, but that's not always the case.

If you aren't comfortable with trying to interpret the cheaper OPKs (determining if the test line is the same color or darker than the control), then I highly recommend the Clearblue Digital OPK (specifically NOT the advanced version - that one will give you a bigger fertile window range which is not important/helpful when timing IUI). When you are having your LH surge, you get a smiley face. Simple but definitely much more expensive.

I definitely recommend supplementing the OPKs with temping. You can use a Mabis or any other basal body thermometer to take your temperature daily first thing in the morning and then put those numbers into a TTC app such as Fertility Friend. It won't tell you when you're ovulating before it happens, but it will tell you after the fact and then you will know if your IUI timing was good or not.

Also, you should check out the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. It will give you a lot more information on charting and helping you to pinpoint your ovulation day.

I hope that helps a bit! Please feel free to ask me any other questions 🙂

Very awesome. When I started painting minis I bought this worthless piece of shit, but it turned out to be a worthless piece of shit, so I quickly abandoned it. Your doohickey seems a thousand times more interesting.

are you ready for two more items that will absolutely change the game for you.. (yea they're "crutches", but they are also tools.)

http://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Wire-Coiling-Deluxe-Jewelry/dp/B0068RQ85K/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1398379252&sr=8-8&keywords=artistic+wire

and

http://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Hands-Magnifying/dp/B000RB38X8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398379272&sr=8-1&keywords=helping+hands

if this is your first time, practice on a length of wire before actually soldering the connector

get a pair of good [helping hands] (http://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Hands-Magnifying/dp/B000RB38X8). You'll thank me later :-)

1/4 inch connectors have more room than 1/8 inch connectors.

How much are you going to be making electronics a hobby? If you're just going to be soldering some boards occasionally you could save a bit on the iron and get this Weller. Also a cleaner. If you go with the 888 that will have a wire cleaner built in. I'm getting old so I personally would recommend at least a magnifying glass. I have this helping hand The clips didn't do much for me but the glass did. There are times where the switch pin just gets lost and the glass helped a lot. I also picked up this kit when I started, primarily for the sucker, but I thought the other tools may come in handy. So far they haven't, other than the solder. The first time I tried to use the sucker I could not get it to work correctly, I just wasn't getting enough of a seal around the hot solder, thinking I'd melt the tip, so I ended up buying a different pump that I still have never used, because I eventually DID learn to use the cheaper sucker. I also can't make solder wick work properly, apparently. If this is your first time soldering/desoldering I recommend getting a cheap practice kit that you don't care if you ruin. I can recommend this one as it has you intentionally foul up joins so you can learn to fix them. You won't need strippers. Flush cutters would be helpful if you need to trim the pcb mount legs off your switches (like Zealios, which you will if you have a GH60 Satan pcb) or trimming LEDs. Work mat would be helpful to keep your work area clean but not necessary. You will need a small screwdriver but I can't remember what size. Tweezers or one of these grabber thingies are always helpful when the screw flips sideways when you are trying to seat it. I used this solder on 3 builds so far and have had no issues with joins failing.

Just be patient, I watched the video twice to make sure I was doing everything right. Don’t be intimidated, worst part is trying to connect the screen back but with the right leverage even cheap helping hands that can be a cinch

Super pricey really. I mean, you can get this for 7 bucks. It wouldn't take much to make the rest.

Thing is though, most people don't want to do that. So more power to them for making something people want to buy. I can't blame em.

It's for working on small parts, here's something like it on Amazon.

Yep you're correct.

When soldering there are a few basic things you have to consider. The main idea is that you want to heat up the wire and the contact point to the point that the solder will "wick" to the parts. You don't want to just melt the solder on the iron itself and have it drizzle on the parts.

Here are some other basic tips I wish I had been told when I was learning to soldering electronics in no logical order:

• USE A WELL VENTILATED AREA. DO NOT BREATHE IN FUMES!!!! That stuff is really bad for you. Do it in an open garage, or under a kitchen hood.
  
• Make sure you use solder with rosin core flux. NOT ACID CORE FLUX. That's for plumbing.
  
• Thinner solder is easier to work with, you can always use more.
  

3. Use the appropriate size iron for the job or you risk problems like the OP. For something like the 3DS, I'd probably go no bigger than a 35W iron.
   
4. You want the solder to look shiny when you're done. If it's dull looking, it's a cold solder point and a bad contact point. Any movement while cooling frequently causes this problem.
   
5. One of these makes a huge difference. It's cheap and worth buying if you plan to do much electronics soldering.
   
6. Keep your soldering iron tip clean. Frequently wipe it down on a wet paper towel or a wet sponge while using it.
   
7. Don't reuse solder. It's cheap, and the flux inside is important to help it flow.
   
8. Tin the tip of your iron with solder as well as the wire you plan to solder. It's easier to just hold the tinned wire down with an iron where you need to solder than to use another hand to hold solder.
   
9. Don't bother with those gimmicky solder removers to take solder off. Just buy some solder wick and watch it suck all solder off using the solder's wicking action as you hold it on with an iron.
   
   But most of soldering is just practice. It's a pretty easy skill to get proficient at. After a few projects it'll be almost second nature.
   

It is, but you'd be way better off if you soldered.
Permanent connections, no way a wire will come loose.

You really only need a basic iron, solder and heat shrink.
Hell, this is all you need. https://www.amazon.com/Vastar-Full-110V-Soldering-Iron/dp/B01712N5C4/
https://www.amazon.com/Uxcell-Sleeve-Shrink-Tubing-240Pcs/dp/B01461R89O

If you wanted, you can get a set of helping hands too and make your life really easy.
https://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Magnifying-Glass/dp/B000RB38X8

Soldering is very easy when you're just splicing wires. Not a ton of skill required. Get a roll of stranded wire and practice a bit.

When it's time to do the harness, cut away the excess, so you don't have a ton of wiring shoved behind the dash, slip a piece of heat shrink over one of the wires first and then do a lineman's splice, solder that connection and then shrink the tube over the bare connection.

Couple things. When trying to glue pieces together, consider using a 'third hand'

https://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Hand-Magnifier/dp/B000RB38X8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=247J0EMMDFYZF&keywords=third+hand+tool&qid=1554861038&s=gateway&sprefix=third+hand%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-4

Also, try a wrist brace which you can buy in a drug store or supermarket without a prescription.

If the shaking gets worse, see a doctor...

Well then for work that small you may want to get some helping hands when you buy your soldering iron. Any place that carries one will likely have the other.

Time to whip out ye olde soldering iron and some solder. Doesn't look like too bad of a job. I would probably start by sucking the old solder from the back of the board with a desoldering pump. Then I would push new wire from the back of the board, through to the ROM chip, touching whatever contact surface is available, and flow solder on to the new wire from the back of the board, soldering it to the remains of the ROM pin, while avoiding heating up the ROM chip as much as possible.

A kit like this should have pretty much everything you need: http://amzn.to/1TzCGVb other than a little bit of wire. I would also get something like this to hold everything in place while you work: http://amzn.to/1WdLOCu also avoid caffeine the day you work on this :)

What game is it?

This is my go to list for what you need for soldering:


hakko soldering iron w/ diagonal cutters $91

hakko diagonal cutters $4.37

solder $7

solder sucker $6

solder flux $8 check digikey

solder wick $7 check digikey

wire strippers $10

helping hands $7 check harbor freight

check for lower price

One of the hakko clone stations paired with some genuine hakko tips is probably a good compromise on price/value. Maybe someone else that's from the UK could suggest something different that's also affordable there.

Edit: Please make sure you turn off and unplug your power supply before cutting any wires.

Parts / tool list below, this what i used but there are substitutes out there.

Note: Main thing that is slightly challenging is soldering the XT60s, basic idea is to “tin” (soldering term) the wires and the XT60s first, then heat the connector with your iron as you put the wire in to get a good fusion. Decent video on soldering them:solder XT60s


My soldering Iron:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ANZRT4M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Soldering Flux:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ZIV85A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Solder (60-40)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071G1J3W6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

New XT-60’s and Shroud:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074PN6N4K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Helping Hands (not required, but def helpful)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RB38X8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bought this a while ago, but any heat shrink will do:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MFA3OFA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wire - If you’re new to soldering and need practice, or you’re going to split your cables for Rasberry Pi, or other components, etc:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ABOPMEI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/Jobar-International-JB5231-Reach-Comfort/dp/B001G70QW8

https://www.amazon.com/Jobar-JB5231-Long-Reach-Comfort/dp/B001G70QW8

something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Fitted-Wrist-Brace-Number/dp/B002NLGNW8/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493940468&sr=8-3&keywords=wrist%2Bsupport%2Bbrace&th=1

where it wraps around the thumb and uses velco to make sure your wrist is straight

Hey, I really hope this gets upvoted, but what you are complaining about is the beginning of carpal tunnel from the vibration. My suggestion (and I’ve had to do this before) is buy these https://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Fitted-Wrist-Brace-Medium/dp/B002NLGNW8/ref=lp_13106341_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1550548653&sr=1-4&th=1 or similar ones for each wrist and sleep wearing them every night.

The reason why you have the pain is from sleeping and having your wrists bent so the tendons can’t relax. Trust me on this you will feel better. (Like I said I had the same issue from vibration and the surgeon I went to suggested this)

I will also add that while this will help and ultimately keep you from doing permanent damage this is only a temporary (3ish months) solution. If you keep doing the repetitive action causing this you will do permanent damage and workers comp will not pay for repetitive motion injuries. So start using the wrist braces now.

I know It gets hardcore in the trenches, #struggleisreal but always remember Safety comes first thats why I use this.... https://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Fitted-Wrist-Brace-Medium/dp/B002NLGNW8/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1538540542&sr=1-4&keywords=carpal+tunnel+wrist+brace

https://www.google.com/search?q=Mueller+Green+Fitted+Wrist+Brace,+Black,+Right+Hand,+Small/Medium+https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NLGNW8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_91IWDbYW1KGA9&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

Mueller Fitted Wrist Brace Green Line Number 86271 - Right Fitted Wrist Brace - SM/MD 5-8" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NLGNW8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_igDOAb7F4RVNN

I use this when drawing/ painting/ sculpting/ icing for long periods of time and I really like it! It's pretty dorky looking but very comfortable

Wraps should help, however, you may also want to wrap it during sleep (not too tight, don't want to restrict blood flow) or get a wrist brace to keep it aligned. This is the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002NLGNW8/ I think it's pretty decent.

I use the scale I linked below. It has 1500 reviews on Amazon and a FIVE STAR RATING. It's rock solid. It's been with me with all 50 lbs I've lost and never given a weird number.

http://www.amazon.com/Eatsmart-Precision-Bathroom-Technology-440-Pounds/dp/B0032TNPOE/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1313592795&sr=1-2

I second the EatSmart Scale but I got a slightly different one. Great scale, wide base, and excellent customer service.

Also, it's slim enough that my bathroom door opens overtop of it so I have more flexibility in where I place it. High weight limit, too!

The most consistent scales are the doctor's office style balance scales like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Healthometer-402KL-Physician-Scale-Height/dp/B0009MFUZY

One nice thing about this type of scale is that you can leave the slider at your previous weight. As soon as you step on, you'll know if you gained or lost without having to adjust the slider since the indicator arm will tilt up or down (or stay the same if your weight hasn't changed).

These are much pricier than the spring or strain gauge scales, but more accurate and more consistent.

For digital bathroom scales, I've found that this one matches my balance scale results fairly well:

http://www.amazon.com/Eatsmart-Precision-Bathroom-Technology-440-Pounds/dp/B0032TNPOE

Bonus is that it handles up to 440 pounds.

I've been using this one for about a year now and its served me just fine. Needs to be re calibrated every so often if you accidentally turn it on without weight, but that's easy and takes less than 30 seconds.

Welcome! At 2 months, you have absolutely no reason to worry that you won't be able to do this. It can take a healthy couple up to a full year to conceive.

Do you temp? Use OPKs? My suggestions:

Buy and read Taking Charge of your Fertility. This is going to show you things about your body that you never knew. It really is eye opening.

Buy a Basal Body Thermometer. You can take your temperature vaginally or orally, as long as you do it the same way every day. You want to take your temperature after at least 3 hours of solid sleep. Don't get up, don't move around. Wake up to your alarm, take the temp and go back to sleep. I believe the one I linked has a 'history' so you can read it in the morning.

Enter your temperature daily in Fertility Friend This is free and will help you track your ovulation. You should have a drastic dip and then a pretty drastic rise. This indicates that you have in fact ovulated.

Temping is only good in retrospect. You can see that you have ovulated, not that you are going to. That's where [Ovulation Predictor Kids] (http://www.amazon.com/Combo-Ovulation-Pregnancy-Test-Strips/dp/B001E1Y1X6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1404993367&sr=8-3&keywords=wondfo) come in handy. You use these in the afternoon (when most women will have a surge of Lutenizing (sp?) Hormone. This indicates that you are gearing up to ovulate. And yes, it's true that it's possible that you don't ovulate every time you surge. That's why you want to temp to actually confirm it.

Combining these 3 things will give you a really clear picture of what's going on each cycle. For some women, it can really stress them out. For me, it makes me feel empowered. Let me know if you have any more questions!

this is the one I use and everyone on here recommends

Absolutely! Honestly, if you're not a little worried about bringing a person into the world, then you're probably not ready. That's the way I've always felt about it.

As for getting ready, now is the perfect time to pick up a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility, a Mabis basal body thermometer, and to find a good pre-natal vitamin and DHA supplement. I personally use a combination of Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal and Nordic Naturals DHA. They work well for me, and I got my period right when I expected to after getting my IUD taken out and have been regular as clockwork since.

I would also recommend signing up for FertilityFriend; it's the most common app we're all using, and does a great job of helping you keep track of your cycles. You don't have to go all in on temping (and if you choose not to, don't worry about the thermometer), but I've found it to be so helpful to keep my expectations in check rather than clinging to hope that "Maybe this period is just implantation bleeding".

But in terms of priority, I would highly recommend you pick up TCoYF, and getting started on a good pre-natal. Hope to see you around!

Yeah that price sounds about right. Here is the link to mine. $8 AND Prime. Sorry on mobile but here is the link : MABIS Basal Digital Thermometer to Test Basal Body Temperature (BBT) for Natural Family Planning, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O6YCZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_mOXi6TAVq8R2O

I live in the US and have this one. :) I think it's just the link she used.

http://www.amazon.com/MABIS-Digital-Thermometer-Temperature-Planning/dp/B000O6YCZY

This mabis one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O6YCZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_dwj5BbSMT88WM

Yayy haha! I use This One and it gets the job done!

This one!

My Mabis works great. If I'm sleeping in that day I'll take my temp and look at it and put it in FF, but it does keep the last temp if you want to look later. It's not backlit which I know some people like, but it has never bothered me much..my phone is always handy and the screen easily lights it.

Here's mine: (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O6YCZY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1)

Update: /u/whenwillthewaitend was correct about the counterfeit MABIS! I contacted Amazon about my MABIS malfunctioning and they sent me a replacement on Friday. When I compared the packaging, I noticed that the two thermometers were similar but definitely different. The first thermometer I received was actually from TopCare, Model 87-639-000, Distributed by Topco Associates LLC Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. However, my replacement MABIS is from MABIS Healthcare, Model 15-639-000, Distributed by MABIS Healthcare 1931 Norman Drive Waukegan, IL 60085. Physically the two thermometers are similar, except for one distinguishing factor: the real MABIS contains a white M logo on the pink battery cover. What I don't understand is why the same seller, MABIS DMI Healthcare, would have sent me two very different thermometers?!!

https://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Magnifying-Glass/dp/B000RB38X8/

Helping hands stand w/ built-on magnifying lense might help.

Look up some tutorials on youtube. A good iron makes a world of difference. I struggled with properly tinning all the irons I've used previously which were just those cheap $8 dollar irons from like walmart. The weller that was in my dad's stuff wasn't much more expensive but they make quality stuff.

The tip tinned very well and everything was fairly smooth. If you don't have a decent stock of soldering supplies I would purchase them before you start.

Here's a quick rundown of what I would recommend:

Simple Weller Soldering Iron

Helping Hands

Desolder Wick

Kester .03" solder

Having the desolder wick saved me a few times when I had some bad flow from the parts not having adequate heat and the solder just clumping on the pin rather than flowing into the connection. You just lay the braid over the solder and press your iron on top and it will soak the solder into the braid and leave your parts clean. You'll probably want something to clean your solder iron tip with. You can buy a Hakko cleaning stand with wire brush for $10 on amazon or you can just wet a scotch brite pad you buy from walmart for a few dollars.

You can use solder you already have if it's a small enough diameter. You want small diameter so that when you touch it to the part (not to the iron) it melts quickly and you dont have to continue to apply heat to the parts. As far as actually handling the solder while you're trying to work I like to cut a small length of solder, maybe 6-8 inches and then wind it in a mini spool around my pinkie finger and leave a length of it sticking out so you have something to hold on to that will give you good control.

How-To Solder Instructable

Once you make the connections look at them, a good connection should typically be shiny and not cloudy. It's likely overkill for this project but those are good practices.

You're probably looking for something like this -

Helping Hands

I use one of these on occasion - I've stripped off the magnifying lense (too awkward), and have only one of the "hands" modules on it. With a little adjustment, you can move the miniature around to get at every bit of it, it leaves one hand free, holds it securely (so at least one part of brush + mini is steady!), and you can adjust the height of the mini pretty substantially.

Those are referred to as 3rd hand tools or helping hand tools (this is the one I have). They can be useful, but I don't think they'll be helpful for the ErgoDox kit (haven't actually really done that sort of of soldering, esp the surface mount diodes). They tend to be particularly useful when you're doing through-hole soldering. Here's a video demonstrating some uses of a 3rd hand. Here's another video.

How strong are the arms compared to one of these helping hands? I have the below one but sometimes the positioning is limited.

https://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Magnifying-Glass/dp/B000RB38X8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1486734389&sr=8-3&keywords=helping+hand

secret to solder suckers is to use it while using the iron. a pair of helping hands helps alot when soldering so you can do such a feat

http://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Hand-Magnifier/dp/B000RB38X8/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1421695929&sr=1-1&keywords=helping+hands

Currently using this one from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Hand-Magnifier/dp/B000RB38X8/

This product is similar to mine. I can't find it on thinkgeek.

Thanks, it's probably even better if we drop this here and this one has the magnifying glass on it.

The nicest one I have ever used was [this one by Otto Frei.](
http://www.ottofrei.com/Store/Soldering-Stations-Third-Hands/GRS-004-570-Double-Soldering-Station-With-2-Third-Hands.html) I really liked it when I borrowed it to do some wire harness and cable modifications, so much so that I looked it up afterward, but I couldn't handle the sticker shock.

For pedal making/modifying, I would recommend a circuit board holder and a typical helping hand (with or without magnifying glass) so that you have both hands available to use the iron and feed solder.

This and Helping Hands

What about a small magnifying stand? With or without the helping hands. I don't think I'd include this in a tool kit, but sold separately.

http://www.amazon.com/Carson-MagniLamp-Magnifier-Inspection-GN-55/dp/B0001X09FM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452877518&sr=8-1&keywords=magnifying+stand

http://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Magnifying-Glass/dp/B000RB38X8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452877518&sr=8-2&keywords=magnifying+stand

I think a lot of people have trouble because they don't have a hot clean tip. My friend who "can't solder" has a 20+ year old soldering iron with a corroded tip. I use a wet sponge, cleaning wire, and tip tinner interchangeably to keep it clean as I go.

Also having one of those magnifying glass/alligator clip holders is extremely helpful.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 camera module replacement

I just replaced the wifi module in my wife's Note 2.. The Logic Board (aka- motherboard) in mine.. and then had to finally find a replacement for (b/c the connector ripped the male contact off of the logic board inside of the wire's female connector and I couldn't get it out.. super tiny shit) and install the USB/Cell Antenna cable in my Note 2.. With the tools, patience, PARTS lol, and instructions, you don't need a new phone as often as you'd think ;)

Total cost.. About $50 for all of those parts on ebay and ifixit-(which is expensive, but it's quick and reliable.. the bad cable I got was from them, and they replaced it free w/o a return of the faulty one) The tools aren't that much either.. ifixit has their stuff overpriced.. just find them elsewhere.. then, just watch a lot of videos, and go slow.

Did you know? you can use 2x magnifying lenses held at just the right distances from each other to create a MUCH more powerful magnification? I use a set of Helping Hands (not the best design btw) and then use a smaller magnifying glass held by one of the alligator clips held infront of the larger one to make a laymans microscope..

Here's an example of how I have mine setup.. This is an old RadioShack version that I paid waaaaay too much for back before I used the net lol.. Like $40?? I think ughh.. Pretty sure there's better for less now.

Shit.. I just reread what your issue was and it's the Vibration lmao.. I'm sorry, bit tipsy but I'm leaving all of that above. Did you try this?

Maybe a "third Hand" would help you.

Seriously, I can see on an acceptable Level and handle Tools pretty well, but I still use one of These for things as fiddly as Ethernet cables: https://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Magnifying-Glass/dp/B000RB38X8/

There are more fancy ones available, with larger magnifyer, more clamps, more flexible arms etc.

In case anyone else wants one.

Less than 9 bucks on Amazon

You ever use something like this? Find my hands are hard to steady after painting for a while and they start cramping. Might need to wrap something soft around the tips so they don't mar the plastic but it seem useful.

Just yesterday I replaced the body of my X4. I have never used a soldering iron before. The desoldering and resoldering of the motors is a piece of cake. You are going to want one of these... http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000RB38X8?cache=11f46a07c09d9240592152877290bff4&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1412195317&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1 Good luck!

Yep, that's the one (it's partially put together on my kitchen table right now). I'll tell what I bought and let you decide what to get (I overbought since I have nothing to start with). Keep in mind that I am completely new to the RC hobby and this is my first quadcopter build.

laptop screws for the motors

nylon spacer kit

Nylock nuts for the props

Velcro straps

XT60 connectors to make power lead

Wire to make power lead

zip ties

heat shrink

Like I said I overbought but I think this will work for me (for example my batteries have an XT60 connection).

Some other stuff I got because I'm a newb and want my quadcopter to light up the sky:

Helping Hands Magnifier -> this works very well

Learn to solder kit -> it helped me

Pretty lights

I went on a little shopping spree for my DIY/rebuildable stuff. Picked up the following:

5 glass beakers, 50-1000ml
4 oz amber glass boston round bottles, pack of 12
2x pack of 6 2oz amber bottles w/droppers
2x 2pack 8oz amber bottles
[labels for bottles] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z5SM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i03?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
100count transfer pipettes
2 10 packs of 5ml blunt tip syringes
Heated ultrasonic cleaner (for quick steeping)

100ft A1 32 AWG kanthal
100ft A1 30 AWG kanthal
100ft A1 28 AWG kanthal
12ft 2mm braided hollow Ekowool
Pair of locking hemostats
butane pencil torch (for torching ekowool)
This genius little invention - everyone should buy this, it was like six bucks

other than that, a couple anyvape mini davide glass clearos because the protank 2 group buy I organized will likely not have a replacable drip tip, and I need at least 2 mini glass tanks that can take my bds60 from captivape.

i need me a fucking workshop, not sure where I'm going to put all this stuff...

perhaps?

Available from amazon

I brought a wrist brace and it is amazing. Like, night and day. https://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Fitted-Wrist-Brace-Number/dp/B002NLGNW8

Have you tried nighttime carpal tunnel braces? I got CTS during my first pregnancy and it never went away. I use these braces and they help SO much. Wearing that at night pretty much eliminated my daytime pain and discomfort.

Here are the braces I used that helped and are not too expensive.If you have an HSA or FSA account you can use those funds to pay for these.

​

As far as your family, ignore them. So many people are not educated about the issues people can have during pregnancy. I remember family being so obnoxious when I was pregnant the first time. I'm pregnant again and people seem to be less obnoxious this time.

I had a very similar issue recently. I started having pain in my right wrist after a night of heavy squat cleans. After that i couldn't do anything that involved being in the front rack position. I also couldn't stay in a handstand pushup or even regular pushup position as that bent my wrist back from my arm in the same sirection. After 2 months of waiting for it to get better on it's own to no avail, I became concerned and went to an orthopedic doctor. She took xrays and confirmed that nothing was broken- it was just a sprain and it would still take a couple of months to completely heal. She suggested I should ice it and wear a wrist brace. (I got this one on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Fitted-Right-Wrist-medium/dp/B002NLGNW8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00) She also recommended that I go to physical therapy 3 times a week. I thought that was a bit much and never ended up going.

Sure enough, it took about 2 months after the doctor visit (4 months after the injury) to be back to 100% and lift regularly again. During that period, whenever there were front squats, thrusters, or press/jerks in the WOD, i would use dumbbells which I could grip without any pain at all.

I am only speaking from my experience. Of course your situation could be completely different. Hopefully its a sprain and you just need to give it some more time, but you should see an orthopedic doctor if possible to see if there's anything more severe going on.

I have some nerve damage in my left wrist from an accident, so i have a weak left wrist so i wear a brace everytime i play underneath my glove. Doesnt bother me at all.

This is what I use:
https://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Fitted-Wrist-Brace-Number/dp/B002NLGNW8/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1487698462&sr=1-1&keywords=wrist+guard

Ive seen friends with theses (alternative):
http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage-BEPWG.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiA56_FBRDYpqGa2p_e1MgBEiQAVEZ6-39AiGOmVDs3dJxem3shr4vp4mcgyt5-Tbc1D6vR8GAaAgXD8P8HAQ

I wear carpal tunnel braces - I can't recommend enough that you use synthetic ones instead of those cotton ones they sell at CVS. The synthetics both keep the smell down and make them easier to wash.

These - they also come in L/XL are also a lot cheaper than the drug store ones.

Sorry if this is off-topic, wanted to help a fellow carpy out.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NLGNW8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_cOb1CbXCEB5MY

I had pretty awful carpal tunnel with my last pregnancy (from about 28 weeks on) and wore these braces as much as I could stand them (day and night) and they helped. I also found that the carpal tunnel persisted about a week after I delivered, also (I know that's not what you want to hear - sorry!!) - it really didn't go away until all of my swelling subsided. On the bright side, just because you have it with one pregnancy, it doesn't guarantee it for future times - I'm 32 weeks with my second and so far so good!

Doesn't even have to be neoprene if you don't need something watertight. I quite like these because they are more comfortable than the neoprene ones I had before - and they have a piece of metal inside for better wrist support.

Looks great! I am just starting out and was surprised at how much I had to control my "shake" when I am really concentrating on hitting those hard-to-reach or finer details. I am trying a few things here and there to mitigate that. Any thoughts on wrist braces or something of the like to control unwanted movement or would that be too restrictive?

For carpal? I've been wearing these.
Mueller Fitted Wrist Brace Green Line Number 86271 - Right Fitted Wrist Brace - SM/MD 5-8" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NLGNW8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YAP-Ab1PKDKJR

Pay 2 Win with one of these:
http://amzn.com/B002NLGNW8

> So, to start off, I downloaded MyFitnessPal.

Excellent! I like MFP, it's working well for me even with its quirks.

> it's been awhile since I've had access to a good scale for people of my weight

You are going to need some way to measure your progress, eventually! I had a poke about amazon and they're not hugely expensive:

eatsmart scale

this one measures %bodyfat and is on sale!

%bodyfat information is hugely valuable for accurately tracking your progress and adjusting your diet.


> Excersizing has always been hard for me, I have severely flat feet, even my specially made inserts don't do much to prevent masshive pain if I'm on my feet too long

Stationary bike is your friend!

If you can, start walking second daily/daily for 10-30 minutes.

> It asked how much weight I wanted to lose a week, it recommended 1 pound. Is going with 2 pounds a week that big a deal? Do you think it'll be harder?

If you are 5'10" and 360lb+, you should eventually aim for 2lb/week. You may want to start at 1 pound a week to see what it feels like though.

> White bread, frozen things such as chicken tenders, sandwhich meat, cheese, baked chicken, hamburgers.. I used to eat other less healthy things but I've cut a lot of food out due to my chronic acid reflux, I eat a lot of bread and drink a lot of milk because they're relatively safe for me. I also tend to drink two cans of pop a day, though I'm going to try cutting those out.

You can eat, what you can eat. That said, as you lose weight, your reflux may improve.

If you are having trouble working out what to eat, just start with what you already eat, but control the quantities with calorie counting. You will want to do a few initial days of just counting what your current intake level is, so you can slowly lower your intake.

The easiest way to generate meals is to start with some good lean protein, then add some vegetables to that, and some flavouring, but don't forget that sauces count as calories!

Frozen food has the useful benefit of having very detailed nutritional information on the side of the box, and snap frozen vegetables have high nutrient value.

> How do you guys go about snacks? I usually eat something, be it some chips or something microwavable every few hours.

Chips are generally not great, but if you need them, count their calories into your budget. There's definitely a range of microwave foods out there with decent nutritional value (good amount of protein and essential fats).

> Also, what do you do at night when you're trying to sleep but it feels like you're starving?

When you get your eating right, this may be less of a problem. The right balance of proteins and fat help with satiety, whereas not having enough of those in your dinner meal may leave you hungry as you go to sleep.

> it says that I should consume no more than 2290 calories a day. I've used other calculators online though and have seen anything from 2600-2900 calories a day.

You probably have relatively little muscle mass because of your issues with your flatfeet. The main determinant of how many calories you should have is muscle mass. (%bodyfat measurements will let you determine this far more accurately though).

2300 calories per day is probably a good eventual target. However, first you need to measure how much you are currently eating, then work down from there.

> a bit of weight training.

I would suggest with working towards bodyweight squats and lunges. You may or may not be able to do a full movement with your current size, but a few partial squats are safe and will start conditioning your knees and muscles.

Also, try to get your hands on some cheap dumbbells and learning what movements you can do at home. You don't need the gym to lift weight!

Overall it sounds like you have a good attitude and an openness to learning. With patience, time and the right feedback, you can definitely achieve not only your temporary goals, but more than you thought possible!

I have this one. Someone else in the thread mentioned having an Eat Smart scale and liking it as well. It remains very consistent.

http://smile.amazon.com/Eatsmart-Precision-Bathroom-Technology-440-Pounds/dp/B0032TNPOE/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1420043571&sr=1-2&keywords=eat+smart+scale

Eatsmart Precision Plus Digital Bathroom Scale with Ultra Wide Platform and Step-on Technology, 440-Pounds

I just bought this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Eatsmart-Precision-Bathroom-Technology-440-Pounds/dp/B0032TNPOE/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1291407583&sr=1-4

It is really accurate and wide enough that you don't have to worry about squeezing onto a tiny scale. I actually have found it matches my Dr's scale whereas my previous one was 10 lbs off.

I have this one by Eatsmart. It's always accurate as well. Most of the eatsmart ones on amazon are rated really well.

It is normal to have your weight jump around all day. I can weigh myself in the morning, and then have breakfast with coffee and a huge cup of water and be 3 lbs up.

For what it's worth, you can buy a scale for about $35 on amazon that is both accurate and precise.

Here. It matches the scale at the doctor perfectly and is very reliable measurement to measurement.

Workouts won't help you as much as diet. Get good scales; for you and for your food. I love these two:

• http://www.amazon.com/Eatsmart-Precision-Bathroom-Technology-440-Pounds/dp/B0032TNPOE/
  
• http://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Digital-Kitchen-Silver/dp/B001N07KUE/
  
  Figure out how many calories you should be be eating to lose weight and keep a good, accurate count of them. I use this app to both calculate my calories and keep track of them: http://www.fatsecret.com/connected/
  
  I'm losing about 2 pounds a week right now, and I have plenty to eat.
  
  It's as simple as it sounds.

If you feel your current scale is consistently accurate (within reason), you probably don't need to get a new one. However, i would recommend the one I have (measures in .2 increments):






https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032TNPOE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1




Reasonably priced, about as accurate as you can expect, wide base and a nice big LCD screen. I've had it for around 8 months now, no complaints.

How about exercise? How much do you do?

For scales, I've seen these exact ones in my doctor's office before (alongside the proper ones). Out of like 12,000 reviews, a 4.6/5 score is damn good. Regardless of some problems, it should be a good scale if your luck isn't completely terrible. But with all glass scales: Make sure they're on a flat surface. I personally use the smaller one with a max of 400lbs.

What I can recommend to you is this:

You should speak with your doctor about what's going on. Perhaps they have more insight. If they hadn't done a hormone blood test, they probably would.

As with most "Help, I'm not losing weight" posts, if there's no problem with you counting calories or with your body, then it's down to either: Eating less calories. Or, exercising more. 2000 calories at your weight is quite the cut (at my 6' 233lbs, 2200 calories and that's deep for me). Because of that I'd recommend exercising more. If you're not walking (on top of normal activity) everyday, do so everyday. At least thirty minutes, and an hour is great. More than an hour depends on how you feel.

I'm 6'1 365 and this is the best scale I've owned. It is accurate up to 440 lbs and has a wide platform so I don't feel like I'm having to balance on a tightrope.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0032TNPOE/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

I like this scale, its been reliable and accurate for me and i was over 300lbs

EatSmart Precision Plus Digital Bathroom Scale

All scales have a % of being off in accuracy, what I find more important is consistancy. If the scale is consistant you can trend loss and that is what is important. I have also found that accuracy drops the closer you get to the max of the scale.

Balance Beam Scales, like this are the most expensive, and the most accurate.

I dont see the one I have at home, but this is close (same brand I think) and it works well as long as I stand on the exact same spot on the scale every time. If I move over or place my feet wrong, the reading is off by several pounds. So I just make sure to do it the same way every time.

I use this EatSmart scale and like it a lot. Big light-up display and I've found it's only 0.2 off from the readings I get at the doctor's. It's also been quite consistent for me—if I step off and on the scale again I get the same reading every time.

Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done!

I really love this eat smart scale. It has a capacity of 440 lbs and it's under $30!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0032TNPOE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1506403090&sr=8-1&keywords=eat+smart+scales

I've just started painting as well, and I'll second that the initial investment is rather high. I'm probably in 50$+ in just painting gear now...

First. Watch some youtube tutorials. I found Miniature Painting 101 by Miniwargamer Jay to be very helpful.

I only went high end on the paints and washes that are my primary color scheme. They're a mix of P3 / Citadel paints. The pots are pricy, but they do go a long way.

I grabbed several brush sets and a 12 pack of basic color acrylic paints from a craft store. You'll want mainly fine tips a a few small flat brushes. These paints are more for mixing (white and black) and areas I only need a little paint.

I used a Krylon white primer for plastics, mainly because I had it. Just use very quick sprays to keep a very light coat.

I built a work-rack out of a piece of 2x6, some large nails, and some nickels as I didn't have the right size washers handy... Drill holes in wood large just enough to hold the nails, super-glue the nickels on top of the nail to give a larger base (I used Gorilla-glue). Then use sticky-tack to hold the miniature on. This lets you use the nail to hold and manuever the miniature during painting, then just set it in the wood to dry... Hopefully this link works:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202655502284955&set=pcb.782763288446523&type=1&theater

I got a set of Magnifying goggles from amazon for 8 dollars. Their not the most comfortable things to wear, but they really help with the fine detail work...

http://www.amazon.com/SE-MH1047L-Illuminated-Multipower-Magnifier/dp/B003UCODIA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407928227&sr=8-2&keywords=magnifying+goggles

Overall, be patient, take your time, and enjoy, and you can make some beautiful pieces of art.

I got a touch up pen from this website a few years ago and I was pretty happy with it. Get something like a dental pick and scrape the rust and crud off before you paint it. I use a magnifying glass to make sure I got everything completely clean. With all things paint, the result is completely dependent on the prep work.

Hi!

Quick tip when soldering: wear eye-protection!

When I was a child, I tried my hand at soldering under dad's supervision. I was near-sighted and did not wear eye protection. POP! Yes! Solder pops when rapidly heated (common occurrence when applying solder a large surface of the iron quickly)

I always wear this when soldering now (if you don't mind looking like a completely tool, whlist doing it)

My eyesight isn't as good as it used to be and like you I took an approximately 20 year break from painting. I use this - https://www.amazon.com/SE-MH1047L-Illuminated-Flip-Magnifier/dp/B003UCODIA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1540999813&sr=8-4&keywords=jewelers+magnifying+headset

It really helps to see details while painting.

​

As far as the white goes, I'd recommend getting an airbrush. Then you can lay down a nice and smooth white basecoat on a squad in minutes. Then you just have to pick out the details. I used this basic airbrush setup -

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Multi-purpose-Dual-action-Compressor/dp/B001TO578Q/ref=sr_1_7?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1540999981&sr=1-7&keywords=master+airbrush

​

Welcome back to the hobby! Continue to keep us all in the loop with your progress.

If you have poor vision one option is to get some magnifying glasses like these. I have pretty decent vision but I still use these when working on electronics and small parts. If you are looking for someone else to do the work, and your ipod is no longer covered under warranty by applecare, you can take it to the store to see what they would charge. I've always fixed these types of issues myself so I can't recommend any online repair stores because I've never used them.

sounds like you'll need one of these soon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UCODIA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

For less than $9, they were a great addition. I don't wear glasses, but there should be enough space to have them on. The built-in LED is a bit weak, and the lenses are acrylic, but far, far better than shelling out more money on a new piece of gear.

Check out the lamps that have a magnifier inside the light ring. Has a spring arm assembly to swing in and out of the way when not using it.

Personally, I picked up this illuminated headset from amazon.

When I first started painting minis a year ago I saw someone recommend this guy https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UCODIA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Super cheap. I've had it over a year and havent even had to change batteries on the light. It's not always the most comfortable, but I only wear it for the real fine details.

A good place to get started is by watching videos on YouTube. There are several 25+ minute long videos of people disassembling, servicing, and reassembling pocket watches. Once you have watched some videos, then you can start google searching about watch repair for more information. Things such as how to properly oil a watch. The names of different components, how to put a watch "in beat", etc. The message boards at NAWCC.com are a GREAT help. Read, read, read. Study. If after you do this and still want to get into the hobby then read further. I have to note that you must be mechanically adept to do this. You'll need to be able to observe a mechanism and deduce exactly how it works. This is how you solve a problem that a timepiece may have.

Honestly, a lot of the "Getting started" guides out there recommend spending thousands of dollars on tools. 30 dollars for one single screwdriver, 300 dollars for this, that, etc. If you're wealthy, then go for it! The expensive tools are great, but it's not necessary to service movements that are worth less than a couple hundred bucks for hobby. I'm very financially poor, so I had to shop around for the least expensive tools I could find. Here are some of the tools I use. I did purchase them from amazon. You won't be able to do all repairs with these tools. There are repairs that will be a bit out of reach, such as balance staff replacement and component fabrications.

1)Screwdriver set. I get a ton of use out of these. They're Chinese made, but they work perfectly fine. Definitely a must.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JPXW0N8/

2) Magnifying eyeglasses. LED illuminated. I cannot live without mine, it really works great and takes regular AAA batteries. Human hands are capable of very fine motor movements, what limits us is our eyes. Watchmaking requires steady hands, and for that you'll need to see up close.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UCODIA/

3)Movement holder. This is self explanatory.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005URKGDO/

4)Brass tweezers. You will need these to insert screws for installation, various pins, etc. Brass is a softer metal, and thus makes it less prone to scratch/damage steel parts such as the threads of screws. Learning to use tweezers can be quite difficult at first. You need to be very light fingered with them. Too much pressure, and your teeny tiny screw/pin/jewel will go flying across the room never to be seen again. Too little pressure, and you will drop the component. It takes practice.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RB7C5I/

5)Hand remover. Self explanatory.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I02NW82/

6)Watch oil. I use this Liberty brand oil. Seems to do the job just fine, and it's affordable.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CM19L5K/

7) Dremel. Harbor Freight sells a knockoff brand dremel for something like 10 bucks. It comes with several attachments. I mostly use mine for buffing cases.

8) Jewelry pliers. They sell these in craft stores and such. Basically a pair of needle nose pliers without teeth on them, they just have smooth round points. These come in handy for removing pins and canon pinions and such that the brass tweezers cannot remove.

9) Several clean cotton cloths. I buy mine at the automotive department in walmart.

10) Goof-Off cleaning solution and a toothbrush. Goof-Off contains a mixture of acetone and xylene. This works great for removing old oil, gunk, and dirt.

11) Toothpicks and a sharp knife. Wood toothpicks work great for pegging/cleaning out jewels and pivots. Sharpen the tip of a toothpick, insert it in said jewel, spin it around a bit, it'll come out gray. Then clean with the chemical solution.

Now you'll want a watch or two to work on. I highly recommend sticking with an 18 size or 16 size movement at first. Larger parts and such makes it easier. You'll be able to find them on eBay. Generally I can find good size 18 movements for 30 to 50 dollars. Sometimes it's a good idea to buy a watch that already runs, but needs fully disassembled and cleaned. That 1898 Hampden 18s 11j in my photo album? I paid $30 for it in an eBay auction. It needed fully disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, mainspring replacement, and the balance put in beat. I knew that if it had a problem which I could not cheaply repair then I could simply resell it and get my $30 or more back. Often times you'll be able to buy entire lots of uncased scrap movements for less than 50 dollars. Having a lot of scrap parts movements around comes very much in handy. Stay away from watches with broken balance staffs for now. If you buy a broken watch that cannot be repaired cheaply, simply resell it on eBay.

Take A LOT of photos while you tear down a watch! Before you start removing screws, take photos on your cell phone. This will help immensely with reassembly.

That's all I can think of now. Getting a bit sleepy so I'm sure I'll think up some more advice tomorrow. I hope watchmaking is still enticing to you after watching some youtube videos, it really is a most rewarding hobby.

I never put a loupe into my eyes. Maybe we're talking about a different type of loupe?

Something else that's worked quite well for me, I use it a lot when soldering but works fine for pens too is this. It's kind of cheap but has held out for about 6 years now. Much more useful for extended viewing.

Someone posted this in 2X and I wanted to share it with this community as I think it would be a cheap and easy way to distribute pregnancy tests to those who can't obtain them.

http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-50-count/dp/B004AOMAOG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1311182944&sr=8-4

Additionally, my boyfriend bought two boxes of 36 condoms on ebay just a few weeks ago for about $10 shipped so that may also be a cheap continuous source for donating supplies.


EDIT: Just did some digging and that link was actually submitted but the lovely creator of this subreddit!

Morning after pill is most effective if it's taken as soon as possible, but it's not really a form of birth control, and some women have adverse reactions to it. If you're really concerned that condoms aren't enough, look into the pill or another form of contraception.

Also, if you (or she) are prone to anxiety about it and anticipate using a lot of pregnancy tests (I went through a really paranoid time and went through a lot) I would suggest looking into amazon for something like this to save money.

As a warning, the morning after pill is only effective for women under 165 pound, and the only way to confirm if you are pregnant is to start taking pregnancy tests. Do yourself a favor and get a bulk pack of inexpensive early detection pregnancy tests and take a test every month. For $0.40/month, you can get some peace of mind, or at least very early detection so that you can assess your options. The tests from the dollar store are just as effective as the fancy ones from the drug store, by the way.

Period trackers are only really guessing info based on what you report, so they can't know for sure if you are ovulating, obviously. Women often report bleeding in early pregnancy, and throughout their pregnancies, so your period isn't necessarily a sure sign.

If you are going to continue to have unprotected sex, perhaps birth control is right for you. Effective birth control and regular testing will go a long way toward relieving your anxiety.

Here they are! I've heard they can come up with some false positives, but when you have 50 for that cheap, it's not really a big deal to take another one. One of my roommates in college had a pack of these, we all used them at one point or another. Only thing is that they are a dip-stick method, not a pee-on method, which is actually handy and cleaner!

Ooops, they were more expensive than I thought they were. [$19 for 50] (http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-50-count/dp/B004AOMAOG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1374374228&sr=8-3&keywords=pregnancy+test). Still better than $1 each, but not as cheap as I thought :(

Wondfo pregnancy test strips!

The negative pregnancy test isn't conclusive because it's a bit early. Blood tests are best bet.

Because you only rely on the pull-out method, I recommend this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AOMAOG/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They're cheap and work well. I like having them on hand just in case I'm getting panicky about a late period.

Hope you didn't buy this piece of shit

EatSmart Products Precision Getfit Digital Body Fat Scale with Auto Recognition Technology https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004L6NTHU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Fk.BybGFY3MAN

This is the scale I use and it's great. It also measures body fat.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004L6NTHU/ref=cm_sw_r_an_am_ap_am_us?ie=UTF8

Sorry, I don't know about the Canadian shipping, but if you're going to buy a scale I would consider spending the extra money and getting this one -- http://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Capacity-Recognition-Technology/dp/B004L6NTHU/ref=dp_cp_ob_hpc_title_3 I have it and it's great. It shows body fat % rather than just weight, so you can see when you are losing fat.

EatSmart Products Precision Getfit Digital Body Fat Scale with Auto Recognition Technology https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004L6NTHU/

Edit: had to browse my amazon order history to find it lol

I've had this one for about 5 years, works really well. The most users we have had been 3 and it can recognize up to eight after you program in users. For my needs I am more interested in measuring bone/muscle and I think it tracks that well. It has held up well, the glass top still looks new, I never consider electronics bifl, but I have been pleased with this scale [I use rechargeable batteries].

https://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Products-Precision-Recognition-Technology/dp/B004L6NTHU

I have this scale as well. It's excellent, well made and very consistent.

A little over your budget, but I absolutely LOVE my EatSmart Precision GetFit bathroom scale.

As for a food scale, I just bought whatever they had at Target for around $20.

This one.

I bought it because of the reviews and the price. I love it. I had an omron scale before that that measured body fat, muscle mass, and BMI (BMI is completely worthless in my opinion) but it was waayyy off on body fat percentage.

I think this one is a lot more accurate because I posted photos in a "Body Fat Friday" post on /r/fitness a while back (not sure if they still do those posts, I haven't seen them in a while) and people guessed my body fat percentage within 1-2% points of what my current scale says. :)


Oh also if you do get this scale pay attention to this part of the manual:
"To receive the most accurate weight measurement, please weigh yourself first thing when you get up in the morning" and "To receive the most accurate body fat, etc. measurement, please weigh yourself in the evening, before eating."

Your body fat / muscle mass percentage in the morning is not as accurate as your percentages in the afternoon/evening. :)

this scale is owned by three different people in my family (including myself) and has been consistent across all of them as well as the doctor's office

Also considering a scale. I cannot stand they weight fluctuations in the one I have at home (~10 lbs). Even if I stand up the same way every time, I am still finding very bad variations.

I want to get one with body comp capabilities so I can also track hydration and BF% more accurately (or consistently I guess). Considering this one from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004L6NTHU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1396296148&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

I have this scale. Love it, always been accurate, fast readings and lot of other info like body fat %, muscle %, etc.

I also use LoseIt.com on my iPhone for tracking everything I eat. It's free and even gives the option to track nutrients and I really like their graphs and charts.

Yeah :( thats the bad side. I really love my EatSmart Precision GetFit Digital Body Fat Scale and its on sale with free shipping at amazon, but its $55...which is a great deal, but over your budget :( Maybe ask for it for christmas?

Also since you are doing keto (which I am also doing) it is an awesome way of making sure you are not losing muscle mass too quickly...I had to up my protein (thus my calories) because I felt I was losing muscle too quickly. Now my muscle is much more stable, but my fat loss is still moving along.

I just got one of these based on a recommendation elsewhere on reddit:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L6NTHU

It's still in the mail, so I have no idea how much it'll rock, but I'm stupidly excited about getting a new scale.

If you goal is to manage weight whether it is adding or losing the one thing that must be done above all else:

MONITOR AND PLAN YOUR DIET.

This is so easily overlooked by so many people. You will here the standard calories in and calories out discussion everywhere. If you are looking to build muscle and lose fat you need to ensure you are eating enough protein to where your body can maintain it's repairs to your muscles while still running a deficit to lose fat.

This can definitely be done. You don't even have to be a master at it. I am multiple pants sizes and about 15 pounds. As I started lifting heavier the weight loss slowed. I only care about strength gains and physical size. I am losing fat because my gut etc is going down. I am not seeing that big of an adjustment on the scale because I am not killing myself in the process.

I bought this scale https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L6NTHU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and it helps me keep track of body composition. Turns out it is on sale with a 20% coupon too if you are interested. I monitor my body comp a bit and try to maintain my diet while hitting my routine. You are putting up good numbers on those sets. You will continue to build that muscle up as long as you are feeding it. Just lower the calories to cut in the process.

I was looking at consumer reports & amazon reviews and those really well ranked! But I'm leaning towards this one because it has slightly better reviews for BF% and their customer service reviews are stellar.

BF/body water are the 2 things I was trying to focus on bc I have a decent amount of muscle on me. I'm about 8 lbs heavier than 5 yrs ago but I'm wearing smaller sizes and measuring smaller inches (especially since beginning Crossfit about 9 months ago) - unfortunately most scales aren't readily capable of giving (accurate) reads of those :/

Squatting is a healthy way to shit.

Amazon even has products to help.

Amazon is running a sale on these right now. Buy one for $25 get the second one for $15. So, just under $40 for two. Works with 7" or 9" ecco styles.

7 inch model and
9 inch model

People supposedly love these things https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/dp/B007BISCT0

Squatting like some kind of 3rd world savage?

Get yourself a squatty potty, like me, an intellectual

There is an argument online that a squatty potty is equally valid

http://voices.yahoo.com/squat-toilets-prevention-colon-cancer-ibs-healing-765607.html?cat=68

Western style

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007BISCT0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A36Q24LQ01ENX5

They have seriously saved my sanity! I believe the ones I have are the Clinical Guard brand, this one.

It is scary! But this does not prove you are pregnant. Without a test, you are getting worked up and worrying yourself over potentially nothing. The mind if very powerful.

Those symptoms are also associated with other things as well as pregnancy. You always have a linea nigra. And usually it does not get darker until around the 23rd week of pregnancy. Your hormones are unlikely high enough for that to happen now.

Take it one step at a time.

Take a test asap. You can get a test at the dollar store. Amazon has them on prime. You might be able to get them same day.

Then, once you know the real answer, you can make a plan. Come back here and post and people can help from there. Planned Parenthood is a great resource if you don't have a lot of money. Your insurance might cover some of it, but PP can help you with that.

If you have to sell some things and borrow some money. A baby is way more expensive than an abortion. If you are pregnant, you will have to do what it takes to find a solution for yourself.

Be easy on yourself. Many of us have been there, and you will be ok. You are in my thoughts.

And not that you asked, but you might want to consider an IUD. It's a more reliable option than other forms of birth control. It might give you some peace of mind.

Sure, I got these: ClinicalGuard® HCG Pregnancy Test Strips (Individually-Sealed, Pack of 20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VT2OQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_tMOq4Yb5XueZk

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VT2OQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DL9QDbPSP6F10

Also, there is nothing at all wrong with having an abortion. Or a salad.

They are the ones I bought!

ClinicalGuard® HCG Pregnancy Test Strips (Individually-Sealed, Pack of 20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VT2OQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_yuNkybKMDXVJ2

A lot of the times, they take the $1 test, put it in a fancy piece of plastic, then add a bunch of marketing/overhead and margin (profit) to it, then sell it for way more.

You can buy a 20 pack of test strips like these for $7.50 that work great.

​

Yes, but mine looked very different from yours. Here's my post from when I got my BFP. The LH strips are wondfos but the HCG strips are CGs.

These are the Clinical Guard strips I purchased from Amazon, seller was ClinicalGuard too.

https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/dp/B00ESKVN7W/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=squatty+potty&qid=1568412050&s=gateway&sprefix=squatty&sr

"NZ invention" is a stretch. Here's one on Amazon for $19.99 (or $213.32 for a pack of 10! ???)

https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/dp/B00ESKVN7W/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1542696554&sr=8-3&keywords=toilet+foot+stool

> "The Original Squatty Potty - Made in U.S.A. As seen on Shark Tank and The Howard Stern Show

> If you are a new squatter, the 7” is a great place to start or if consider yourself an advanced squatter, a 9" Squatty Potty will work best. Younger children should use a 9 inch Squatty Potty while teenagers tend to prefer the 7 inch height

> The Squatty Potty may feel different at first, but the body quickly adjusts and the new healthy way of eliminating quickly becomes second nature

> Doctor recommended / endorsed, Strong & durable, Family-friendly and weight capacity-350 pounds"

Would legit recommend, though!

OH!!! And I almost forgot... This might not work for everyone, but if you're feeling constipated/gassy... consider a Squatty Potty or an equivalent. This morning nothing was happening, stepped on the squatty potty and whoosh. Doesn't always work, but worth a try. And I would think quite easy to simulate without buying one.

Well if you always take shits that long, I recommend this. Since you probably don't have that, you'll probably need this.

You’re welcome.

Problem solved : Squatty Potty!
Yes, I have one. Yes, it's awesome.

> i have to go twice in the morning to feel completely done

Squatty Potty.

Try a Squatty Potty for a few weeks! Changed a friend's life for the better in this department. Can also get these at local stores like Target.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ESKVN7W/

Honestly, just go buy a scale. They aren't that expensive. You don't have to have a super fancy one.

I don't know about reliability or what not, but I saw an add for [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital-Weight-Technology-Pounds/dp/B00F3J9G1W) scale on Amazon the other day for $20 and it goes up to 400 lbs if you're just looking to have a digital scale at home.
It really depends on you though. I like being able to weigh myself in the privacy of my own house, after using the bathroom in the morning and before eating anything or putting anything on. I just accept that it's going to go up and down and at time significantly.

I own this one, works good

Nothing fancy but I have this one and it's been accurate for me! Had it for almost two years now.

https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital-Bathroom-Technology-Elegant/dp/B00F3J9G1W/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1495461371&sr=8-5&keywords=digital+bathroom+scale

Meh, just buy a regular scale that has good reviews.

Any Bodyfat percentage calculator is wildy inaccurate and isn't worth the added money. As for Wifi/Syncing...meh. It takes all of 2 seconds to enter my weight on Google Sheets on my phone.

https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital-Weight-Technology-Elegant/dp/B00F3J9G1W/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1487362832&sr=8-3&keywords=Scale

That's what I've had for the past couple years and it's been great. Low cost and consistent. Weight recorded has constantly lined up with official weights from the Dr's office.

I've had this one for a while now. It's extremely accurate.

Etekcity Digital Body Weight Bathroom Scale with Step-On Technology, 400 Pounds, Body Tape Measure Included, Elegant Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F3J9G1W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I really like this one and haven't had accuracy issues (I leave it on tile in the same place for every weigh in).

It's just the scale. All the 1 star reviewers have the same issue. Even keeping it in the same place gives different readings by +/-5.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3J9G1W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've got this etekcity scale and I love it. I've got nothing but good things to say. Great scale for under $20.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3J9G1W/ref=s9_al_bw_g121_i2

I bought the cheapest one I found on Amazon. It was 15ish CAD. Morning of comp it weighed me in at 92.8kg

Two hours later, I weight in at 92.2/4kg.

Not too bad.

Looking forward to my DL BBB day! Should be a fun death!

I'm concerned the newly opened 'powerlifting' gym I've been going to isn't going to make it :/ I've been going for about a month now, and I've probably only seen 4-5 people in their when I've worked out, and I'm there 4 times a week. I really want to see the place succeed because I like the facility and the owner is awesome, but I'm just not sure that the steps to get members are there. Maybe they are, IDK, but I'm not sure if the steps to get members are being actively taken. I'd hate to see the place not stay open because of all the rad equipment that's there that was bought for the place. I mean, it's been awesome to ditch the crowd at other places, but it'd be nice to know that the place isn't in constant threat of losing money, ya know?

I've asked this the last two days, so sorry for spamming the question, but does anyone have any scale recommendations? I've had this one in my cart for a while but have waited to purchase anything.

Etekcity (link) has a scale that is $18 and is pretty accurate. Doesn't do anything fancy, but it looks nice and goes up to 400 lbs.
EDIT: Not the best scale. But a good scale.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3J9G1W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the one I use and I find it gives me the same weight as my doctor's office

I've been using this scale for about 2 years now and I've found it extremely accurate.

I bought it for use for a workplace weight loss competition, where it accurately weighed about 20 people for weeks. It only gave us trouble for one person who was over 400lbs.

After that, I took it home and my fiance and I have been using it since. It's always been very accurate for us.

Another bonus is that the top of the scale is completely smooth glass, so cleaning it is really quick. Just a quick paper towel wipe, and there are no nooks or crannies to deal with.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00F3J9G1W?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t1

I got that thing. I’m not sure how to recalibrate it? But it’s been doing this the entire time I’ve had it. I’m wondering if it’s the floor I’m using but I don’t really have anywhere else to put it because my parents are controlling and would flip out.

I highly recommend this scale.

I bought it in 2016 and zero issues and never changed the batteries. I was on the market for a scale and bought a few and this was the winner. Bottomline, it’s accurate and extremely consistent. (Inconsistent scales are a huge pet peeve of mine.)

This is the one me and my SO use. It's from Weight Gurus. We both use it and have our own profiles and syncs to our phones (and the iPhone Health kit). We haven't had any issues with it. It measures weight, body fat, muscle mass, water weight, and bmi.

I use the Bluetooth scale from Weight Gurus.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9ENKDI/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_awdm_itq1wb08229CS via @amazon

I know it doesn't do fat% very well, but very few scales will do that with any real good accuracy, so it's good enough for my purposes.

I've had this one from Amazon for over 2 years now and it's been accurate and great!

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Connected-Solution-including-Backlit/dp/B00N9ENKDI

It does have an app if you want to track trends and have it upload your weigh-ins (and sync to other apps if you use anything like MyFitnessPal/etc).

There hasn't been anything scientifically proven that the scan done by scales is harmful to pregnant women. :) In fact, several studies have used bioelectrical impedance on pregnant women for measurements (these are just a few):

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11574127

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11574127

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02968316

www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(16)31322-9/pdf

Maybe check with your medical provider first, but I had no issues with using a BMI scale during my last pregnancy!

I bought one of the cheaper smart scales of Amazon two months ago and I've been really happy with it.

Easy enough to set up, and I literally just opened the app on my phone and stand on the thing.

One downside: the companion app is super basic (The apparently it does integrate with several of the bigger health apps)

• can't remember the name of the company off the top of my head, but I'm happy to PM you later*
  
  Edit: WeightGURUS scale is the one I bought. dis one

> Oh and has anyone used Nokia's Body+ scale? It sounds pretty cool but like all techy stuff it costs a pretty penny...!

I have no experience with the Nokia but it seems kind of mediocre for the price, I own this basic one while my parents own this one but if you want features I don't think you could go wrong with:

• this one
  
• this one
  
• this one
  
• this one

Thanks, that makes sense. I'm a month into a cut (probably will last another month or 2) and I bought this scale. While not perfect I think it's roughly accurate and is at least reflecting my trends, in body weight and body fat %. I take a reading after waking up each morning. So even if there's noise in there, with enough data it should be accurate-ish on the whole?

Well think of it this way, you always see stuff on this sub of people complaining about bugs, and missing features that they want on the CURRENT products, and as you can see they are losing money so it's pretty hard to rationalize whole new product lines like your describing which would require hiring more designers, managers, and engineers, and manufacturing devices... Those are expensive... Not to mention a lot of the things you mentioned have a relatively small market compared to smart watches and fitness trackers so they probably don't stand to profit off of it anyway

That said there ARE some companies that have integrated with Fitbits stuff
Water bottles

Other scales

And you can make apps for their watches

Would be great to see more products built to sync with it

Here is the scale I use from amazon . It measures BF, muscle mass, water weight, and calculates your BMI daily and has an app that will track it all and also links to MyFitnessPal. I love it. Like others said, take it with a grain of salt and it's not super accurate I'm sure but I enjoy weighing myself every day and just tracking my progress. My only complaint is that the scale I think is set primarily to kg and I weigh in lbs, so when it displays my weight on the scale, say i'm 150.0 on the scale, in the app i'm actually 150.2. I emailed the company asking if something was wrong with mine but they just said it's the conversion working once it uploads to the app. Very minor fluctuation but a little flaw nonetheless.

I cannot speak to accuracy because I haven't used any other method of body fat measurement, although definitely am considering getting a DEXA once I'm at goal weight to help with designing my recomp, so if and when I do that, I'll let you know.

But as far as scale stuff goes, I have the Bluetooth Smart Scale by Greater Goods ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N9ENKDI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ). I've only been using it since February 15th. It shows muscle, water, fat, and bone mass as percentages, and those numbers do not add up to 100%. I assume that's because it's double counting water, so I just pay attention to the fat and muscle masses, since that's really what I care about. According to the scale, I've lost 13.4 lbs, 9.9 lbs of which has been fat and 1.3 lbs of which has been muscle. I have it calculate a running percentage, and it seems that 74-77% of the weight that I lose is fat, which seems reasonable to me.

We have similar stats, I'm 5'2.5" and 150.6 lbs. As of today, I'm at 29.2% muscle and 31.2% fat, which seem like reasonable numbers to me, given my body type.

An interesting sidenote: I donated blood a few weeks ago and my weight was significantly down the next day, which I attributed to dehydration, and it took me two weeks to get "back" to that number on the scale. But the body fat/muscle mass/water percentages were almost exactly the same those two times, and according to those numbers, I wasn't dehydrated at all.

https://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-HealthmateForever-Electrotherapy-Electronic-Management/dp/B00O7CM12W/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1469210905&sr=8-2&keywords=tens

https://www.amazon.com/Tens-Unit-Machine-Management-Rehabilitation/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1469210905&sr=8-1&keywords=tens

Tell your friend to just use a TENS.

Hijacking this thread to ask: is THIS the unit you're talking about? If so, I might have to put this on my wish list...

This isn't a great idea, from the standpoint that the same TENS machine the PT uses can be purchased from Amazon for 20 bucks.
This is the same machine I paid a PT 200 dollars to use.

https://www.amazon.com/TENS-7000-Digital-Unit-accessories/dp/B00NCRE4GO

I bought this one a few months ago and has been working great so far:
https://www.amazon.com/TENS-7000-Digital-Unit-accessories/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1539291812&sr=1-4&keywords=tens+unit&dpID=41a85-5QkSL&preST=_SX342_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

> TENS unit

One of these: https://www.amazon.com/Tens-Unit-Machine-Management-Rehabilitation/dp/B00NCRE4GO

TENS unit: https://www.amazon.com/TENS-7000-Digital-Unit-accessories/dp/B00NCRE4GO

I like this unit: TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit with accessories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tGG4Bb1YPDENC
And I just ordered these pads that work well: Syrtenty TENS Unit Electrodes... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K504UUG?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

TL;DR at bottom

I picked up a jump rope from the dollar store this morning. Decided today was the day, I was going to try a HIIT workout. My watch would only let me pick 5 or 10 minutes, not 7. So I went with 10. I attempted to jump rope. It was not pretty. LOL, I could only get about 4 hops in before I'd get snagged. So I switched to the, idk, step hop type? That was a bit better, but my body isn't used to jumping anymore.

I did about 3 minutes on and off of that before I decided I should try something else.

I moved onto a 4 count side straddle hop, for 10(20 total), did some forward step lunges, a 4 count supine bicycle for 10, then rolled over to a 4 count mountain climber. I did not make it to 10, decided 8:39 (87%) was enough.

I was out of breath, red faced, thirsty, and equally proud and ashamed of myself.

I was a warfighter who let his injuries get the best of him, and made me lazy. For September I've walked an average of 1.29 MI daily.

Last friday I bent over wrong, and tweaked my old back injury. I mowed the grass still, push/self propelled, and hated life. I used the TENS machine to help releive some of the tightness. I couldn't roll over in bed without much difficulty and pain. Went and saw my Chiro the next day. Used the TENS several times over Saturday and Sunday, still had issues rolling over, back would lock up, not a fun time. Saw the Chiro again on monday.

Back still hurt, but I was having a bit of an easier time moving. So what did I do? Walked outside for 2.36 MI. and then later that evening did another .29 MI. Tuesday had my back feeling a bit better. I was able to roll over, and could stand up in one fluid motion instead of in stages, pushing off my thighs to get upright. I walked 1.11 Mi.

I'm going to walk today, I don't know how far, I like to do at least a mile. I don't like being fat. I don't like not having stamina. It adds to my depression. My depression adds to my being fat. I'm trying to be the change I want.

TL;DR: Tried jump roping for the first time in years, epic fail, but I managed 8+ minutes of HIIT.

I love mine. I know some folks are against Amazon.com, but this is what I have and it does the trick for me: https://www.amazon.com/Tens-Unit-Machine-Management-Rehabilitation/dp/B00NCRE4GO

This is not the most active subreddit so you may need more patience than you might expect. If you want to feel out a few of the sensations for cheap, then getting a tens unit is recommended. This unit will get you started and may help you achieve an HFO (Hands Free Orgasm).

Also since you're a beginner, I would read the wiki in its entirety if you haven't done so already. it is located here.

TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit with Accessories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9JlLDbHVKGH26

This is the tens unit I have!

He's probably referring to a Tens unit.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NCRE4GO/ref=sxts1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1487036639&sr=1

I have one, and it's dope.

Hi! I do not have experience with a twisted fallopian tube, but definitely do with endometriosis. Just like you, I am still rather young- 18- so I do understand the struggle of dealing with this at such a young age.

A connection I've noticed with endometriosis is it generally starts a cycle of pain after some sort of trauma to the abdomen. For you, you had a twisted fallopian tube, and then the endo pain came with a vengeance. For me, I had kidney stones with multiple stents and ureteroscopies which touched off my endo. I suppose this isn't necessarily helpful so much as interesting.

On the help side of things, I did write this post dealing with pain and the ways I approach treating it. I would like to add that since I am currently in a flare, my doctor has added hydrocodone, meloxicam, and flexeril to help with the pain. These types of plans are likely something to be discussed with your OBGYN. I am on these medicines purely because we want to avoid the ER at all costs.

I also want to add that the Livia is ridiculously expensive, although it is much more portable. You can go to Amazon for a TENS unit for $25 that has varying modes and you can experiment to find which works best. I got this one. It has worked wonders. :)

Another newer tip I have is to take 3 ibuprofen, 3 times a day, starting 3 days before your period is due. This helps the pain before it begins. The sooner you start with pain management, the better.

You may also want to consider finding a wide excision surgeon to potentially fix your pain long term. I believe you can find a link in this subreddit, but you can also find a list in Nancy's Nook, a facebook group for endometriosis. I am actually going to an excision specialist next week! Very excited!

Other than that, stay strong. It's really hard having such a painful disease at such a young age, but it's possible to push through. Take rest when you need it, and take advantage of every good pain day you have. You can do this :)

Hope this helps!

Any TENS unit that’s at least two channels, like this one from Amazon.
It has four channels, will do everything you need it to and it’s very easy on the wallet.

I don’t recommended spending your money on themes you see on TV commercials like the Dr. Ho’s branded machines because you’re not really getting enough features for the cost, and I think their leads/electrode connections might be proprietary so they could be pricey to replace).

TENS leads are usually a standard pin or standard snap. The electrode are also fairly standardized and work essentially the same, the different shapes and sizes just provide different area coverage. I’ve never had reason so use anything but the 2”x2” squares that are most common. The electrodes themselves do lose their stickiness after a few uses but they still conduct the current just fine, I use plain paper medical tape to stick them on instead of buying new ones very often. I’ve also ordered electrodes in bulk from eBay and they worked just fine.

If you were ready to spend the extra money for a higher end machine and wanted any extra features like pre programmed current patterns or a rechargeable battery (or If your insurance covers it like mine did, but you may need to provide them with a doctor’s or physiotherapist’s written recommendation as a pain management therapy) there’s many good units that will last years and years. I recommend a StimTec Neo specifically as that’s the one I personally own and use everyday. I’ve never had an issue with it, and the pre-programmed patterns are fantastic. Mine was purchased through my physiotherapist’s office but you can definitely order it online. Here’s one place but it’s Canadian, I’m not sure where you’re located. You could definitely search around and find one that has the exact features you want it to have.

A few safety precautions I should mention: just like any electrical current, don’t put it over or around the heart area of your chest, or over your carotid, or on your forehead and give yourself an electrical lobotomy. If you have a pacemaker, ask your doctor make sure it’s safe for you to use one at all!

Hope that helped, and again feel free to ask any questions you have and I’ll do my best to answer them! :)

Also if you don’t have a tens unit already you should absolutely get one!!! My doctor says commercially available ones are safe to use (check with yours maybe anyway) and they are cheap!

This is the one I have
FDA cleared OTC HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS unit with 4 outputs, apply 8 pads at the same time, 15 modes Handheld Electrotherapy device | Electronic Pulse Massager for Electrotherapy Pain Management -- Pain Relief Therapy : Chosen by Sufferers of Tennis Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Arthritis, Bursitis, Tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Sciatica, Back Pain, Fibromyalgia, Shin Splints, Neuropathy and other Inflammation Ailments Patent No. USD723178S https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O7CM12W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_B1wGDb2GF95KC

Would something like this work? https://www.amazon.com/HealthmateForever-Handheld-Electrotherapy-Electronic-Management/dp/B00O7CM12W

​

Or something else on amazon?

Mine usually start in my upper back and go up to my neck and then cause a headache from the muscle tightness. I've used a tens unit and a neck/shoulder massager from Amazon. I don't know how to reddit so I can't post the link... if I figure it out I will edit. Research tens units before you use them because they can cause nerve damage if used too long or you use it too often. Those have the things that have worked for me. Also yoga with Adriene (because my tension is in my shoulders and neck region) good luck mate. Hope you find some relief soon.

Yeah, that's how it works. There's a part of you holding on to all the fear, anxiety, rage, sadness or whatever so that the rest of you can function, but that part needs time in the body to express and release those emotions. Meditation will help you tap into that alter, and help calm it down a bit, but also possibly get in contact with it and offer alternatives to cutting. Get creative. What is it about cutting that alter finds therapeutic? Most cutters I know are in emotional pain, and like to cut because it gives them a sense of control over when/how that pain can manifest, so for each cut there's also a release of pent-up emotion at the same time. Sometimes it can even be a sexual feeling, if the abuse was sexual, that's where a lot of BDSM play originates from. So try to figure out what that alter gets from cutting, and then get really creative to let it keep getting that but in safe ways.

For example, here's a crazy idea that just might work: Get a TENS unit (http://amzn.to/2FudNZY), basically it's a therapeutic electric shock machine used to relieve pain in muscles, but when used by a cutter they can turn the intensity to maximum and when they have control of the on/off switch, get a similar sensation to cutting with the right pulse pattern but no damage. You can even get a pinwheel attachment so you can simulate the action and the pain response of cutting without any damage: (http://amzn.to/2CHqi1h).

Good luck to you!

link

I generally only use it as it flares up. The muscle contraction works like a pump to help with blood flow and promote healing.

No, I would not recommend it as a preventative measure. A better preventative measure would be constant posture work, specifically the lower traps, proper mobility and rest. The bicep tendon flares up due to the shoulder being out of alignment, so simply using a stim machine on it would be to ignore the structural issues that lead to it in the first place.

[not a bad deal] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O7CM12W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O7CM12W tens

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M58WHGU butt-trode

I do hope I get some info on this soon, or when I try it I may

Tens

Up

If I may-- this ones quality https://www.amazon.com/RENPHO-Bluetooth-Body-Fat-Scale/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=sr_1_3?crid=13UZAE48P8TXF&keywords=scale+body+fat&qid=1563375222&s=gateway&sprefix=scale+body+%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3

'Smart' weighing scales if you're bothered about tracking your weight. They've been great as my missus and I tracked our weightloss. £24.99

Or.. save it until the next time Amazon Echo dot's go on sale.. they normally drop to £25-30ish.

RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat Scale Smart BMI Scale Digital Bathroom Wireless Weight Scale, Body Composition Analyzer with Smartphone App 396lbs - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW

Here

I strongly suggest using a scale. Ignorance may be blissful, but awareness is successful.

The scale has a cool app, synchs with Google Fit, which can then synch with Cronometer. I'm sure there are other apps it works with, but that's just how I use it.

Haven't been disappointed and can only blame any inconsistencies on my own behavior. ;)

I use the RENPHO digital scale and have been really impressed. I went through a couple different ones and this is the only one that I have found to be accurate with my doctor’s scale. You can find it here:

RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat Scale - FDA Approved - Smart BMI Scale Digital Bathroom Wireless Weight Scale, Body Composition Analyzer with Smartphone App, 396 lbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MUEZAb775CYWK

I was looking for a scale that worked with Apple Health and this does the trick. It’s much cheaper than a lot of others out there so maybe it’s worth a shot.

RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat Scale - FDA Approved - Smart BMI Scale Digital Bathroom Wireless Weight Scale, Body Composition Analyzer with Smartphone App, 396 lbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GrALAbKJ1DJBA

Do you mean something like this?

​

https://www.amazon.com/RENPHO-Bluetooth-Bathroom-Composition-Smartphone/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3BVA10XSV61EX&keywords=bluetooth+scale&qid=1568808792&sprefix=bluetooth+sc%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSzFCNTJGV0hNQTAxJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDA1NzgzSUpHOUsxVDcxR0NLJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTEwMzYyODQxUDJJVUcwSFdMSEdYJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Hi all
24 5'8 M 215 lbs
Body fat according to the device at LA fitness: 30.2%
Body fat according to this new scale I got: 29.2%

Majority of my fat is around my stomach and my butt/thighs.
My immediate goal is to have a flat stomach (and wider upper body?) And slimmer butt/thighs.

I play soccer twice a week and go to the gym twice/thrice.

At the gym my workout is at follows:
Bench press 40lbs x 5 x 6
Assisted pull ups 60 lbsx 5 x 6
Lateral raises 20 lbs x 10 x 3
Mountain climbers 30 x 3
Squats 20 x 4
Cross body Crunches 10 x 3
20-30 mins cardio.

My tdee at the current numbers is 2700-2800 calories.
I eat about 2000 calories as follows:
Carbs 123.4
Protein 123.6
Fat 52.9
Sugar 74
The macros are going to be a little higher for each category as I have Indian lunch that is not prepared by me but is homemade and on the healthy side so I assume it to be 400 calories which is included in the numbers above.

Given my current targets : to loose fat around my core, should I maintain the current nutrition and exercise or change it and how?
One of my gymbros tells me that I should replace some meals with just protein shake but I need to physically eat something to feel satisfied.

Beginning of this year I was 222 and am 215 now.

Thank you so much! (:

I use this: RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat Scale Smart BMI Scale Digital Bathroom Wireless Weight Scale, Body Composition Analyzer with Smartphone App 396 lbs - Black, 11 x 11 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_s7u2CbQ5CR29D

It has consistently said 12%, do you not think it's reliable?

I've had this for over a year now and it's pretty consistent, just make sure you let it calibrate for a sec
RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qYZ5CbTBKF11P

Noodles! Happy birthday to your little one!! Here's a picture of my dog that cheers me up! I recently got a little rat from ikea for my dog and she immediately loved it!

https://imgur.com/gallery/e7wsR4F


RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat Scale Smart BMI Scale Digital Bathroom Wireless Weight Scale, Body Composition Analyzer with Smartphone App 396 lbs - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UX8RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NkgDCbAGY4E46

I'd really like to keep up with my weight better now that I'm working out and eating better. I've never had a digital scale and heard they're more accurate. The scale now I have was my grandmothers scale.

This is the one that I have.

Gives pretty decent readings, bluetooth and has some other bells and whistles. For $25, you really can't go wrong.

Nice start.

Good selection on timing, nice work adapting to Low Carb (even with a carb day). While I aspire to keto-like carb days (under 50g), I find I'm in the lazy keto range more often than not (<100g)

Are you tracking on Apps?
Do you have a scale (you should be about ready for this sub's favorite: renpho https://www.amazon.com/RENPHO-Bluetooth-Bathroom-Composition-Smartphone/dp/B01N1UX8RW which is on sale right now for 20) 396lbs capacity, it says)
Keep an eye on certain vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. I supplement magnesium and a few other things. with low carb, your whole wheat levels drop which really kills most peoples biggest Mg source.
Healthy fats, eggs, salmon, etc. Keep crushing it.

The brand is RENPHO and they have a few different models. I have this one and I’ve been using it since December. I like it a lot!

I like this guy, especially for its price. I also considered Eufy's smart scale; Eufy/Anker is a pretty solid brand for its price point.

It technically sends it to Fitbit and then Fitbit sends it to MFP. I still manually log my weight into the libra app but I usually wait until my lunch break to log it.


This is the scale I have if anyone is interested. Warning: it rounds to the nearest even decimal on the app but, Fitbit records the actual decimal.

I haven't used it very long so I can't really say if it's a good long-term solution but I recently bought this scale: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1UX8RW/

It's blue tooth enabled and, though I've not tried it yet, their app claims to sync with the Fitbit app (along with a couple of other apps). I've not used that functionality yet. If it did work, though, it's a much cheaper alternative for automatically syncing with Fitbit, as it's $32 instead of $100.

I also like that it uses AAA batteries. My last scale used those small, round disk-like batteries, and they're a lot more expensive. Plus you can get rechargeable AAA batteries but I've never seen rechargeables for those disc-like batteries.

That screenshot is from google spreadsheets. I export from my app to that spreadsheet and it updates the charts.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1UX8RW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Thats the scale I have, but there are lots like it. I paid $31 for it, so $22 is a good deal on prime.

I got this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1UX8RW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Super cheap and works great! It has its own app to keep all the data but I also synced it with my fitbit app.

This is the one I use. Cheap and works great: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1UX8RW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Do you NEED wifi and tie in with automation?

If not, no bullshit, https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N1UX8RW/

Renpho. It's as accurate as our old scale. Forget the name but I did a shit ton of research to find one of the most accurate around. This one tracks a ton of data points. Syncs with fitbit and Apple Health. And it's only $25 but also only Bluetooth. Supports multiple devices just fine. Just make sure both people create their own account in the app and whoever is weighing just opens the app before they get on.

Hey! Congrats on deciding to make a lifestyle change. I just did, too! About to finish week 2 of keto. I’ve lost weight already and feel really great about it! I haven’t followed a specific meal plan, but I have mapped out my grocery lists and stopped eating out at restaurants and strictly cooking my own food, with the exception of 1-2 meals at my restaurant job that I work several shifts a week at. This really helps me count my carbs and calories in the really helpful app Carb Manager.

I feel less bloated without gluten! It’s awesome. I made my first fathead pizza last night with my coworker and friend who went keto too! Having someone else who is willing to undergo the change with me has been more than helpful, especially since my spouse is still eating carbs and sugar in the same apartment as me!

Things that have helped me so far:
-buying a great food scale

-buying an awesome body weight and body fat scale ...this scale comes with an app that shows me statistics like bone density, water weight, body fat %, and weight. It also tracks my progress, shows me healthy/normal levels and percentiles, and more. I really like it. Almost as much as I like watching my weight decrease every few days from keto.

-having a friend or two who are new to keto as well. They have recommended different products to me like:

1. Skinny girl sweetner
   
2. Fiber supplements for when the cheese hits you hard
   
3. Tape measurers (simple and common item that won’t deceive you like the scale often can!)
   
   Personal mantras I remind myself to continue keto in a healthy way:
   -don’t obsess over the scale. NSV pop up daily and they’re sometimes even better than watching the number on the scale drop. It’s not healthy to let your mood rely on scale results. Once a week is enough moderation in terms of weighing yourself. (I’m struggling hard with following this direction myself)
   
   -make sure you hit your protein quotas! They’re important. You need protein for muscles, and so much more.
   
   -try not to eat sweets at all for the first few weeks. You need to give your body time to stop craving sugar (and it will happen!)
   
   -drink a fuck ton of water. It will help you feel less full at first, and you need it especially to keep healthy while your body transitions from eating carbs to eating fat. Water is your new bff.
   
   -listen to your body. Eat when you’re hungry. If you’re hungry, eat. Don’t starve yourself, you will begin to feel less hungry as you continue on tho. If your eat something that’s keto friendly, but it makes you feel funky, try to feel out different options. You want to feel your best in order to keep up the inspiration to continue!
   
   -last but not least: TAKE PROGRESS PICS!!! I lurk this sub/weight loss subs constantly and I always see ppl talk about regretting not taking more before pics! Once they reach the time to take after shots, they really wish they had a lot more to compare them to!
   
   Hope this helps :)
   

Yeah, I definitely am not taking that measurement as gospel, but using the calipers is a pain and I haven't had any other really good way of doing it, so I'm just glad to have something to track. Percentage has been slowly going down from day to day, so I'm trying to pay most of my attention to that.

But here ya go, it works, integrates with fitbit/google fit, and it's pretty cheap. You will need a smartphone, though.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1UX8RW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

I'm sure there is a lot of marketing BS in here. I don't know how it could track everything it claims it can. But, I was interested in the app that would easily record and track my progress and the body fat % measurement. I do know from experience that scales can measure body fat %, so as long as it does those things I'm happy.

You want something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-25-count/dp/B0002YIQEQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=wondfo&qid=1566784300&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I was on the pill for about five years straight. I stopped taking them mid-June and conceived by mid-October. My ovulation cycles were a mess and I didn't get a period for three straight months before I became pregnant. I would recommend buying a package of WondFo pregnancy tests (http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Strips-25-count-medical/dp/B0002YIQEQ). They are cheap and in my experience very accurate. I had no symptoms besides a missed period so these kept me sane every couple of weeks.

Here you go!

Here you go.

I bought a bunch of these while trying to conceive. I could take them whenever I wanted.

Implantation bleeding is generally very rare. If it does occur, usually it is more like spotting, not a full blown period. Also, implantation would most likely occur at the earliest a week before your next regular period.

I think it's just an irregular cycle - probably anovulatory. Most women have at least one a year.

If your period stops abruptly or just to have peace of mind, take a test after your regular period would have been due.

FWIW, I highly recommend keeping these pregnancy tests on hand even if you're practicing safe sex, but especially if you're not on birth control. You get 25 for $6 and the peace of mind is priceless.

iirc these are the ones I had ordered, and I had no issues with them, but to make sure, if you get a positive, I would confirm with a storebought First Response Early Response. :)

You can get pretty cheap pregnancy tests online. If it would set your mind at ease, order some.

If you're the type who is paranoid about being pregnant (I totally get it- I am too) I recommend buying pregnancy test strips in bulk and keeping them on hand. Here is what I get, it's 25 strips for $12 and they work just as well as the store bought tests. https://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Strips-25-count-medical/dp/B0002YIQEQ?th=1

$12 dollars is a great price for peace of mind in my opinion and I love that they ship to my house. I look much younger than I actually am and I always feel uneasy buying pregnancy tests in stores, like the cashiers might judge me. Buying the strips in bulk so they're there whenever I get paranoid has really helped me a lot with the "am I or am I not" anxiety.

When in doubt take a test. I have the IUD so the chances of me getting pregnant are pretty slim but I still test occasionally if I am feeling paranoid. I buy internet cheapies in bulk for times like this. While it's unlikely that you're pregnant if it will soothe your mind then you should take a test.

These are the ones I got: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002YIQEQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I've been using this handheld, but should pick up a set of calipers and start taking better measurements. I just figured if I used the handheld at the same time of day, it would always be off a percentage or two (does that make sense? it sounds better in my head, lol)

On the same thread of body fat %, my woman and I use Omron Fat Loss monitor during our measurements.

I recently stalled out, I mean stopped losing according to the scale completely. It hasn't moved in 4-5 weeks. Eventually I stopped looking at the scale and now I don't weigh myself every day like I used to. I am seeing much more progress in strength gains and physical NSVs such as clothes fitting better and more muscle definition. If you want to take fat% measurements I wouldn't suggest using a scale but rather either calipers as they are the most accurate but also the most work or if you have just a regular scale and know how much you weigh then you can do a handheld electrical impedance unit such as this one. The electrical ones wont be nearly as accurate as the calipers but are more work because you will need to do more math and maybe have someone help take measurements.

As for preventing losing muscle mass is to work out more and specifically focus on doing more resistance and strength training. Who knows maybe working out more will help to stimulate your appetite more.

I started it around the same time I got a bioimpedance fat loss monitor, which was in April. According to it, I've lost almost 10% body fat since then. I don't know how much I trust the monitor but honestly, I love the E/C stack for its appetite suppression. I cycle on it for 8 weeks and off it for 2 weeks. I can tell the difference when I'm off it, hunger wise.

It's nothing crazy but when I'm on the E/C stack, I have to set an alarm to remember to eat when my feeding window opens up. That's pretty useful. I could live without it but the appetite suppression + fat burning makes it pretty worth it.

It makes some people jittery but I have no adverse reactions personally.

Calipers don't appeal to me personally because I'm worried about user (me) error. Those electronic testers look dead simple, and in the scheme of things, not that expensive ($27 on amazon). I don't have any idea about their accuracy though. Are calipers more accurate even if used a bit incorrectly?

A lot of people would call that overweight just off of BMI, which tends to forget about muscle/fat percentage. My BMI is 31.6 (considered obese), yet I've only got a fat percentage of 10.4%. I'm not skinny, but I'm not obese and unhealthy either. One of these is a much better indicator of the shape you're in then a BMI scale.

That's about where I expected, that's what a body fat calculator similar to this one was telling me I was. Thanks!

Actually a DXA takes three measurements - your bone density, your body fat mass, and your lean mass. It's not selective, all three will be results and it's actually considered the gold standard in body fat % because it uses those three components rather than the two other test use (just lean & fat mass). So if you get your results it should have all three! I don't know how your doctor works with stuff like that (mine will post lab results in an online portal so I can see everything), but you can absolutely ask for the full results regardless of your diagnosis! I'm actually jealous you get to do one!!

I use [this] (https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306CN-Fat-Loss-Monitor/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1469497242&sr=1-3&keywords=body+fat) and I've compared it against calipers and a bod pod. Calipers are typically the least accurate way to measure. Scanners like mine are varying quality. I was a little skeptical of it at first, but after comparing it against those other two at several weights and body fat compositions, I'm amazed at how accurate it's been! Would 100% reccommend!!!

And yeahhhh I was extremely into fitness for a long time! I still love running but it's unfortunately had to be majorly cut down because it's just not safe at my weight, especially in hundred degree heat! :(

https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306CN-Fat-Loss-Monitor/dp/B000FYZMYK

Don't use the scale as an indicator, Ketostix won't tell you anything either outside of ketosis markers (which vary greatly depending on the time of day).

Measure your body fat % and get a measuring tape.

Thanks, and I use this

The first thing I did was buy this body fat measurer and a good scale. My initial tracking was simple:

Get out of bed, take a piss, then weigh myself, take my body fat, and write it with dry-erase on my bathroom mirror, along with the date. When the mirror fills up, transcribe it all onto an Excel spreadsheet.

Takes 30 seconds out of my morning, but enables me to track over time what's happening to my body.

-------
Did I start lifting more and gain some weight? No biggie, body fat has gone down, I know it's just muscle.

Did I go off the lifting/eating routine for awhile? Suddenly my BF% is hitting a number I'm not comfortable with, and finding the time to start lifting again is much easier.

Not to mention the fact that I'm catching my weight gain/loss of fitness much more quickly than I otherwise would have.

-------

Make sense? The issue with logging everything is that it can be tedious and time-consuming, the key is to find ways to make logging easy

I bought this for myself as a birthday present. It's not the most premier body fat monitor ever devised but for personal home use, it's easy to use and it keeps me from getting discouraged when the scale seems to stall. It keeps track of my BMI too. I think it will hold info for up to 4 users, and it's always fun when I have to update my weight to recalculate my BMI. And it's under $40USD!

https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306CN-Fat-Loss-Monitor/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=pd_cp_194_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000FYZMYK&pd_rd_r=6CYSPKGEQQ7BE0R4T1FW&pd_rd_w=srFtB&pd_rd_wg=eDPS6&psc=1&refRID=6CYSPKGEQQ7BE0R4T1FW

Do these work in calculating your body fat? Omron Body Fat Calculator

This device: https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306CN-Fat-Loss-Monitor/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=lp_3777181_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1520345177&sr=1-4

Which granted are known to be notoriously inaccurate.

I use an Omron handheld device:

Amazon Linky

What I will say is that most consumer level Body Fat % devices are inaccurate, in the sense that the numbers they give will be a fair bit off from what an actual scientific, doctor led lab analysis will yield.

That doesn't really matter though, in the same way that different scales can vary so can these devices. You have to use these BF% devices at the same time of day and under the same circumstances each time.

Just treat the BF% calculator the same as you would a scale, and even if the number it reads isn't scientifically accurate it will go down over time which is what you really care about.

What I do is take my readings first thing in the morning and take about 3-4 readings and average them together to get a more steady number. Over the last two months this has proven to show a steady decline in my BF %.

Originally tried using a tape measure, but I would get wildly inconsistent results, so now I just weigh myself and then enter my most recent weight into this. not sure if its accurate, but its at least consistent.

You're right, I don't know to an exact science if I'm losing BF or not. To check my BF% I use are these two measuring devices: Omron-HBF-306C-Handheld-Body-Monitor and a standing BMI Height Weight scale similar to this one. When I use the handheld one, with my correct numbers, it puts me at 14% BF, but when I use the standing one (fully clothed because it's at the gym) it puts me at 17%. I'm not sure which one to trust.

​

I heard there is another one where you sit in water and get an accurate reading, I'm not sure of the name but I'm sure someone in here knows what I'm referring to.

​

My issue, I'm plugging in my macro's into MFP and I'm hitting my cals and numbers, so I'm steady losing weight. My stomach is almost completely flat minus some slight overage my waistband if you get what I mean. (I can snap pics later) You're right where since I don't see more abs showing I feel I might be stagnent even though I'm losing a couple pounds a week through dieting and cardio. But things may be going behind the scenes that I'm not aware of.

http://www.amazon.com/Omron-Monitor-model-HBF-306C-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK

This is the model I use. Look up how to use it, but I treat it like weighing myself. Empty stomach when I wake up. No water or food.

Sure do!

Omron HBF-306C Fat Loss Monitor, Black

Very easy to use, just make sure you're holding it in the correct position. I thought the price was well worth it for not having to fuss with calipers.

Thanks for your reply. I'm 5 foot 8.5 inches. I'm still 2 pounds overweight and, yes, I'm sure I'd benefit from more fat loss. My end goal is 155, which I estimate would equate to 9% body fat. I've heard that at a low enough body fat the skin starts to kind of grab on to the muscle, but THIS amount of skin is just sort of hard to picture ever tightening.

I guess in an ideal world I'd get my body fat measured in one of those water tanks, but failing that I'm not sure where I'd find a better measurement option than BIA. I imagine calipers would be utterly worthless on my body given how much skin I'm able to pinch. I use this device which is pretty accurate from what I can tell. When I follow the instructions the reading is pretty consistent, and I've had a few buddies try it out, and they've all gotten readings that agreed with earlier measurements (and also just seemed to make sense visually). And for what it's worth, the Amazon reviews are glowing.

Cool, sounds like you have a good nutrition game plan.

I use an Omron Fat Loss Monitor to track my bf%. It initially showed an unrealistically low bf% for me but it is very consistent. I used a tape measure and a bf calculating website to figure up the difference then used that number as my offset. i.e. Omron says 12% tape measure method says 20% so your offset is 8.

The benefit to doing it this way is the Omron is easy and quick where the tape measure pretty much requires my wife to help do it accurately. I try to measure every week or two. After 6 months or so do another tape measure check to ensure your offset hasn't changed. Mine changed by 2 over the course of a year.

Take this advise with a grain of salt, I concocted this method after reading many articles and /r/fitness posts about bf%. It seems reasonable to me.

Just look up bodyfat tests, there's many different types from calipers to water. Here's my favorite.

body fat tester

My scale does it. You can use calipers or buy one of these.

I don't know how accurate my scale is, but it's consistent and allows me to track any trends.

I recommend one of these cheap little calipers: http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-3000-Personal-Tester/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396039869&sr=8-1&keywords=accu-measure

Even if the measurement isn't very accurate, you can take the same test each week and analyze the measurement trend. That way you can at least see if you're making progress (or maintaining BF levels while bulking, in your case).

Of course I can't figure out math. I'm a girl, silly.

I just use the $5 calipers I bought on amazon to determine bodyfat. No clue how accurate my measure is, but I do it the same way every time. The numbers I get seem reasonable for my size. I can at least get a pattern of loss, even if it isn't 100% accurate.

Nice work! My initial goal is 20%, then I may or may not take a shot at 17%, depending on how I look and how difficult 20% is to maintain once I get it to level out.

It has - I check it about once a week and adjust my Spreadsheet of Doom accordingly.

I made a web form (with Google Docs) that I fill in every day with some items I wanted to track, like weight. I import that data into my food tracking spreadsheet as a separate page and input the bf%, then plot total weight and lbm (lean body mass) over time. It was pretty useless at first, but now I can point out several features, like when my period is, dietary changes, "plateaus", etc.

I think possibly the most useful thing about tracking body fat % is a sense of pride in how I'm doing. I've been at approximately the same weight for the last 1-2 months, but my bf% has been dropping. Before I tracked bf%, that sort of "stall" would depress me, but now I have more insight. Plus, good calipers are only ~$5.

Also, if anyone's interested, I can go into more details about my tracking setup - the websites never quite did what I wanted them to.

You can do it manually with a caliper like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-Personal-Caliper-Measurement/dp/B000G7YW74

Or you can do it manually with your measurements, google "body fat percentage calculator" you'll need a tape measure.

Or electrically with a device.

Several options if you go this route: There is a handheld device like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306CN-Body-Fat-Analyzer/dp/B00A1ODX9A/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1524511317&sr=1-5&keywords=electronic+body+fat+measure

Or I have a smart scale that does it that I love:
https://www.amazon.com/Yunmai-Bluetooth-Smart-Scale-Monitor/dp/B01B8LEELA

There are a lot of ways to measure body fat:

• Fat Calipers: https://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-3000-Body-Caliper/dp/B000G7YW74
  
• Body scale: https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-514C-Composition-Monitor-Indicators/dp/B007W82AZ6/ref=sr_1_18?crid=2ZSK9P0FX7IPV&keywords=omron+body+composition+monitor+with+scale&qid=1573130589&sprefix=omron+body%2Caps%2C264&sr=8-18
  
  Note that either method will not give you a very good absolute value, more of an approximation.
  
  In the end what is more important is:
  
  
• how you feel about yourself, if you like what you see in the mirror then you are at your optimal weight
  
• how healthy you are, if your have problems with your knees or you blood work then maybe it would be a good idea to lose some weight

Calipers are cheap..

GNC carries the Accu-measure Body Fat Calipers

You can also get them on Amazon for a lot cheaper

http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-3000-Personal-Tester/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1289792853&sr=8-2

That's about as cheap and simple as it comes. They can be fairly accurate if you do it with consistency.

As far as something new goes, I'd definitely recommend trying out Starting Strength, or a similar program which you can find at stronglifts.com (the SL 5x5).

I mostly follow Starting Strength except I do barbell/dumbbell rows instead of cleans. Earlier this year I was doing the SL 5x5 before switching it up.

You should look into getting a fat caliper (about $6 on Amazon), and have your fiance take your measurements!

No such thing. Use a cheap white plastic caliper, it's honestly the best thing you can use for yourself.

http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-Personal-Caliper-Measurement/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426946909&sr=8-2&keywords=body+fat

It's a single measurement, and while it's not perfect it is excellent for self-tracking. I've used it and it's pretty much been right on.

I also have top of the line Harpendens that cost $350, which I use for multisite analysis. I have a pretty good basis for comparison, I'd say.

For what you want, the $6 dollar thing I linked to is just fine and infinitely more accurate than the scale.

Cut all of the fat off of your body. Lay it on a scale. Write down that number. Now stand on the scale with all of the fat you just cut off. Now divide.

just kidding. This is under 10 bucks an fairly accurate.

Truthfully, I'm not sure, but I would imagine the more money you spend on them, the better quality and finer results..? That being said, I went with a super-cheap pair with lots of high reviews on Amazon.

I got these ones here: (assuming it's okay to post links?) And they also came with a tape measure =)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000G7YW74/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1495153866&sr=8-3&keywords=body+calipers

Otherwise, I used bodybuilding.com for the learns:

https://www.google.com/amp/www.bodybuilding.com/amp-content/how-to-measure-your-body-fat.html

And this is one of the places I used for the calculations =)


http://www.linear-software.com/online.html

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000G7YW74/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1414072473&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

Body fat calipers are far more accurate than bioelectric impedance scales.

So find your body fat percentage using those. Let's say its 25%. Convert that to a decimal .25

Let's say for ease of math you weigh 300 pounds. That means 75 pounds if your weight is fat. If you're aiming for
10% body fat (which is really really good as elite athletes are between 4-7) you need to get to 250.

250 pounds at 10% body fat means you have 25 pounds of fat. So you'd have lost 50 pounds off 300.

Its rough work but it gives you an idea of the math you do

Congratulations!

A good overall tip:
If you don't consume the calories, and you are exerting energy (working out), the energy has to come from somewhere (fat). Keep in mind though to stay healthy, we all need to consume a safe minimum number of calories.

Have you tried calculating your total body fat percentage/mass? It sounds like your body may just be burning the fat stores, which is good.

I recommend the caliper method. This is the one I have, and it works okay. The "click" sometimes does not work properly if you hold it incorrectly.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000G7YW74/

I use the J/P4 method, although J/P7 can be a bit more accurate because if you get one measurement slightly wrong it will impact less.
http://www.linear-software.com/online.html

I recommend having someone else help you to make the measurements, and take every measurement three times.

Also, this is a small note, I recommend weighing yourself on a mechanical scale (gyms normally have them), and take a "fasting measurement". In the morning, after bodily functions, before eating or drinking. Once per week should be fine. The critical component here is repeatability. Do it the same way every time.

I hope this helps!

I'm not saying a doctor can't or won't do a blood test, but they're seriously not done that often - especially not to confirm pregnancy. When you call your OB and tell them you're pregnant, you pee in a cup and they dip one of these to confirm your pregnancy. They only make sure HCG betas are doubling via blood test if you've previously had chemical pregnancies or miscarriages.

Order a crapload of pregnancy tests. Using this same one, I managed to get a faintly positive test 4 days before my expected period.

You can take most pregnancy tests up to 5 days before your missed period, just take it first thing in the morning. The dollar store tests are just as accurate as the more expensive brands. Personally, I use these from Amazon, dirt cheap & accurate!

I think you should be okay. It's very uncommon for women to get pregnant while on an IUD. But for the peace of mind, you can do a pregnancy test once a month. Buy yourself some tests like these

https://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Strips-25-count-medical/dp/B0002YIQEQ/ref=sr_1_13_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467499554&sr=8-13&keywords=pregnancy+test

These aren't any different that what I use in my clinic. So don't think for a second that OB/GYN clinics have better tests, they're all the same. Just do a test once a month and you should be set. If you seriously think you might be pregnant, wait 4-6 weeks after your missed period to take a pregnancy test. Sometimes if you're really early on, a test won't catch it due to not enough HCG in your urine reaching the limit for the test. Then, if you are, make that appointment. If not, it's okay. Sometimes our bodies do weird things. Even though the paragard lacks hormones, your body can still react to it differently than without it.

Hope this helps!

I'm also a woman paranoid about getting pregnant. I go through the same shit, every month. FWIW, my cramps and other symptoms vary pretty wildly from month to month. I also found that as I've gotten older, my symptoms have changed. Maybe you're also going through such a change.

FWIW, /r/birthcontrol has a link to some very cheap pregnancy tests on Amazon - I bought a pack of these just to always have them on hand so if I ever feel anxious at all, I can just take a test and not worry about it any more.

The best advice I have is to maybe try one of the phone apps that help you make sure you don't miss any pills. I just started using one and it's been great for the ease of mind that I'll be nagged if I somehow forget.

For all the ladies in here worried about late periods, get some Wonfo tests for super cheap and pee to your heart's (and your bank account's) content.

You can buy pregnancy test strips like these for a few cents each and get extra peace of mind.

[Here] (http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-25-count/dp/B0002YIQEQ) is a link to a really good deal on pregnancy tests courtesy of r/birthcontrol.

:( Well that doesn't sound good. We used these tests and it looks like there are a lot of review about bad tests. Hopefully we have bad tests but more reviews are complaining about false positives. We were going to try a different test. We are due to test on Father's day (Sunday) but my Wife scheduled an appointment for Monday.

I know this feeling. I have to test at least once a month due to PCOS- to make sure I can start my AF-inducing pills. Even when I know it's going to be negative, and I don't even WANT to test, I have to, and just deal with seeing that negative. Ugh.

May I recommend buying a box of Wondfos on Amazon? That way you're not running yourself into debt on the pricey drug store tests ;)

Well then I guess I shouldn’t have my two kids because I used these when trying to get pregnant. And they’re 8.95 for 25.

Wondfo Pregnancy Test Strips, 25-count medical https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YIQEQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_llFVDbVQJBVKV

They’re ridiculously accurate for early detection too and you can’t F them up by accidentally peeing on the result window.

http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Test-Strips-25-count/dp/B0002YIQEQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344610519&sr=8-1&keywords=pregnancy+test

I have those. Do one every other day just to be sure. They work great, much more economical than the store bought ones.

These are also great, though we did use dollar store tests when we'd run out of these without time to order them.

If that's what your pamphlet said, then you're good. I know it can be a bit nerve-wracking, but you're fine. Just try to relax and enjoy. If you're a worrier though you can keep a stash of pregnancy tests [quite cheap on amazon] and a plan b pill or two, that way you have it and you don't have to worry about getting it when you really do need it.

Damn, a pregnancy test should NOT cost $20! The pricey First Response ones I get come in a box of 3 and cost $12 for the pack. If this comes up again in the future and because you guys are only using the pull-out method, you may consider buying a bunch of these pee strips: http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-Pregnancy-Strips-25-count-medical/dp/B0002YIQEQ

They come out to about $0.60 each and you can always have a stash around if you're wondering. One of these cheap ones got me a super faint shadow of a positive at only 8 days past ovulation, which was 6 days before my period. That's how I knew to test with the more sensitive one the next day and got a clearer positive.

Oh, and those Clearblue digitals are really only good to use after your missed period, so that might be why you thought that. They measure for a higher level of hCG so they won't show pregnant as soon as some others.

I try to remind myself that it is possible to bleed when pregnant, so a withdrawal bleed (the fake period the placebo pills are supposed to give) isn't even the most reliable way of knowing you're not pregnant. A test is way more accurate. I do understand that anxiety though, and I feel it too.

These are the tests that a lot of girls here on reddit are fond of, myself included.

I don't have a Mirena, but my birth control pills give me really light periods that aren't too reassuring. So I bought a ton of these and do one every month:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002YIQEQ/ref=redir_mdp_mobile
(sorry about the mobile link - look up wondfo pregnancy tests)

The peace of mind is worth the small price! :)

Studies have shown that cheap-ass dollar store pregnancy tests are just as effective as the expensive name-brand ones. And if you want to be really frugal about it, buy the kind doctors use.

On Amazon. And I guess it's 25 for $10. :) I used these with my first and second pregnancy and have never had a problem. The only one that ever gave me the false positive was the $5 one.

BMI can get confusing because it's only calculating your height against your weight. Your weight could be from bulk fat or bulk muscle and your BMI doesn't care. The better metric is your body fat percentage.

You can buy a caliper/tape and measure it that way, a digital monitor, or a new scale like you had before.

FWIW, I could guess that your body fat percentage, based on your photos, is around 17%.

They used this device.

http://www.amazon.com/Omron-Monitor-model-HBF-306C-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK

> Another key issue is that it's much harder to implement an anti-obesity law (what are you gonna do, weigh everyone and not let them get above a certain weight?).

First off, we implement near-impossible to enforce laws all the time. Remember sodomy laws? Or how about making it illegal to use a cell phone while driving except for maps??

And it would be quite easy to ticket people for this. It would work the same way it does for any other thing like DUI. You see someone who you suspect of drunk driving, give them a breathalizer. You see someone who looks fat, use this thing to see if their in violation. Simple (but just as absurd and paternalistic as seatbelt laws)

> I read the response, but I'm saying that the fact is you can put others in danger by not wearing a seatbelt.

Yes. You said that, but you still have yet to explain it.

That said, someone else did a better job trying to explain, and my response to whatever you would say is already there. Have fun.

You can get machines that use electrical resistance to give an estimate, although there are plenty of people on here that insist they're bullshit. Generally, they're close enough that any slight inaccuracy (+- 2% or so, usually) doesn't matter.

And yeah, your numbers look right, 152g of protein is the top end of efficacy for promoting muscle growth. You should spread that over as many meals as possible, ideally. Don't worry about getting it immediately before or after a workout, afaik that just doesn't matter.

(Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Omron-Monitor-model-HBF-306C-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK)

The handheld bodyfat analysers are decent and inexpensive.

Hi ensode,

I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I think you are estimating too high for most of these people. I am one inch taller then this guy, but weight 6lbs more with about the same amount of muscle, but more fat around my stomach. My body fat calculator this one says I am 17.4%. I know some people don't think these monitors are very accurate, but they always match the readings I get with calipers at the gym. Unfortunately I am too shy to post any pics of me right now because I want to lost about 15lbs. Anyway, just an observation.

Body fat calipers. I've heard people talk about this before, but I don't know how accurate it is.

This is what I got off of Amazon and use... http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306C-Loss-Monitor-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1312908998&sr=8-4

It's pretty simple to use...you turn it on, press start and hold it straight out in front of you with your thumbs on top. And it helps if you do it at almost a similar time everyday considering not using the restroom/showering/eating directly before or the day after drinking lots of booze. But it's also nice the first couple days you use it to use it at different times of the day to see the huge variation it gives (then stick to a schedule)

My 4 tips:

• Count your calories (apps websites etc.)
  
  
• Get a small scale and weight your food
  
  
• Get a large scale and weight yourself
  
  
• Measure your body fat because you might not be losing weight but putting on muscle.
  
  Bonus tips!:
  
  
• Take some before photos!
  
  
• Take the info from my above tips, and put them in a spreadsheet. You can track all that stuff and you can graph your progress.

I had a body fat scale 6 years back and it would consistently measure my body fat 10% higher than any other measurement that I did, which included under water weighing, bioelectrical impedance, and skin caliper tests. I bought this and hope it works a little better:

http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306C-Loss-Monitor-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1VPK6T9QMJICE&colid=3QW5GPK1NARRV

http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306C-Loss-Monitor-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322041084&sr=8-1

30$

Calculators are never very accurate. I would recommend getting a body fat percentage caliper, they're much more accurate. You could also try an electronic device although my fitness trainer friend recommends the calipers as more accurate. You want to focus more on trends rather than the daily number.

It may be worth it to get a body fat monitor to keep track of, and map that versus your weight. If you start to accumulate fat, you may want to up your cardio, and cut some calories.

20 pounds in 2 months is great. If thats what you intended, of course.

edit: that bot is the coolest

I got this little dodad

I've used them at gyms before and it's only takes a moment and I can keep my profile in there to use every few weeks/months/when I remember.

Height is 5'4, got muddled in there in OP with all the other numbers.

Extra Note: To keep it as accurate as possible I do the dry weight, just woke up, no water, went to bathroom, etc. It's what is recommended in it's little instruction book and it's the only time I'll get on the scale too.

Based on my own experience, it sounds to me like the problem is more with body image issues and/or depression than it is your actual body.

Obesity is known to increase risk of depression. That can be really really shitty, because depression tends to either cause complete lack of appetite, or compulsive eating. If it manifests with the latter, it ends of being a vicious cycle of eating because you're depressed, and being depressed because of obesity.

My weight has been fluctuating quite a bit the past few years. What I've found is that my general body image depends both on weight loss and on my mental state. First time I was successful with weight loss, I hadn't done anything to treat my depression. Even though I'd lost an amount of weight to be proud of, I still hated myself. About a year later I started treating my depression, which in turn made it easier to lose weight, which in turn made it easier to get past my depression, and so on. It was that vicious cycle but in reverse. I ended up getting to the same weight I'd dropped down to a year before, but this time I felt really great about myself. For the first time in my life, I felt that I had a normal height-weight ratio. And again, that was at the same weight that a year before I still felt shitty about my body.

I ended up stopping with the antidepressants. That, in combination with a lot of stress, brought back both the depression and weight. I'm back on antidepressants, but this time around I didn't really focus much on weight loss; most of my focus went toward school and not killing myself. And even though the depressive symptoms have gone away, I still feel like shit about my body because, well, I'm still heavy. And it hurts more knowing that I used to not be so heavy and I felt so good about myself.

Basically what I'm trying to say is that you won't start feeling good about yourself just from weight loss, nor just from treating your brain problems. You need to do both. See a doctor about depression if that's the case for you, and see a therapist about other things. I've learned that antidepressants will take care of the depressive symptoms, but therapy is still important for taking care of low self-image. If your body image was strictly tied to your weight, then you wouldn't still have body image issues; there's something else going on in your case.

One last thing to note. The BMI scale, while accurate for looking at large groups of people and for average people, is less reliable for those at either end of the bell curve. A lot of the time, that extra height leads to more lean mass. You've got a higher center of gravity, so simple things like walking or even just staying balanced while standing require more energy and muscle. BMI can work as a rough guide, but when judging yourself you may want to look more into body composition. Maybe consider picking up one of these. I used one a while back and with some math found that my lean mass was 199.8 lbs. In other words, it'd be impossible for me to go under 200 lbs without losing lean mass as well. So doing a bit more math, with my height at 6'4" and with 199.8 lbs lean mass, an average body fat percentage (19% for men) would put me at 246.7 lbs. That would put me at a 30.0 BMI, qualifying as obese despite having an average percent body fat.

BMI is a bullshit stat. It would call The Rock morbidly obese. Body fat% is meaningful. You can measure it with a device like this https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306CN-Fat-Loss-Monitor/dp/B000FYZMYK

Wow, yea don't be... it's like the #1 biological sign of fertility and sexiness in women. Something like 98% of cover models have your measurements, my girlfriend has those measurements and my friends are always like man your girl is sooooooo hot. Hahaha, you sound like me - I'm a 6'3 guy and i always used to be insecure about being "too tall" lol.... the things we tell ourselves. Enjoy!

----- Also side note, i saw your other post where you said your Dexa scan is 32% bodyfat. ZERO chance, you look great and those things are so inaccurate. I workout and eat amazing, have abs and my dexa came back as almost obese. Get one of these https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306C-Handheld-Body-Monitor/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1536171049&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=omron+bodyfat+tester

Test yourself every morning for a week when you first wake up, whatever the average is will probably be within 2% of your actual bodyfat.

Also, if you are trying to gain curves and get rid of fat you need to be lifting heavy weights. Deadlifts and Squats. If you eat at a deficit without lifting you will just get skinnyfat which is no fun.

​

That's pretty annoying. What I've noticed from my scale is that the BF measurement is consistently about 2% higher than the measurement when I use one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306CN-Fat-Loss-Monitor/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1458235924&sr=8-1&keywords=body+fat+measurement

Hey girl! Congrats on losing the first 50lb! That's amazing!! Here are some notes for you, based on your post:

1. You cannot target any part of your body for fat loss. Carb cycling is no more helpful than any other method of weight loss in terms of reducing belly fat. Genetics is the only factor that determines where you will lose fat first, which, unfortunately, we have no control over.
   
   
2. In order to get a flat stomach, you will need to drop your total body fat %, and not necessarily your weight. (Many women actually end up gaining weight to get a flatter stomach, believe it or not!) This is because muscle weighs more than fat, meaning that 1 lb of fat takes up a lot more space (volume) than 1 lb of muscle. Because of this, I would highly recommend you stop weighing yourself. You can buy a BF% scanner on amazon for $30 if you want to track your numbers, but honestly, the best way to judge your progress is to take photos and go by how your clothes fit.
   
   
3. Diet is 80%. Exercise is 20%. Yes, I would recommend lifting heavy, and starting a workout program (see side bar). But more importantly, I would recommend cleaning up your diet. As in nixing processed food. As in, if the ingredients list has more than 10 items listed, or things you can't pronounce, then don't eat it. Flat stomachs are made in the kitchen.
   
   Best of luck! And again, congrats on your progress thus far.
   
   

Here

Probably cheaper ones online tho

>I’m poorcel.

Here's one I use. Its $35. Its worth it if you want to lose weight (lose fat and not muscle)

https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306C-Handheld-Body-Monitor/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1543269190&sr=8-4&keywords=body+fat+analyzer

​

I used a handheld body fat monitor like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306C-Handheld-Body-Monitor/dp/B000FYZMYK

A trainer at my gym showed me how to use it. Maybe I’ll try a DEXA scan and see what results I get.

Is this the one you got?

I'm 5' 10" 193 pounds and 18-20% bf according to my [$20 Chinese bio impedance doohickey] (https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306CN-Fat-Loss-Monitor/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1500571409&sr=8-3&keywords=bioimpedance+scale). I'm eating at 2000 calories a day and 150 grams of protein. I've been doing the RR for about a year and 4 weeks ago added C25K (Program to run 3 miles in 8 weeks). Does that sound reasonable?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tLnPBb0A5W9K2

This is what the people at my gym use. Considered buying it for myself. But there are also plenty of options for scales on Amazon that do something similar.

A body fat analyzer could help. I didn't change weight for 5 months but I was loosing fat and gaining muscle. It helped me see things were changing before it was visible.

http://www.amazon.com/Omron-Monitor-model-HBF-306C-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK

I use this one from Omron which I've compared to my results from two different DEXA scans and found it to be accurate to 0.2% from what the dexa machines reported.

When I hit 170lbs in the process of bulking, I was at 12% body fat according to the body fat tester I linked below. I currently have 4 visible and defined ab muscles, with the bottom two less defined. I felt that 10-11% was a fair estimate, since I know that my ab and overally muscle definition is far better than it was. If the tester I linked is known to be inaccurate, then that throws everything off.

http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306C-Loss-Monitor-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=pd_sim_hpc_1

Buy one of these http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306C-Loss-Monitor-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1335466581&sr=8-3 and see how awesome you're actually doing.

I don't mind staying the same weight as long as every time I measure myself, I see my body fat ratio going down.

http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306C-Loss-Monitor-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1345779375&sr=8-3&keywords=body+fat+scale

I am using one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306CN-Fat-Loss-Monitor/dp/B000FYZMYK

I don't know if they have these at your gym but they have them at nearly every x sport: https://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-306C-Handheld-Body-Monitor/dp/B000FYZMYK.

There are several different ways to do it but most all require special gizmos. The usual cheap method is using calipers like these, but from what I've heard that can be pretty inaccurate and inconsistent unless you really know what you're doing. I use this little guy, it's pretty consistent though I'm not completely sure how accurate it is because I have nothing to verify it against other than the fact that it seems to be in the right ballpark. Then there's fancy water-dunking type tests you can get done but they are expensive.

I think I've heard other people on here say that some gyms will have the calipers or a digital thingamabob like mine that they can measure you with so you could ask at your gym if you're curious.

http://www.amazon.com/Omron-Monitor-model-HBF-306C-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK

That is what they used at my gym, which came up with 26%.

I'm using the below link http://www.amazon.com/Omron-Monitor-model-HBF-306C-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425316504&sr=8-1&keywords=fat+calculator

Not good enough? The problem is thats what we're using for the contest.... could I cheat it by dehydrating before hand?

If possible I would invest in a better way of measuring body fat. Whether thats something like this or if its seeing if you have access to a DEXA scan through your insurance, it measures bone density but also is good at measuring body fat percentage.

eye balling it just isn't really good enough. Assuming you are indeed eating at a deficit, your body is getting that energy somewhere.

• A redditor put together this site to use for visual body fat percentage estimates. It's not super well populated, but I think it's better than the other visual estimate site that normally gets referenced.
  
• There are a variety of websites that will estimate your body fat according to your measurements. I like IIFYM because they've got a great TDEE calculator, too.
  
• You can use a hand-held bioelectric impedance tool to estimate your body fat, or there are bathroom scales that use the same method.
  
• Josh-j mentioned calipers, but these can be tricky to use alone and consistently.
  
  That gets me to my last point: no matter what home method you use to estimate your body fat, be consistent. These are estimates and you might find that you get a different reading from your scale, your calipers, and the internet on the very same day. Body fat % a great way to track trends in your body composition, and you won't see those as effectively if you just back and forth between measurement methods. Unless you want to get a DEXA scan every week, the very precise number is less important than seeing trends.

So, I'm a bit late in reading this and hope that you've successfully broken your plateau, but I did have a question. I was reading this and I don't recall seeing you mention this, but do you keep track of your BMI? Fat %? Measurements? Many of the people who loose 50+ lbs in such a short time have a lot more fat to lose, and are not really gaining any muscle. Though you might not be losing lbs, you might be gaining muscle in small amounts balancing out the fat you could be losing. I got myself one of these and about once a week I'll check my BMI and Fat%. For almost 2 months now I've been wavering between 166 - 163, but both my BMI and Fat % have consistently gone down. And there have been small but noticeable changes in my measurements for example I've gone down a hole on my belt. It's these things that keep me going because for me those are more important than the lbs.

I used to use one of these at my local gym and it seemed pretty accurate. The true value of it is to use it regularly if you're trying to "lose weight," since so many overweight people begin to work out then put on weight since muscle is heavier than fat, they become discouraged and quit.

Since you can't really measure how much muscle you gain and how much fat you lose by just stepping on a scale, I'd use that to train someone if they really wanted to monitor their progress and see results as they become healthier. Sure, things like the amount of water in your body can set it off a bit, but I used it for several months when I wanted to lose 20 pounds of fat and was putting on muscle and it showed my fat % going down whereas the scale showed very little change - just a few pounds, really, while I could tell I was losing weight.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FYZMYK/ref=s9_hps_bw_g121_i5

I'm glad this could help! This is the monitor I have, and it's the same one my personal trainer used to check my body fat % at the gym. Look at the charts on the wikipedia page for body fat percentage to help make sense of where you are now and help set goals.

Note that a lot of women lose their periods when they go below 20% or so body fat (it's different for every woman). So keep that in mind when setting and adjusting goals too.

Edit: Bots! Bots, everywhere!

I think this might be what you are referring to...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FYZMYK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=timscheblo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000FYZMYK

Omron HBF-306C Fat Loss Monitor, Black

I bought one myself, and I am pretty happy with it. I think that the measurements might a little on the low side, but still pretty nice tool, and very easy to use.

i just use the scale at the gym once i week. I think body fat% is more meaningful than sheer weight anywhoo. this is what i have:
Omron

Don't know about the scales, but the newer hand held units are pretty good and affordable:

Omron HBF-306C Fat Loss Monitor

There are rules to ensure a more accurate reading, ie no readings after meals, when you first wake up etc.

Probably not that low, but I believe it's fairly low. Using this thing, which I know is not 100% accurate: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FYZMYK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

How accurate are these body fat calculators? Would a scale one be better?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FYZMYK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1497941032&sr=8-3&keywords=body+fat+analyzer&dpPl=1&dpID=41R%2Bx-hazvL&ref=plSrch

Thanks for the advice. I'm measuring BFP using BI (this guy: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FYZMYK). I use it in conjunction with body measurements and weight measurement to try to account for inaccuracies in each method. I'm not expecting losses every day, but I do expect a general downward trend over a period of weeks/months. I'll come back after a week of detailed tracking with more info.

When I use my Bio impedance tool after a bowel movement, before a shower, after I wakeup, before drinking any liquids and before any exercise I get the results within 0.1% difference to the 3 point caliper measurement.

But, I agree that body fat measurement is a pretty inaccurate process even when using a dexa scan.

I use the Omron with the athlete mode on it:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FYZMYK

I'd say you're around the 20% mark. There are some really cheap calipers you can pick up on Amazon these days. $10USD max. They offer a much more accurate number.

Here's a link to the ones I use: http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-3000-Personal-Tester/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1405933244&sr=1-1&keywords=body+fat+calipers

Get these and go here.

Body Fat Measure

Gatorade Water Bottle

Lifting Straps

Quest Protein Bars

Get an Accu-measure caliper from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-3000-Personal-Tester/dp/B000G7YW74

It is the only reasonably-accurate self-test. The accuracy varies wildly based on how competent you are at finding your suprailiac which is the very best place to measure. EXRX.net has a handy calculator with which you can plug in the measurements from your caliper but I have found that my single-site suprailiac measurement almost always matches the results from the 3 or 7 site measurements (which just takes more time).

Ultimately I don't really care what the BF% the caliper shows me, I just want to see it improve or at least not worsen.

Those bioelectrical measurement devices are completely worthless.

Seriously, I don't know how i used to eat so much either. It's insane to think about the portions I used to have.

I wouldn't worry about small fluctuations like 204-206. Sometimes people post saying they never adjusted after losing 40lbs, and that makes quite a difference.

I use this one.

There are many ways, all vary in accuracy, but I think it's over hyped. Just use the same measuring method every time, since what you want is to see progress.

The method I use is as follows (Only the right side of the body):

1. measure the skin between the nipple and the arm pit (diagonal)
   
2. measure the skin by pinching belly button and to one side (horizontal)
   
3. measure the skin in the middle of my thigh (vertically)
   
   To measure, you just grab skin with your right hand and pinch, place the caliper about 1/2 inch away from your pinch, and close it till it pops into place. Add up the 3 measurements and plug it in to a calculator and you get your BF%.
   
   The one in the link actually comes with a little chart, so you could use their method also.
   
   As for portions, I caved and bought a scale. They are like $18 on amazon. It's kind of a pain, but I just measure everything that I make and then I know for sure. For eating out I just guestimate portion size, but I don't do that often anyway.
   
   And if you're an excel nerd, you can totally geek out so that all you have to do is plug in the number of grams of each item and it will calculate your total consumption automagically.
   
   EDIT: Tape measure works too, but measure both biceps, both thighs, waist at belly button and hips and take the total and track that, since you'll get some variation in specific areas. I quit the tape measure because I felt like my stength was going up and my fat was going down so the measure wasn't changing all that much.
   

ok first of all, idk if you still think this way, but you dont necessarily need to worry about the number on the scale! my gf is 5'2 120, but she's 12% body fat. what's more important are measurements (like waist, hips etc) and body fat %, which can be measured fairly accurately with calipers (and they'r cheap: this is actually the exact one we have) we used those and they were within a percent of our bodyfat as measured by high tech electronic gizmos :P

that said, yeah the butter etc is definitely what was doing that to you...

ok so not respecting boundaries and personal property is a MASSIVE FUCKING RED FLAG! not only that, if you were subletting from her then legally she cant enter your room without permission (i believe), so if things got crazy and you had evidence you probably could have had her charged

also ok, with her getting your bf's house number this is turning into a damn horror movie first act.

my guesses: she's obsessed with you, she either wants to be you or may make a move on you. my money at the moment is that she makes a move.

ugh the not respecting boundaries is just so fucked up to me. damn, at this point i'm scared for you

You could get a set of BIA scales, I got some on amazon for cheaps:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0033AGBVG/ref=oss_product

still, BIA isn't the most accurate, if you can be bothered, get a set of calipers and learn to use them...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Accu-Measure-Fitness-Personal-Tester/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=sr_1_1?s=drugstore&ie=UTF8&qid=1313484737&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-3000-Personal-Tester/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1325111426&sr=1-2

Also, if you want more accurate results you may want to try to find somewhere where they do hydrostatic weighing or using the BodPod.

This is a bit cheaper.

I do like that pair. I also have these but do not like it as much. I think the spring on the other one makes it easier to get consistent readings.

Hmm yeah.

As the mirror can be subjective, I would suggest getting a caliper tool to measure body fat. It might not be that accurate (in terms of calculating actual body fat % but if you are consistent, the changes you see or not will help to more objectively evaluate whether or not you're putting on fat.

And caliper tools are pretty cheap as well (e.g. i have this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_tmNBDbY1266QK)

That being said, when it comes to the weight itself, it depends.

If you lower your carb intake, you will see a drop but this is how carbohydrates affect glycogen levels in the muscles.

If you want to lose body fat though, i would suggest staying at this intake for a while, give your body a break for a week or two and then give it another shot.

Or you could do intra week refeeds and have some days where you eat a bit more and some days when you are in a deficit.

Whatever you prefer and works best for u :)

You'll need to buy a body fat caliper, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Accu-Measure-Fitness-Personal-Tester/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1457576841&sr=8-2&keywords=fat+caliper - One like this. You'll need someone to assist you in checking your body fat, since there are places you need to measure that you can't reach yourself e.g. tricep

Also, these are cheap and I think relatively accurate. At least for myself, I've tested the measurements with it against hydrostatic measurements and it has been within 1%. I'm sure it can be off by more, but I bet it would be a lot better than anything you will get from visual guesses.

Not as accurate as [this](
https://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-Personal-Caliper-Measurement/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=pd_sim_121_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000G7YW74&pd_rd_r=G0SMTK1AHDYQR9ETSGF7&pd_rd_w=ukO7O&pd_rd_wg=AEkZ2&psc=1&refRID=G0SMTK1AHDYQR9ETSGF7)
, although both are not very precise, the caliper is more consistent.

Those analyzers are fucking junk. The hand ones especially. If you don't store much fat on your hands naturally it will give you an extremely low body fat percentage or the reverse. They are never very accurate and too fucking expensive.

Buy this
https://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-Personal-Caliper-Measurement/dp/B000G7YW74

There are free calculators online that will let you measure every inch of your body to get a close to perfect ratio.

I know it's hard to do but I really suggest ignoring the scale because weight by itself is useless as a measure of body fat. For example, Arnold Schwarzenegger weighed around 235 lbs in contest condition which would put him in the obese category according to standard weight charts even though his body fat was around 8% during competitions. BMI is similarly misleading as a measure of body fat because it also completely fails to take into account how weight is distributed between muscle and body fat. (Schwarzenegger's BMI was around 30% when he was in contest condition, which again puts him in the obese range.)

In other words, what you are really concerned about is not your weight per se but what percent of your weight is body fat. The simplest way to track body fat percentage is to just keep track of how your clothes are fitting, for example, is it becoming easier to button your pants, is bending over in pants that were tight before becoming easier and more comfortable, etc. You can also take photos of yourself in the mirror every two weeks or so in shorts and a crop t-shirt or sports bra to assess your fat mass loss. A simple tailor's measuring tape, e.g, this one from Amazon, can also be used to track belly fat (be careful to use the same location and tape tension/tightness each time).

If you want to be more precise about tracking your body fat %, you can try skinfold calipers, for example, these from Amazon are a bit over $6 and will be perfectly adequate for your purposes. Read the instructions thoroughly, practice a bit so you get the hang of using them, then use them every week or two.

Aside from checking how your clothes fit, try to limit yourself to using whatever other method(s) you use to track fat mass loss to once every week or two because day-to-day changes just aren't going to be measurable. Also keep in mind that it is common for people to gain muscle on a higher protein diet even without trying to do so. This is especially likely to happen if the prior diet was protein-deficient. As a result, weight gain doesn't necessarily mean an increase in fat mass, indeed, it could actually represent increased muscle mass which is a good thing. Again, ask yourself how your clothes are fitting, do you feel stronger and have more energy and stamina?

Anyway, I hope this is useful. Congratulations on getting off the antidepressant and good luck to you.

Ok, so maybe it's the body fat sensor these things don't really work. I would get some calipers (http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-3000-Personal-Tester/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422056487&sr=8-1&keywords=skinfold+body+fat+calipers)

Do you think you look any different? There should be some change in regards to how you looked like at the beginning. In the end it's how you look in the mirror that counts.

Yeah, they cost ~6 bucks on amazon. Here is what I purchased for tracking my measurements.

Body Measuring Tape on Amazon

Calipers on Amazon

I've been using these for a few years, not the most accurate probably but as I've lost the weight I can attest that they've been consistent. http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-3000-Personal-Tester/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421282969&sr=8-2&keywords=accumeasure+calipers

I got the accumeasure one, it was recommended to me on a bodybuilding forum:
http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-Fitness-3000-Personal-Tester/dp/B000G7YW74/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342943941&sr=8-1&keywords=accumeasure

What calipers do you have? This have markings and instructions on them to make it super simple. Does yours have markings?

If not there is still a way but it may be less accurate since it'll depend on you making more measurements so the possibility of making a mistake is higher.. This came up doing a quick Google search, you may want to search more.

progress look good, congrats!

You don't need a B cup anyway, just getting down to an E or F should help a lot. Strengthening your back should also help support them (whether you lose much weight off them or not).

Apparently the Spanish word for caliper is "calibre" so maybe ask about that at your doctor's? This type of thing.

I assume you're referring to a bathroom scale to weigh yourselves, instead of a kitchen scale to weigh your food. (Even then, kitchen scales are good things to have, you should get one if you don't have one already).

Also, are you in North America? You didn't specify.

Generally speaking, a digital scale is going to be better than a mechanical one in both precision and accuracy. I'd stick with digital. If you still can, return your current one. No point in keeping a product you're disappointed with.

Consumer Reports does reviews on bathroom scales. CR does good work. They refuse advertising from product manufacturers, to avoid the appearance of bias in their reviews. They've been around since the 1930s, and they're also behind The Consumerist blog. Their reviews aren't geared toward the enthusiast or high-end hobbyist, but they're great for general product reviews.

I bought a Taylor glass and chrome digital scale after seeing a favorable review of it in CR. I've been happy with it. Mind, CR may have changed or updated their product reviews since I purchased that scale.

In my opinion, checking Consumer Reports should be always be a component of the decision-making process before buying a product.

Two more things to keep in mind. First, your weight is going to fluctuate a lot over time. You probably already knew that. Just making sure. There was a post on Reddit, within the past few months, I think, of someone who weighed himself multiple times a day, for several days, and wrote down the numbers. The amount of variation was amazing. I wanted to find the post again and link you to it, but...I think the Reddit search function doesn't like me. Ever.

Secondly, while you're at it, get a skinfold caliper to measure your bodyfat percentage. That's the more important number. In terms of fitness, your weight without your body fat percentage is useless. The gold standard for finding your BF% is plethysmography--think the Bod Pod™. Minus that, a simple, US$5.00 skinfold caliper will get the job done. I've read that digital BF% meters, which use electrical current resistance, are not very reliable, especially because your level of hydration will skew the results. Skinfold calipers have their flaws, too, but if you learn how to use it well, and apply it consistently, it's best for tracking BF% changes over time.