Problems After You've Reached Your Goal
DanOhh
Posts: 1,806 Member
Everything is not perfect when you lose a lot of weight. It’s not the end of a movie where everything is flawless and not one thing is out of place. There are problems for you after losing a lot of weight that you may not even think about and the following might help you prepare for what is to come.
• Way too many clothes that don’t fit.
Before losing weight this was a problem too but everything was too tight but at least you still had a couple of 'fat day' clothes. After you lose a lot of weight nothing fits you anymore and you look like Hobo even in your ‘fat day’ clothes. You have to buy a whole new wardrobe and that can get expensive. Don’t forget when the weather changes into winter or summer you’ll have to buy new clothes all over again for the clothes that you had stored away for the season. This includes coats/jackets which no longer fit properly too. You’ll be buying more shoes also, with all the exercise that you’ll be doing the treads on your shoes will wear out four times faster.
• You’ll be a lot colder.
I can’t believe how cold I get now. I use to be one of those guys who could wear shorts all the time (Yes, I know that’s not fashionable but my modeling career never took off, so who gives a flip). It didn’t matter if it was below freezing my legs just wouldn’t get cold. Now, I feel as if I’m freezing all the time and I always have to check the thermostat to see if someone has turned down the heat.
• Wedding ring doesn’t fit anymore.
My wedding ring was one to the triggers that started my weight loss journey; it was getting too tight and on the verge of not coming off at all. Now, the things always flopping around on my finger and I have to take it off a lot in fear of losing it while doing activities.
• Having to always be asked, “What’s the secret?” by everyone you’ve ever come into contact with before you lost the weight.
Short answer, there is no secret, eat less and exercise more. No one believes you though and you have to spend a lot of time convincing them that there is no secret diet out there.
• It’s a lot harder to lose weight now.
I put some weight back on after Halloween so I took myself off of maintaining to lose it. It was a whole lot easier to lose three pounds, 80lbs. ago, than it is to lose it now.
• Picky eating
Even after losing weight and you’re maintaining you still have to pay attention to what you’re eating. Just because you can eat more now that you’ve reached your goal doesn’t mean that the 'all you can eat buffet' is open. I can attest to that from my Halloween experience that I just went through. Plus, your friends get irritated with you when you’re still picky about where you eat once you’ve told them you’ve reached your goal. They at least could understand when you were on a 'diet'.
• It’s hard to get out of your routine.
My exercise routine is what got me to my destination, but I’ve found it hard to deviate from it. I can take more time off from it now but I find it hard to do that and that’s a sign of insanity to me. If I don’t get my exercise in for the day there’s a part of my brain that yells at me to ‘just do it!’ even now that I’m just maintaining. If I go out for a night of fun it’s not as fun as it could be because of that insane little voice in my head critiquing me.
• No more excuses.
My weekends use to be full of naps. I’d never get any chores done because I was always tired and would nap my weekends away. Now that I’ve always got energy or I’ve found time to exercise, my wife doesn’t buy the excuse that I had a hard week and need a nap during my Saturday/Sunday afternoons.
Many of these problems are a good problems to have and what I’m really trying say is just be prepared for some of these changes that you may have when you finally reach your goal. I wouldn’t trade any of these ‘little’ problems for the ‘big’ problems that I was facing before taking my journey and they’re all worth it. Good luck to you all and I hope all of you get to enjoy the problems that I'm having now.
• Way too many clothes that don’t fit.
Before losing weight this was a problem too but everything was too tight but at least you still had a couple of 'fat day' clothes. After you lose a lot of weight nothing fits you anymore and you look like Hobo even in your ‘fat day’ clothes. You have to buy a whole new wardrobe and that can get expensive. Don’t forget when the weather changes into winter or summer you’ll have to buy new clothes all over again for the clothes that you had stored away for the season. This includes coats/jackets which no longer fit properly too. You’ll be buying more shoes also, with all the exercise that you’ll be doing the treads on your shoes will wear out four times faster.
• You’ll be a lot colder.
I can’t believe how cold I get now. I use to be one of those guys who could wear shorts all the time (Yes, I know that’s not fashionable but my modeling career never took off, so who gives a flip). It didn’t matter if it was below freezing my legs just wouldn’t get cold. Now, I feel as if I’m freezing all the time and I always have to check the thermostat to see if someone has turned down the heat.
• Wedding ring doesn’t fit anymore.
My wedding ring was one to the triggers that started my weight loss journey; it was getting too tight and on the verge of not coming off at all. Now, the things always flopping around on my finger and I have to take it off a lot in fear of losing it while doing activities.
• Having to always be asked, “What’s the secret?” by everyone you’ve ever come into contact with before you lost the weight.
Short answer, there is no secret, eat less and exercise more. No one believes you though and you have to spend a lot of time convincing them that there is no secret diet out there.
• It’s a lot harder to lose weight now.
I put some weight back on after Halloween so I took myself off of maintaining to lose it. It was a whole lot easier to lose three pounds, 80lbs. ago, than it is to lose it now.
• Picky eating
Even after losing weight and you’re maintaining you still have to pay attention to what you’re eating. Just because you can eat more now that you’ve reached your goal doesn’t mean that the 'all you can eat buffet' is open. I can attest to that from my Halloween experience that I just went through. Plus, your friends get irritated with you when you’re still picky about where you eat once you’ve told them you’ve reached your goal. They at least could understand when you were on a 'diet'.
• It’s hard to get out of your routine.
My exercise routine is what got me to my destination, but I’ve found it hard to deviate from it. I can take more time off from it now but I find it hard to do that and that’s a sign of insanity to me. If I don’t get my exercise in for the day there’s a part of my brain that yells at me to ‘just do it!’ even now that I’m just maintaining. If I go out for a night of fun it’s not as fun as it could be because of that insane little voice in my head critiquing me.
• No more excuses.
My weekends use to be full of naps. I’d never get any chores done because I was always tired and would nap my weekends away. Now that I’ve always got energy or I’ve found time to exercise, my wife doesn’t buy the excuse that I had a hard week and need a nap during my Saturday/Sunday afternoons.
Many of these problems are a good problems to have and what I’m really trying say is just be prepared for some of these changes that you may have when you finally reach your goal. I wouldn’t trade any of these ‘little’ problems for the ‘big’ problems that I was facing before taking my journey and they’re all worth it. Good luck to you all and I hope all of you get to enjoy the problems that I'm having now.
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Replies
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Great post Dan! Thanks. :bigsmile:0
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LOL. All TRUE. AND to add to the clothes not fitting - now that you're in shape and looking good - you're way more likely to buy some snazzy clothes that look nice. T-shirts and jeans or sweats or whatever will fit is a lot cheaper than the stuff I buy now. Darn it!
And yes, the questions ROLL IN. What'd you do, what's the secret, only watching calories? So I have to eat healthy? Like what kind of food? (This last one always with a look of disgust.) But still, I wouldn't trade it!0 -
I'm very close to my goal weight and I have realized that none of my pants fit me anymore. I have 1 pair of jeans that was too tight when I bought them, then suddenly fit perfectly, and now are baggy in all of the areas that flatter me least. But I have been wearing them every day practically until I can get to a store and buy some new ones. The jeans I just bought only a month ago are falling off of me. Yes, I'm happy that I'm reaching my goal. Yes, it feels good to be confident and healthier.
But I wish the clothes could shrink with me.0 -
You hit the nail on the head! I've found that when people ask "How did you do it?" they don't really even want to know the answer.....their eyes glaze over immediately after asking the question.0
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I can relate to so many of the problems you listed, but I agree that they're good problems to have for the most part and wouldn't trade them for "before," but still, they are a reality. Thanks for the post and the smile!Many of these problems are a good problems to have and what I’m really trying say is just be prepared for some of these changes that you may have when you finally reach your goal. I wouldn’t trade any of these ‘little’ problems for the ‘big’ problems that I was facing before taking my journey and they’re all worth it. Good luck to you all and I hope all of you get to enjoy the problems that I'm having now.0 -
Excellent post-thanks for taking the time to write it! So true about the clothes. I'm not quite finished yet but I have had to buy a few things because my pants were falling off (a lot of women's pants don't have belt loops) or I looked like a clown with a goiter. I also agree with the "secret" folks. What's funny is I"ve sent a number of friends here but they don't want to put in the effort to enter their food so they've all quit and kind of make snide comments to me about "that fitness thingy" even while they want to know my "secret"! I"ve also had arguments with people that I must be giving up carbs or some other food and must be starving. Arguments! Congratulations on 80 lbs!0
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It does irritate me when people act like they don't believe me about eat-less-move-more method of weight-loss. I think what irks me more than that is when people complain about being fat, but refuse to count calories. Live with your fatness and shut the heck up is what I say.0
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I lost my wedding ring because of weight loss! It just fell off and didn't realize it until my wife asked me about it. Good thing she is secure & knows I love her & wouldn"t do anything! THe point ? Get your ring adjusted & put tape or string on it until you do! My ring was a family airloom & non replaceable! Congrats on your loss!0
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Thank you so much for posting this, i am not at my goal but have lost almost 90 total and i feel much of the same. I am glad to know i am not alone. hardest is I used to always be HOT, now i am FREEZING too
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OMG I so agree about the getting colder thing!!!! I'm not even TO my goal yet, and I can already tell a difference. My parents were here over Thanksgiving and THEY noticed that I'm getting colder easier. It used to be if I was cold, they KNEW it was cold because I've always run hot (even as a baby...I could never be in those bundle things because I would get WAY too hot and flip out).
In no way, shape or form do I want those extra 33 pounds back, but dang...I wish I could keep the warmth they provided!0 -
You hit the nail on the head! I've found that when people ask "How did you do it?" they don't really even want to know the answer.....their eyes glaze over immediately after asking the question.
LOL. I wish eyes would just glaze over. I had family ask me my "secret" recently while they spread butter on literally everything they eat (including toaster strudels - wth - and crackers just as a side dish). THEN upon telling them some eating healthy tips, they chimed in with everything they knew about weight loss! From people that had eaten probably 5-6 tablespoons of butter since the opening of the conversation!0 -
I appreciate your honesty...good luck keeping yourself in check...below 200 is a great goal and a reasonable one. I'm right behind you with 25 more to go, good to know someone who made it.
AL.0 -
Great Post!
Two things I realized when I lost 75 pounds that I had issues with were.... the fact everyone kept asking me if i was sick or had cancer, cause how else could someone lose that much weight and the mental challenge behind buying clothes. For months after I lost all that weight I was still picking up a size 16.
The above are two things I never thought id have to deal with and this time around while im trying to lose the weight I gained during my pregnancy I am keeping them in mind so its easier to deal with when I reach that goal.
Yes, its s great to lose all that weight but for me I wasnt prepared for the mental games associated with weight loss and think its something people should be aware of.0 -
One big issue I've had (and seen others have) is that you set out to reach this amazing goal, then pull it off after struggle and sacrifice, but somehow the results don't seem as grand as you originally envisioned. I have a MUCH better slef-image, but it never quite got to where I want it to be, which is why I'm still working after all these years.
People also tend to think that weight loss will fix problems they have. I can tell you right now, if you don't like yourself atleast a little when you're fat, you're not going to miracualously start loving yourself when you're thin. Sometimes there are other issues going on that need attention beyond just losing weight.
Just something to think about.0 -
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Wow. Nice spelling, huh?
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You hit the nail on the head! I've found that when people ask "How did you do it?" they don't really even want to know the answer.....their eyes glaze over immediately after asking the question.
LOL. I wish eyes would just glaze over. I had family ask me my "secret" recently while they spread butter on literally everything they eat (including toaster strudels - wth - and crackers just as a side dish). THEN upon telling them some eating healthy tips, they chimed in with everything they knew about weight loss! From people that had eaten probably 5-6 tablespoons of butter since the opening of the conversation!
YES!!! My wifes father loves talking about nutrition. Unfortunately that didn't stop him from having a heart attack a couple months ago. Luckily he's fine, but he STILL puts loads and loads of salt on everything, and is unwilling to stop eating fried food.
If people would stop running with their mouths and start running with their feet, they'd start to get somewhere.0 -
I welcome all of these "problems" especially the hobo fat day clothes!! I can't believe i use to fill out a 4xl shirt o happy days!0
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Great Post!
Two things I realized when I lost 75 pounds that I had issues with were.... the fact everyone kept asking me if i was sick or had cancer, cause how else could someone lose that much weight and the mental challenge behind buying clothes. For months after I lost all that weight I was still picking up a size 16.
The above are two things I never thought id have to deal with and this time around while im trying to lose the weight I gained during my pregnancy I am keeping them in mind so its easier to deal with when I reach that goal.
Yes, its s great to lose all that weight but for me I wasnt prepared for the mental games associated with weight loss and think its something people should be aware of.
YES with the sizes!!! I've finally stopped asking for an XL shirt (unless it's one of those intentionally small women's t-shirts), but now i have to adjust to asking for a M. I picked up my stuff for a race I did on Sunday, and got a size L shirt. Put it on on Monday and the shoulder lines are like an inch or more down my arms. I'm going to ask if I can try on a M when I pick up my stuff for Saturday's race just to see. It's so hard to stop seeing yourself as the size you were!! When I got new coats over Thanksgiving (the parents were here and bought them for me), I put on an XL out of habit and another guy sitting there said "I think that one's too big for you!" Made me feel good, but wow!
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I agree with being cold easily.. I need more blankets and hoodies if anyone wants to send some to me let me know. Thanks0
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I have managed to avoid getting cold by cleverly (OK, coincidentally) timing my weight loss with menopause. I'll gladly share my hot flashes with anyone who wants them!0
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and I was just sitting here in my office thinking how cold it is in here this year.....maybe it is the 30 lbs of insulation I'm missing!!!:laugh:0
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Yes totally agree with the size thing - I now have to force myself go to the smallest size in the store, but I still hold it up, frown, shake my head and say that would never fit me, its so small!! I then go to the changing room without showing the sales assistant the size in case she/he cracks up laughing that I would even contemplate trying such a small size.....and I am still amazed every time when the damned thing fits!!!! And with space!!! The "secret" to losing weight also annoys me as does the 'starving yourself' comments as well as people asking when my 'health kick' is over!!! Umm, this is for life people!!!!!) 0
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We think all the "issues" we have are all our own but alas, Leave it to Dan to write exactly what I have been thinking lately.
Great post buddy!0 -
thanks Dan for writing this up... even though i am not at my goal yet, i am experiencing a LOT of these things already.
I am struggling with hobo clothes, not being able to make the adjustment to grab a LARGE, not an XL (at least i am not going to the 2XLs anymore) and i frequently find myself wandering in the plus-size section despite the fact that my 16s are starting to get big on me and i am moving into 14s. (Havent worn a 14 in 22 years!!!!)
I get that "whats the secret" question all the time and i give the standard "diet and exercise" answer, to which most dont seem to believe. Then i offer up MFP info and some seem receptive but no one has joined yet. I even have a "business card" with my name and contact info on it that i write the MFP addy on the back... i carry a few with me in my purse, thats how often i need them! LOL
But i've had 2 things really distrurb me: one was a good friend asked me "but how do you feeeeeel? Are you feeling okay???" and then asked me 2 more times in the same convo. I left thinking "do i look sick?? do i look bad???" it REALLY bothered me. I dont want to be one of those ppl who take it to the extreme and not realize where to stop, but i am still 7 lbs OVER the 'healthy bmi range" for my height.... The other thing was when i was telling my (obese) sister about my grazing/mini-meal thru-out the day style of eating (it works for me!), she proceeded to give me a lecture about needing proper MEALS "3 squares" and that this site (MFP) is full of people with eating disorders and ppl trying to lose weight (and who are serious about it) are just as messed up in the head as a person with bulimia. That what i am doing is just as unhealthy as overeating because there are mental issues going on..... whatever........
I agree that things don't suddenly become "Perfect World" when we've reached our goal weight. Let me correct that: Perfect World doesnt come ever. Perhaps a moment in time, all things will be perfect, but we will propably be too busy enjoying ourselves to notice! lol0 -
It does irritate me when people act like they don't believe me about eat-less-move-more method of weight-loss. I think what irks me more than that is when people complain about being fat, but refuse to count calories. Live with your fatness and shut the heck up is what I say.
& I couldnt agree more!
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My favorite lately is people telling me they're eating healthy..... "I even started my day with a great big glass of OJ! Lots of vitamin C!"
Try to convince those folks that this might be the very worst way to start their day..... and they look at you like you'e got an extra head.0 -
Well said Dan! I am SO there with all the clothes being SO extremely big that I have had to go on several shopping excursions. Thankfully (until the last 2 months) most of that shopping was in my attic filled with old clothes! As for the coats - I couldn't believe how HUGE my winter coats were! I had to go buy a new one a few weeks ago! As for the great question....how did you do it? I'm really not having that with anyone yet. Most people that I see regularly know that I'm litterally working my *kitten* off. Everyone that is close to me knows that I've always ate healthy (my issue was not enough calories so now I eat more). So I can't relate with that part yet. As for the being COLD - where the heck did my heater go? I've turned my thermostat up 3 degrees at home! I wear layers to work & sometimes have to sit on my hands to warm up! :laugh:
Anyway - thanks for always posting the great stuff you do, Dan! It is much appreciated! Although I'm quite sad for you that your modeling career never took off! :laugh:0 -
If people would stop running with their mouths and start running with their feet, they'd start to get somewhere.
Absolutely LOVED this comment
Also, totally agreed with the post. Eat less/better move more = weight loss. Not exactly rocket science.0 -
So TRUE! Thanks for posting this. I was entertained yet realized that I am starting to face many of these 'little' issues myself. My wedding ring is forever lost because it slid off my finger in at a gas station (replacement coming soon).
I am cold more now than ever.....I always use to say I liked the cold weather because when I was big I could wear less outside when it got cold AND I would sometimes still sweat after going up a flight of steps or doing something strenuous in the cold!
Also, family...friends...might never really get it....because even if you've been in your lifestyle for many years...they still think it's a "diet" or you're being picky all the time...lol I laugh about it now.
You're definitely right...it's worth it. Thanks for sharing this...I'm sure all of us are going through some or most of these things. 0 -
You hit the nail on the head! I've found that when people ask "How did you do it?" they don't really even want to know the answer.....their eyes glaze over immediately after asking the question.
LOL. I wish eyes would just glaze over. I had family ask me my "secret" recently while they spread butter on literally everything they eat (including toaster strudels - wth - and crackers just as a side dish). THEN upon telling them some eating healthy tips, they chimed in with everything they knew about weight loss! From people that had eaten probably 5-6 tablespoons of butter since the opening of the conversation!
Oh My Goodness! That irritates me....I've had to do a slow count in my head when this happens lol I've been discussing with family lately and they're always asking how me and my hubby are managing to stay on task and keep losing weight and we'll try to example (in a good tone)...EVEN WHILE they are downing a BIG *kitten* bag of chips and drinking big bottles of soda (you know the ones with a serving for 3 or 4!)
I use to do it too so I try to stay focused and put myself in their shoes..but the thing is when I had someone in my face telling me something like... "oh, and you know I watch the serving size on things...I don't deny myself, but if I was eating a BIG *kitten* bag of chips..I'd eat enough for one serving if I"m serious about watching it" ...I actually put down the bag of chips.
However, when we are discussing these things with family....they are piling on salty...sugary things ...eating bags of potato chips and just looking like "yeah..serving size..what's that?" lol
I love celebrating and being around family during special functions,but I'm so thankful that we live a good distance away from both our families and have our own little healthy sanctuary to return to after all the gatherings 0
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