Did you get used to new weight and eventually feel fat again?

mom2ava07

I have been maintaining a range of 129-132 for almost 2 months now. I have no intentions at all of going below 130, and just want to tone up more.

When I first hit 130 I felt SKINNY. I felt like I was one hot momma to be honest. Problem is, 2 months at this weight and now mentally I feel just as big as I did 7 months ago at 170 lbs. If I fluctuate from 130-132 because I cheated a little or whatever I feel like an absolute cow.

Is it typical to get used to your new weight eventually and feel big again? It's like my clothes fit the same, the scale stays in thr same 5 lb range and yet I swear my thighs look bigger, stomach is flabbier, etc.

Is this normal? It's to the point I'm contemplating going entirely back on a lower calorie range just to drop a few more pounds.

dakotababy

Yeah - I know I have felt like this during times of bloating. I hate it, because I feel like that can start leading down a path of obsession of always wanting to lose more and more.

I just stare at my before picture for 5 mins. It usually clears up any thoughts of "oh I am so fat"

hearthwood

Yes, I have been at goal weight for about a year, and sometimes feel bloated, and out of shape. So I go exercise and it cures the problem.

rayw89

I've lost 47 lbs. and have gone beyond my original goal weight. The lowest I should probably go ultimately is another 7 lbs. (which would put me at 130). There are many, many days where I feel like I'm as big as I ever was. It really is crazy. Some days I feel thin and confident and realize I look better than I ever have, and other days I feel big and unaccomplished. If you think about it though, I bet there has been at least once where you heard a thin person talking about how big/fat they are. If we are not the imagine of perfection we have in our minds, we'll probably always feel bigger than we really are. I wouldn't go back to the lower calorie range though, over time things should start to even out and tone up if you're still working at it. For me, the weight is coming off much slower at this point, and yet I can see my thighs shrinking. But until the belly is flat and toned I'll always think it's big.
Give it more time.

Bearoniman

case of phantom weight? ya I still have another 20 or 30 lbs till ive hit my goal, but i still feel alot of times the same weight as i was years ago when I started.. but I try too look forward and see past as past.

arditarose

Yep. I hit 130-132 and felt skinny. I maintained for 3 months and I now I don't like how I look anymore. Too much fat. I'm back in a deficit to get into the 120s at least.

Patttience

Yes i would say this is normal and then you need to go find ways to get a reality check. You may not be perfect but I am sure you would look perfect wonderful to most people. We are our own harshest critics.

If you keep on trying to lose weight, you may end up back where you started from. Also this anxiety about how you look could be more an indication of worries about other things and mood issues. Try to focus on things outside yourself and solve any problems in your life. Losing more weight won't make your life better.

lavrn03

I understand how you feel! I lost 50lbs and reached the goal weight I set for myself. I feel good in my clothes and confident. However when clothes are off its a different story. Honestly I still have another 30lbs to go for my next goal weight. But I have been taking a break with the calorie deficit and just maintaining. I started strength training months ago and now want that to be my main focus.
I think toning up will ultimately make things look better!
There is skinny fat too. All about toning up.

stephchadz

I've lost almost 20 pounds so far and sometimes I do still feel crappy about my body (not too often though) and when this happens I look at my before picture compared with my now picture and it makes me feel much better. Another thing I do is I look in the mirror and tell myself 10 things I love about my body. It's a great body confidence boost

KateSm33

For me is normal. 1 year ago I felt happy that my weight was 130 and I was even more skinny but for my health I needed to weight 130 lbs and honestly I feel from time to time like little cow

khaleesikhaleesi

I think this is totally normal. I feel the same way about my body now as I did when I was 115 pounds. Actually, I probably feel better about myself now than I ever did then, because if I fluctuate 1-5 pounds it isn't as clearly visible. I also feel the same way now as I did when I went into labor weighing 224 lbs, even though I'm 50 pounds lighter (it was, like, 2.5 years ago). It's a weird little cycle and your brain is a crazy thing! But, I always look at pictures of me when I was larger and think, "Well, it could be worse". The worst is looking at pictures of me when I was an anorexic, but I try to remember how awful I felt all the time, the blacking out, the migraines, etc. Just be patient with yourself. Try to focus on toning up as opposed to the weight now that you're where you want to be, number-wise. Give yourself something else to fixate on other than what the scale says. It helps!

cole_carter

There are definitely psychological issues surrounding our bodies and self image. As a guy ... I experience them too. Right now I have a ways to go to get where I want to be. But when I lost weight in the past ... I would still deal with not feeling quite right about the shape I was in. I guess it is in large part an "Inside Job".

Cortneyrenee04

I'm at 136 with about 10 pounds to go, and I can feel when I fluctuate up a couple pounds. In my head, I wait for the sale to read 150+ again but whew, not even close. When I got into the 130s, I thought I would be so happy but I realize how much work is left to do. I do still feel very over weight even though I'm in the normal weight range.

Mischievous_Rascal

Everyone has fat days, no matter what their weight is. Do you do any resistance or weight training? That's helped me a lot with this.

HelensBeads

I started at 16½ stone, am now about 8½, not tall, wear a UK size 8 (down from a UK 22 verging on 24) and yet can see myself in a photo and still think I look dumpy. I know I'm not, but where others see me with clothes on I see me without and can focus on the excess skin around my tummy, along with its layer of subcutaneous fat, not pretty at all. But I know, the same as you, that I don't want to be less than 120lbs (8 stone 8lbs), so I try to keep things in perspective and not drop below.

lauren_tankersley36

This is such a main problem with any diet or workout system you have your body always gets to a point to where its kinda stuck between weight fluctuation girl take it from experience I always fluctuate and Ive been 133-135 for such a long time now but do not look at it as your fat and stuff because of fluctuation you need to worry about feeling good and looking your best continue to watch all your macro intake and calorie intake and remember when working out make sure its something you love to do that way it wont feel like work! Your amazing so my advice is keep up the good work and don't ever let a scale get you down!!

RayneScar

Yep, I get this all the time! When I was younger I went from 165 down to 135 and thought I was skinny as hell, but then over the years being 135 was too heavy, I'm currently 125 at 5'6" and I STILL have days where I look in the mirror and hate what I'm seeing. I've recently started weight lifting and it's helping a little but I think that nagging feeling that I'm too big is always going to be there.

belimawr

cole_carter wrote: »

There are definitely psychological issues surrounding our bodies and self image. As a guy ... I experience them too. Right now I have a ways to go to get where I want to be. But when I lost weight in the past ... I would still deal with not feeling quite right about the shape I was in. I guess it is in large part an "Inside Job".

I'm going to pipe in as a guy as well and confirm this. No guys ever speak up, and it's a bit frustrating as at least to me, when I felt this way, I felt like it was something only women worry about, and not formerly overweight people.

We all face this problem, and it's definitely a bit of work to get over.

I'm now 5'11", 160lbs and I swear I still see a gut. In reality it's likely some loose skin (mid 30s, that probably isn't fixing itself) and poor posture.

transformedbyhim56

Yeah I know where you're coming from. I have been maintaing for about 3-4 months now. I'm am still unhappy with my abs as they still seem flabby so I'm going to start working with a personal trainer and do strength trainer to firm up more. But when I look at my "before" pictures, I see just how far I've come. It cannot be all about what the scale says. It needs to also be about a healthy lifestyle. You can take pride in all the healthy changes you've made. Also think about how much better you feel physically. Make a list of all the good changes that have happened because of being at a healthy weight and read them everyday. You will come to appreciate the "new" you more instead of only focusing on how you look to yourself.

laineybz

I've been maintaining for a few years now. I've put a few lbs on over the last few months, met my boyfriend and became "happy" lol. To everyone else anything I've gained isn't noticeable but i feel it. I'm a bridesmaid in September and we've had the final fittings, plus a week before the wedding i'm going to NYC. I expect to put a few lbs on but i'm paranoid about the bridesmaid dress not fitting! I have to keep looking at my original pictures, pictures of me in Florida last September and pictures now. Though i weigh more, i look the same now as i did in September last year. It's pretty much in my head but i'm working on changing that.

nxd10

Kind of. I lost 40 pounds and I've maintained it 3 years. That's now normal. I was noticing in one of my tee-shirts that you can see an indentation where my bra pulls in. And I'm like 'oh, fat, I should lose weight'. This is kind of silly. I'm 56, the same very healthy weight I was at 20, and this is just fine.

But now it's the new normal. Skinny would be 15 pounds less. I've only been at that as an adult when I had been nursing my kids 3 years. And I get grumpy at that weight because it's too thin.

DeterminedFee201426

yes ! but only when I pig out for a day or 2

thinnforever

I started out at the same weight of 170. I am now at your weight of 130 pounds.
I'm actually aiming to be down to 115.
How tall are you? I'm 5'4, so I know 130 is still overweight for me. I felt 'skinny' too when I finally hit 130, but that only lasted for a few months. Now, reality hit and I know I still have some ways to go.
Maybe, that's what's happening to you? I mean, there's nothing wrong with wanting to lose a few more pounds. The only time I'd start to worry is if someone is saying they're at like 100 pounds but still feel fat. Now, that's a problem. 100 pounds is the skinniest any woman should go. Unless, they're like 4'9. Then, maybe 95 pounds.
130 is average, to me. But, again, I'm 5'4. If you're 5'8, then I'd say you could go as low as 120.
Maybe, you're just 10 pounds overweight. If so, it's not anything to worry about. You're perfectly allowed to want to lose a little bit more if that's what you want.

arditarose

thinnforever wrote: »

I started out at the same weight of 170. I am now at your weight of 130 pounds.
I'm actually aiming to be down to 115.
How tall are you? I'm 5'4, so I know 130 is still overweight for me. I felt 'skinny' too when I finally hit 130, but that only lasted for a few months. Now, reality hit and I know I still have some ways to go.
Maybe, that's what's happening to you? I mean, there's nothing wrong with wanting to lose a few more pounds. The only time I'd start to worry is if someone is saying they're at like 100 pounds but still feel fat. Now, that's a problem. 100 pounds is the skinniest any woman should go. Unless, they're like 4'9. Then, maybe 95 pounds.
130 is average, to me. But, again, I'm 5'4. If you're 5'8, then I'd say you could go as low as 120.
Maybe, you're just 10 pounds overweight. If so, it's not anything to worry about. You're perfectly allowed to want to lose a little bit more if that's what you want.

I'm 5'4" and know for a fact I'm not overweight at 130. That is in the middle of the healthy weight range.

thinnforever

I'm 5'4" and know for a fact I'm not overweight at 130. That is in the middle of the healthy weight range.

I'm not saying 130 is overweight for everyone. It really depends on the person. It depends on a lot of things - body fat percentage, muscle... etc. You look great at your weight, but I know for a fact I am not anywhere near being thin or fit.

arussell134

I can kind of relate to this. I went from 166 - 135 in 7 months. I remember thinking I'd NEVER get to 135, and then I did. After a couple months, I decided I wanted to lose again. It's been tough, but I've managed to work my way down to 131. I'd like to get closer to 125 as I'm a competitive runner and would like to be light for running.

However, I do try to keep things in perspective! I've lost so much weight, am fitter than I've ever been, can fit into sizes 4-6 now (as opposed to 10-12 a year ago), and just ran a 23:31 5K last weekend! When I'm feeling down or less than perfect, I try to reflect on how far I've come. Good luck!

srcurran

This happened to me when I lost a lot of weight in my 20s. I still saw a fat person in the mirror.
Now, I'm in my fifties and my goals had nothing to do with my looks. It's all about my health. Been maintaining and haven't felt that way this time around. I think as we age our perspective changes and our priorities alter. Focus on the big picture. For me, it's my blood sugar.

marciebrian

I didn't have that much to lose but always struggled with about 15 or so lbs. I'm 60 (soon 61) 5'2 1/2 and currently at 115. That doesn't sound too thin but it is for me. I have days that I still feel fat but my size 4 suits are swimming on me. its a constant struggle finding a balance even at my age ;-( you'll be fine. I swear it's the damn fitbit I never sit down LOL

Bukawww

Have you stopped 'improving' your fitness? Even at 200lbs (down from 254 at Christmas), as long as I am working out, lifting, running, racquetball, I mostly feel like a rock star...its when I stop (even just on rest days) that I feel like I haven't lost 54lbs. I have to get on the scale to reassure myself that I am still awesome lol.

Eating foods that cause bloating does it too. If I FEEL fat, I know its because I ate too much or too much crap and/or vegetables lol. Or its shark week lol.

I know that I will always strive for 'ideal' - I will lift, run, racquetball, dragon boat paddle till I can't any longer. There will always be days that I rest or throw caution to the wind with eating. I will expect those days to feel like 'fat days'.

RaspberryTickleChicken

mom2ava07 wrote: »

I have been maintaining a range of 129-132 for almost 2 months now. I have no intentions at all of going below 130, and just want to tone up more.

When I first hit 130 I felt SKINNY. I felt like I was one hot momma to be honest. Problem is, 2 months at this weight and now mentally I feel just as big as I did 7 months ago at 170 lbs. If I fluctuate from 130-132 because I cheated a little or whatever I feel like an absolute cow.

Is it typical to get used to your new weight eventually and feel big again? It's like my clothes fit the same, the scale stays in thr same 5 lb range and yet I swear my thighs look bigger, stomach is flabbier, etc.

Is this normal? It's to the point I'm contemplating going entirely back on a lower calorie range just to drop a few more pounds.

Perfectly normal!

I was elated when I reached goal weight. It literally felt like I had just won a lottery! But then I started seeing my other MFP friends still cataloging weight loss in my news feed and all of a sudden I didn't feel so elated or satisfied. The shiny new me lost some of its 'newness' & 'shininess.' I think it's just human nature to grow callous of what we have and take things for granted.

In maint, I think its important to specifically have other MFP friends in maint not losing ... at least psychologically for me this helped tremendously. Also I have a before / after photo of myself on my phone as a constant reminder of where I was compared to where I am now. This helped me a lot also.

Also, in maint I really had to refocus on other goals aside from the # on the scale. Like toning legs, shoulders, etc. By continuing to have fitness goals, the brain will get accustomed to focusing on the next goal instead of just weight alone.

It's a proactive, purposeful, conscious change in mindset from losing to maint that perhaps is the most challenging.

Best of luck to you!

meganjcallaghan

indeed. at 137 I'm a little below my goal weight. Unfortunately, even at this weight certain "functions" one should experience as a female no longer occur, so I'll have to go back up a couple pounds. So my options are to feel fat and flabby and NOT mess up my hormones so much that I end up with early onset osteoporosis, or lose another 10 ish and brittle bones be damned. Of course, because you never look "toned" when you're covered in skin curtains I'd probably still feel fat anyway, so what's the point? Funnily enough, I never felt fat when I WAS fat.