Weight Loss Challenge

[Cochese]

My snack night is Friday night, so I'll probably weigh then to help keep me on track.

[atgcpaul]

I set up the Google doc and entered the people and numbers from this thread - but please check and confirm I entered the information you want.

...

Let me know if you have suggestions for improvements to the spreadsheet.

Thanks Woodturner! Spreadsheet works for me.

Not sure that I started on a good foot, though. My coworker brought in some delicious coconut macaroons.

[woodturner]

Googledocs Spreadsheet

Woodturner, could you set up a shared spreadsheet on Google docs?

I set up the Google doc and entered the people and numbers from this thread - but please check and confirm I entered the information you want.

To avoid having to login to enter your weights, I set up the doc so that anyone who has the link can edit the page. We probably don't want to post that link publicly, so I will pm it to people who post in this thread.

It does take a second or two to update so if you enter your weight and then get the "stay on this page" popup, just stay on the page for another second or two and then close it. The update is automatic, there is no "save" button.

Once the initial weigh-ins are entered, I can protect that column so it can't be changed.

Let me know if you have suggestions for improvements to the spreadsheet.

Edit: I'll correct the formulas when enough weigh-ins are entered to do the calculations - didn't want anyone to be confused by "divide by zero" warnings on the percentages.

[Knottscott]

Sounds like a good idea....I thought I was pushing things when I weighed 227, but now I'm 243 with no end in sight.

[twistsol]

I was at 185.6 Wednesday night when I weighed in. Shorts t-shirt and no shoes.

[atgcpaul]

We could set up a shared spreadsheet, like a Google doc - that's what another site does, and it seems to work well. Each person can go in and enter their weight, and "snapshots" can be taken to detect changing weight numbers after the fact. That seems a little better than any edit to a post disqualifies - especially since I tend to make typos, realize it just after I post, and edit to fix the typos .

If we want to do the shared spreadsheet, I would be happy to set that up.

Anyway, I'm in.

Woodturner, could you set up a shared spreadsheet on Google docs? I was thinking usernames down Column A and dates across Row 1 to May 1 (Thursday) or May 2 (Friday) Users record their weight in pounds under the closest date appearing at the top. The only weights that matter would be the first and last weight taken, (Does everyone agree with that?) but I'd say feel free to use the other spaces to track your progress.

Well, it's officially Friday for me and I'm in. 228lbs.

Paul

[Black wallnut]

By the way I'm good with the percentage rather than a raw number. From what I have read just this week an 8% reduction in weight will make a considerable difference in ones health.

[Black wallnut]

245 this evening. Guess it is time to back away from the beer glass until I'm riding outside daily this spring.

[dbhost]

I am not too proud so I'm a go. As of 20 minutes ago. 336 lb shower fresh... God help my weight loss! (add 4lbs for my typical manner of dress, jeans, typical under things, shirt, hiking boots...). I would figure 340 lbs "street weight"...

[Mrs. Wallnut]

Well here it goes. Starting weight is 275. I am in. Let's do this.

[Black wallnut]

Just for the record I only apply the edit rule to the OP post with beginning weight.

[woodturner]

Members start by posting their weight now or at their next weigh in. Make February 28th the last day to join the contest, although for most folks the sooner they start the more they will likely lose and gain. Edits of each persons OP will result in a DQ, we are on the honor system however a before and after pic would be nice.

I like the rules Black wallnut proposed. I also think percentage of weight lost is a more fair way to evaluate progress. An alternative might be to use waist size, since people who work out to get healthier tend to maintain weight or lose weight more slowly (muscle weighs more than fat) but lose inches around their waist.

We could set up a shared spreadsheet, like a Google doc - that's what another site does, and it seems to work well. Each person can go in and enter their weight, and "snapshots" can be taken to detect changing weight numbers after the fact. That seems a little better than any edit to a post disqualifies - especially since I tend to make typos, realize it just after I post, and edit to fix the typos .

If we want to do the shared spreadsheet, I would be happy to set that up.

Anyway, I'm in.

[twistsol]

I'm in. My wife, a nurse, shamed me into losing weight at the end of last year and I've gone down from 208 to 185 since November. I have still about 25 pounds to lose to meet my goal.

I've been tracking what I eat and my exercise with an iOS app calle Lose It. It's nice for a data junkie and free, but nags you to upgrade to the $40/year paid version a lot.

[Black wallnut]

Who's interested? Other than that, I don't know how to go about organizing this thing.

Some ideas for guidelines.

1) I think we need the same weigh in date per week. My vote is Friday. If you miss a weigh in, you're out.
Each member chooses their own weigh in day of the week and posting here should be required after all we are a social network, those not participating are spectators IMHO.

2) We need to set an end date. May 1?
3) No rules as to how you go about losing the weight (obviously use your best judgment) and you release BT3 and everyone involved of any responsibility. Participation is of your on volition.
Surgical reductions should not count.

4) Weigh ins will have to be on your honor. You'll try to wear the same or similar outfit with/without shoes before each weigh in.
5) We need someone to keep track of everyone's weight. An online way would be great because then it's mostly self-sufficient, but I don't know how to go about that.
6) Make weigh ins public or private? I've done Weight Watchers and our leader kept it private, but those of us who were doing well weren't afraid to share.
7) I think having some skin in the game will make the participation more sincere. Maybe $5 entry fee paid to BT3 and the winner gets a patron upgrade as well as bragging rights?

I think entry should be free. Everyone benefits when folks gain better health, the forum benefits by longer posting members.

Got to go do some real work, but please add.


Paul

I think it should end on May 1 at 23:59 GMT. All weigh-ins shall be posted by that time.

Members start by posting their weight now or at their next weigh in. Make February 28th the last day to join the contest, although for most folks the sooner they start the more they will likely lose and gain. Edits of each persons OP will result in a DQ, we are on the honor system however a before and after pic would be nice. My thinking for this is often others are motivated by success stories and pics help in that.

Standard disclaimers apply: BT3Central does not offer medical advice. Each person should seek the advice from a medical professional before starting either a diet or exercise program.

[atgcpaul]

Too many people have too many different schedules to try and hit a certain day or certain time each week. And to be out if a weigh-in is missed? I won't bother if there's going to be draconian rules like that.

I'm not even sure what the point of required intermediate weigh-ins are anyway, if it's a 'start here-finish here' thing.

You're right. That does sound crazy now that I reread it--at least for being knocked out. I guess we can make the weekly reporting voluntary. Having been in WW, the whole group appreciated and succeeded with the structure of the weekly weigh in. Kept us on track and cognizant of our goals. The people who missed weekly weigh ins didnt lose as much weight.

To determine a winner, I suggest we go by total percent weight lost, not total weight lost.