What nobody tells you about losing weight
Replies
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I'm a hacker by thought, so my hack before I lost weight was I made sure that all my clothes had elastic waists. I can sew, so (I thought!) this is a super easy fix. As for the tops, I have never fit into "my size" tops because my chest is unwieldy. So I thought I might need to eventually fix the waist and the hips of shirts (but I didn't think I would need to shorten them! Which I realize now, as I am already in this situation). But eventually I will comfortably fit a 2x top, with a modified waist/hip/length. I just didn't realize that hems were going to constantly need shortening. Not a complaint, but at first I was like, "Am I getting shorter because I am getting older?..." I am 48yo, and I expect to lose a couple inches height if I live that long. I have seen this in the grandparents. Then read this thread for stuff I have never known (this is my first time actually losing weight). AHA! I am NOT getting shorter yet, whew!! I am already a short punk. 5'3" 77 lbs down, and I can almost taste Onederland! I was 200.2 today. Will probably happen this month.28
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FABRICWOMAN wrote: »When people ask you how you lost weight, they seem to become disenchanted to find out that you had to work hard and diligently to lose the weight over a period of time. They seem to want a quick fix, which is what I had always wanted, but came to the realization that it takes time and practice. It is well worth the effort in the end.FABRICWOMAN wrote: »When people ask you how you lost weight, they seem to become disenchanted to find out that you had to work hard and diligently to lose the weight over a period of time. They seem to want a quick fix, which is what I had always wanted, but came to the realization that it takes time and practice. It is well worth the effort in the end.
I am exactly the same lmao! I know that weight loss is very simple for 99% of the people. Calories in and calories out. Move more and eat less. That’s how I’ve lost 10 pounds so far. But anytime I see someone who has lost a lot of weight, I always ask them how they lost the weight, as if I don’t know the answer.
I don’t know why I do that. Deep down I know the answer. But I always ask the question for some odd reason. Maybe it’s just me psychologically and unconsciously looking for a shortcut or a “cheat code” to lose the weight very fast lol
Anyways congrats on your transformation.
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I am exactly the same lmao! I know that weight loss is very simple for 99% of the people. Calories in and calories out. Move more and eat less. That’s how I’ve lost 10 pounds so far. But anytime I see someone who has lost a lot of weight, I always ask them how they lost the weight, as if I don’t know the answer.
I don’t know why I do that. Deep down I know the answer. But I always ask the question for some odd reason. Maybe it’s just me psychologically and unconsciously looking for a shortcut or a “cheat code” to lose the weight very fast lol
Anyways congrats on your transformation.
This doesn't explain why certain people become disenchanted with the answer, but I think the reason so many people, even well informed people, ask the question is simply to find a way into a conversation about a shared struggle or interest. It's the same reason people will walk up to a person wearing a shirt with the logo of their favorite sports team or band. They will almost definitely end up having the same conversation with that person that they have already had numerous times with their friends or coworkers, but it's a way for them to expand their community. Additionally, that conversation has led a lot of people to new exercises and activities they enjoy but otherwise would have never heard of.
Another aspect to it is that people who have lost weight or are currently on that path appreciate the effort and dedication it took to accomplish. In that regard, the question is a way of validating the other persons efforts.
It's unfortunate that it's such a difficult topic to discuss for some people. I wish we lived in a society where we could freely discuss these things without it being perceived as relating to a person's worth or beauty. With it being such a sensitive issue to bring up I think we lose a lot of opportunities to exchange useful information and encouragement.27 -
I’ve discovered that my washing machine doesn’t shrink my clothes. They are the same size they always were. Thankfully I am shrinking again 😂24
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Sand_TIger wrote: »Something else nobody every told me about weight loss is how GOOD healthy food would taste. I've enjoyed fruit more than any candy, and a really good yogurt with fruit on it is almost as good as ice cream. I'm amazed at how tasty lean protein and vegetables can be when cooked right. Yes, the body can indeed be trained into craving the healthy stuff, just as I wished would happen back in the day when eating junk.
You know the old refrain "why can't the healthy stuff taste as good as stuff that's bad for me?"
It CAN!
Reading all the comments this one certainly resonates with me. I would add that not only do I enjoy the healthier food, but I love to exercise. Who knew losing weight would get me to like the way I eat and move.
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ne of my biggest things was learning how to nest my knees for sleeping at night. What does this mean?4
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I too got asked a lot "what did you do?????" (I've lost about 85 lbs & kept it off over 8 years). My answer was that I choose to eat healthy most of the time, tracked my food & paid attention to staying within my range, and exercised every day. That wasn't sexy or easy enough I guess. I even got certified as a health coach and several friends wanted to work with me until they found out that I would charge them...something for free is worth what you pay for it
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Sand_TIger wrote: »Something else nobody every told me about weight loss is how GOOD healthy food would taste. I've enjoyed fruit more than any candy, and a really good yogurt with fruit on it is almost as good as ice cream. I'm amazed at how tasty lean protein and vegetables can be when cooked right. Yes, the body can indeed be trained into craving the healthy stuff, just as I wished would happen back in the day when eating junk.
You know the old refrain "why can't the healthy stuff taste as good as stuff that's bad for me?"
It CAN!
Yes!
And on the other hand, some of the "junk" is no longer palatable to me and it's kind of astonishing I used to eat it and like it. There's a couple things I still enjoy, but I think nostalgia may be a very big part of that and it overwhelms my other senses.
I have been having several very odd experiences lately where I realize I have lost fat from very particular parts of my body - the ones sticking out to me right now are where the backs of my thighs meet my bottom and in my armpits.
I never thought I'd be able to notice something like that! But here we are! 13 -
The armpit thing is so real. The amount of weird pulling I have to do to shave now is mildly alarming.13
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wunderkindking wrote: »The armpit thing is so real. The amount of weird pulling I have to do to shave now is mildly alarming.
The deep concave? LOL I thought that was just a weird thing about me!10 -
wunderkindking wrote: »The armpit thing is so real. The amount of weird pulling I have to do to shave now is mildly alarming.
The deep concave? LOL I thought that was just a weird thing about me!
YEP! I have to drag it out now to shave it. WHO KNEW?!8 -
penguinmama87 wrote: »Sand_TIger wrote: »Something else nobody every told me about weight loss is how GOOD healthy food would taste. I've enjoyed fruit more than any candy, and a really good yogurt with fruit on it is almost as good as ice cream. I'm amazed at how tasty lean protein and vegetables can be when cooked right. Yes, the body can indeed be trained into craving the healthy stuff, just as I wished would happen back in the day when eating junk.
You know the old refrain "why can't the healthy stuff taste as good as stuff that's bad for me?"
It CAN!
Yes!
And on the other hand, some of the "junk" is no longer palatable to me and it's kind of astonishing I used to eat it and like it. There's a couple things I still enjoy, but I think nostalgia may be a very big part of that and it overwhelms my other senses.
I have been having several very odd experiences lately where I realize I have lost fat from very particular parts of my body - the ones sticking out to me right now are where the backs of my thighs meet my bottom and in my armpits. I never thought I'd be able to notice something like that! But here we are!
My oddest one is this:
I sleep with some orthopedic pillows. One to raise my head and chest, one to raise my knees. And I had to cut the one for my knees down by half because I don’t have as much Crisco (fat in the can) as I did before this journey.11 -
Here’s a new one:
For those who wear a fitness tracker that has a continuous heart rate monitor that alerts to low HR? Especially if you sleep with it on?
You might start getting alerts that your heart rate is dropping below 50 while you’re sleeping.
Obviously talk to your doctor when/if that happens. But it could very well be a result of getting fitter and slimmer.13 -
I have been a strong swimmer my entire life.
I had to basically tread water for half an hour today doing a dog thing.
It was easier when I was fat.
Good god I didn't realize it was going to be that hard.23 -
MargaretYakoda wrote: »Here’s a new one:
For those who wear a fitness tracker that has a continuous heart rate monitor that alerts to low HR? Especially if you sleep with it on?
You might start getting alerts that your heart rate is dropping below 50 while you’re sleeping.
Obviously talk to your doctor when/if that happens. But it could very well be a result of getting fitter and slimmer.
I recognize that one! I don't have the alarm activated (because I know my heart rate gets low) but a week ago I saw 43 as the lowest heart rate during the night 😯 in my case definitely the result of increased fitness, I've seen it go down progressively the last 18 months. I never thought I'd have an athlete's heart rate (and I am definitely not as fit as an athlete) 😆14 -
No one said family/friends would try to sabotage me.
A family member will bring lunch to my job.
1:knowing I plan my day in the morning and bring my lunch with me.
2:only brings lunch the day after my weigh in, and only if I lost.
Best friend makes me feel guilty about my progress by pointing out why she isn’t losing.
I vaguely knew family/friends aren’t always supportive, I’ve experienced that but I guess I thought it would be more dismissive than sabotage.28 -
MargaretYakoda wrote: »Here’s a new one:
For those who wear a fitness tracker that has a continuous heart rate monitor that alerts to low HR? Especially if you sleep with it on?
You might start getting alerts that your heart rate is dropping below 50 while you’re sleeping.
Obviously talk to your doctor when/if that happens. But it could very well be a result of getting fitter and slimmer.
I recognize that one! I don't have the alarm activated (because I know my heart rate gets low) but a week ago I saw 43 as the lowest heart rate during the night 😯 in my case definitely the result of increased fitness, I've seen it go down progressively the last 18 months. I never thought I'd have an athlete's heart rate (and I am definitely not as fit as an athlete) 😆
I live in a small town. And one of my good friends is a nurse in my GP’s office. Even though another nurse checked in with me Friday my friend called from the office to check in and tell me that she and my GP are very happy with this improvement in my health.
Made me feel kind of like a rockstar for a few minutes.
Also? If you have an Apple Watch, the low heart rate notifications, should you choose to set them up, can be set to 50, 45, and 40.
I’ve got mine at 45 right now.
Maybe in six months I’ll have to set it at 40.
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I definitely noticed that after a significant weight loss that I am always looking at myself and how cute I am! I know that this is totally vein, but it has been a confidence booster in that way!
I also honestly feel comfortable eating whatever I want in front of strangers (like at work) now that I am at a "normal" weight.
Thanks for all that posted, really interesting to read your comments!16 -
Bones, I still have more to go but get sore side sleeping. Less cushion on my hips.9
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That you never really were "big-boned."
That you also lose weight from the inside. I feel so much less pressure on my stomach, lungs and heart. I feel more like a shell where my organs have room to function.26 -
That you won't see it right away, and when you do it might not be in the places you expected.
I've hopped back on track almost a year after falling off of it. I gained close to 15 lbs in that time, and after about 2 1/2 weeks of actively working at weight loss again I've lost a little bit, but didn't really see any change until I noticed that my face is looking slimmer.9 -
I didn't realize that I had such strong emotional associations with particular weights and sizes. That is, when I get down to certain sizes/lbs, it triggers memories of other times in my life that I was there. Some good, some not. I knew weight loss would be emotional, but it's almost like I have to stop and release different experiences along with the pounds. If I don't, I can feel myself start to freak out and begin sabotaging behaviors. A massage therapist friend of mine used to say, "The issues are in the tissues," and that's proven more true for me than I expected. Each pound of fat contains a story. Some leave joyfully, but others bring up drama.
People always say, "it's a good problem to have" when you drop a clothing size or another five pounds and it is. But you can also feel a little lost and not sure who you are anymore. And you can flashback to old parts of your life that you thought were long dealt with. All because the scale number changed or you suddenly needed a smaller size of underwear. You feel like you should be happy, and you ARE but it's mixed in with all this other stuff. I didn't expect that. I thought I would be unequivocably thrilled to be smaller and feel pretty, but it's going to take dealing with some old crap to get to enjoy it fully.
I think maybe this is why I have regained in the past, because I didn't stop and address the negative emotions that went with being smaller. So part of me wasn't on board with the weight loss. This time I want to lose these pounds for good, and that means slowing down to attend to the mental/emotional stuff.54 -
WifeDeputy wrote: »ne of my biggest things was learning how to nest my knees for sleeping at night. What does this mean?
It means that some of us learn we now have super bony knees and we can't comfortably stack one on top of the other while sleeping on our sides. I had something like that happen for a bit as my thighs lost padding and for a while my spine was out of alignment when I slept.
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Sand_TIger wrote: »WifeDeputy wrote: »ne of my biggest things was learning how to nest my knees for sleeping at night. What does this mean?
It means that some of us learn we now have super bony knees and we can't comfortably stack one on top of the other while sleeping on our sides. I had something like that happen for a bit as my thighs lost padding and for a while my spine was out of alignment when I slept.
I ordered the thinnest memory foam pillow I could find on Amazon. It has really helped. I don’t like knees, shins, ankles or feet touching each other now, for some reason.10 -
Wow. Lots of great stories, ideas and trials.
what do i do with the hanging skin ?
fear of gaining it all back.
Men coming on to you when you were invisible before. Not good enough fat, not good enough skinny.
Do i keep 3 sizes of clothes yet ?
Confidence and doubts.17 -
Acne. For some reason, I got a rash of spots on my neck when losing weight that stuck around until I stopped losing.
That horrible quote of Kate Moss’s, “ nothing tastes as good as skinny feels”? Not entirely as ridiculous as it sounds.
Comments on what you eat somehow are acceptable just because you are slim !
Wolf whistling still happens in your 40s once you lose the weight - euw
You might struggle to recognise your reflection and butt up against the self you were when last this size - very confusing
Shopping gets really easy when you are the smallest size of every range!
I dropped a shoe size and that was really sad as my shoes were my one joy when overweight.
I kept all my slim clothes thinking it wouldn’t take as long as it did to get back into them. Now of my larger wardrobe, I’ve learned to only keep the expensive, classic pieces7 -
Funny moment today.
I was readjusting my office chair and couldn't find out why it wouldn't go down, only up.
I thought the pneumatic cylinder was broken, but it turns out I simply wasn't heavy enough to push down the mechanism, it worked fine when my BF sat in my chair 😁32 -
For me, it's more about things people didn't tell me about gaining weight. I am at my highest weight and I never thought it would be difficult as a heavier person to paint my own toenails, wipe my own butt (it's not that I can't do it obviously, but I have to twist & bend my back more because I got bigger), or be hot and sweaty after trying on clothes in a store. Some everyday, simple tasks are more challenging and it is an inspiration to get back to the old me because these things really suck.
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That sometimes you have to actually argue with people to get incidental exercise into your day. If you want to drive a 10 minute walk, fine, but I have legs and I like using them for the purpose they were made for!12
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