How have you gained confidence since losing weight?

newhabit · September 2012

I am interested in knowing how everyone has felt since losing weight. Have you felt more confident right away or did it take time for you to feel confident enough in yourself? What have you struggled with the most in your new self image? How do you see yourself now that maybe you didn't before?

newhabit · September 2012

For me I have realized I don't have to wear baggy clothes all the time anymore, that it is ok to wear things that are a little bit more form fitting. I used to shy away from that kind of stuff because I was worried about what others might think. Now I am looking forward to my fall wardrobe being more trendy and confident. What I have struggled with the most is seeing myself how I am now. I got used to the frumpy mom image and now that I look the same as I did in my early 20s, it is pretty surprising! I am trying to embrace it, but some days I feel like the frumpy mom again. I finally see myself as looking good enough to wear nice clothes and that feels great.

TheFitHooker · September 2012

I am interested in knowing how everyone has felt since losing weight. Have you felt more confident right away or did it take time for you to feel confident enough in yourself? What have you struggled with the most in your new self image? How do you see yourself now that maybe you didn't before?

I did not feel more confident till actually recently. Or at least I was not able to see my confidence till recently.

I think for me what has caused me the most struggles is getting use to all the compliments. The good and the bad. I've gotten "OMG HOW have you done it" and the "Oh you'll just gain it back, no one loses that much and keep it off for good, you're doomed to be fat forever." I struggle with accepting compliments without making it sound as if I don't believe them. I'm finally getting better at this. Just yesterday I had a guy look me up and down and ask my why in the world I would be needing to count my calories. After I told him why, his jaw hit the floor. He told me how great I looked and without even thinking I was able to say "Thanks" without the usual "Psh ok, well thanks"

Another struggle would have to be my mind catching up to it all. Once in awhile I'll still catch a glimpse of the old fat me in the mirror. It doesn't happen often anymore but I have tried to let that be a positive reminder that, that is my mind not letting me go back to that place.

I now see myself as I have always been told I was, strong, beautiful, and able to do anything I want to do. For the first time in my life I think I love myself more then ever before and I'm not ashamed to admit I'm beautiful, I'm not ashamed to admit I look good. I know this to be true now. I might not be where I wish to be yet, but I've worked hard to get to this point and that gives me the right to love myself because for the past 2 years I've loved myself enough to change myself for the better. I am now more happier all around with my life then ever before. Yes I still have moments of self doubting, I believe that is natural. But all and all I rock my own socks

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newhabit · September 2012

I am interested in knowing how everyone has felt since losing weight. Have you felt more confident right away or did it take time for you to feel confident enough in yourself? What have you struggled with the most in your new self image? How do you see yourself now that maybe you didn't before?

I did not feel more confident till actually recently. Or at least I was not able to see my confidence till recently.

I think for me what has caused me the most struggles is getting use to all the compliments. The good and the bad. I've gotten "OMG HOW have you done it" and the "Oh you'll just gain it back, no one loses that much and keep it off for good, you're doomed to be fat forever." I struggle with accepting compliments without making it sound as if I don't believe them. I'm finally getting better at this. Just yesterday I had a guy look me up and down and ask my why in the world I would be needing to count my calories. After I told him why, his jaw hit the floor. He told me how great I looked and without even thinking I was able to say "Thanks" without the usual "Psh ok, well thanks"

Another struggle would have to be my mind catching up to it all. Once in awhile I'll still catch a glimpse of the old fat me in the mirror. It doesn't happen often anymore but I have tried to let that be a positive reminder that, that is my mind not letting me go back to that place.

I now see myself as I have always been told I was, strong, beautiful, and able to do anything I want to do. For the first time in my life I think I love myself more then ever before and I'm not ashamed to admit I'm beautiful, I'm not ashamed to admit I look good. I know this to be true now. I might not be where I wish to be yet, but I've worked hard to get to this point and that gives me the right to love myself because for the past 2 years I've loved myself enough to change myself for the better. I am now more happier all around with my life then ever before. Yes I still have moments of self doubting, I believe that is natural. But all and all I rock my own socks .

you are definitely an inspiration! and i agree, you should love yourself no matter what. but i was just wondering if anyone felt more confidence. i know that sometimes we feel less confidence even when we look physically better, because there is always stuff inside to deal with too.

TheFitHooker · September 2012

I am interested in knowing how everyone has felt since losing weight. Have you felt more confident right away or did it take time for you to feel confident enough in yourself? What have you struggled with the most in your new self image? How do you see yourself now that maybe you didn't before?

I did not feel more confident till actually recently. Or at least I was not able to see my confidence till recently.

I think for me what has caused me the most struggles is getting use to all the compliments. The good and the bad. I've gotten "OMG HOW have you done it" and the "Oh you'll just gain it back, no one loses that much and keep it off for good, you're doomed to be fat forever." I struggle with accepting compliments without making it sound as if I don't believe them. I'm finally getting better at this. Just yesterday I had a guy look me up and down and ask my why in the world I would be needing to count my calories. After I told him why, his jaw hit the floor. He told me how great I looked and without even thinking I was able to say "Thanks" without the usual "Psh ok, well thanks"

Another struggle would have to be my mind catching up to it all. Once in awhile I'll still catch a glimpse of the old fat me in the mirror. It doesn't happen often anymore but I have tried to let that be a positive reminder that, that is my mind not letting me go back to that place.

I now see myself as I have always been told I was, strong, beautiful, and able to do anything I want to do. For the first time in my life I think I love myself more then ever before and I'm not ashamed to admit I'm beautiful, I'm not ashamed to admit I look good. I know this to be true now. I might not be where I wish to be yet, but I've worked hard to get to this point and that gives me the right to love myself because for the past 2 years I've loved myself enough to change myself for the better. I am now more happier all around with my life then ever before. Yes I still have moments of self doubting, I believe that is natural. But all and all I rock my own socks .

you are definitely an inspiration! and i agree, you should love yourself no matter what. but i was just wondering if anyone felt more confidence. i know that sometimes we feel less confidence even when we look physically better, because there is always stuff inside to deal with too.

Yes I do feel a lot more confident. I was a stay at home mom for 8yrs, January of this year I got my first job in a long time because for the first time years, I felt like I should be in the work place, I should have friends, I should not hide in my house.

I use to hate myself which you already know this. But I hated myself so much and the things I had to deal with inside me have healed and I am a much better person inside out. The scars have healed and I'm better for it.

newhabit · September 2012

I am interested in knowing how everyone has felt since losing weight. Have you felt more confident right away or did it take time for you to feel confident enough in yourself? What have you struggled with the most in your new self image? How do you see yourself now that maybe you didn't before?

I did not feel more confident till actually recently. Or at least I was not able to see my confidence till recently.

I think for me what has caused me the most struggles is getting use to all the compliments. The good and the bad. I've gotten "OMG HOW have you done it" and the "Oh you'll just gain it back, no one loses that much and keep it off for good, you're doomed to be fat forever." I struggle with accepting compliments without making it sound as if I don't believe them. I'm finally getting better at this. Just yesterday I had a guy look me up and down and ask my why in the world I would be needing to count my calories. After I told him why, his jaw hit the floor. He told me how great I looked and without even thinking I was able to say "Thanks" without the usual "Psh ok, well thanks"

Another struggle would have to be my mind catching up to it all. Once in awhile I'll still catch a glimpse of the old fat me in the mirror. It doesn't happen often anymore but I have tried to let that be a positive reminder that, that is my mind not letting me go back to that place.

I now see myself as I have always been told I was, strong, beautiful, and able to do anything I want to do. For the first time in my life I think I love myself more then ever before and I'm not ashamed to admit I'm beautiful, I'm not ashamed to admit I look good. I know this to be true now. I might not be where I wish to be yet, but I've worked hard to get to this point and that gives me the right to love myself because for the past 2 years I've loved myself enough to change myself for the better. I am now more happier all around with my life then ever before. Yes I still have moments of self doubting, I believe that is natural. But all and all I rock my own socks .

you are definitely an inspiration! and i agree, you should love yourself no matter what. but i was just wondering if anyone felt more confidence. i know that sometimes we feel less confidence even when we look physically better, because there is always stuff inside to deal with too.

Yes I do feel a lot more confident. I was a stay at home mom for 8yrs, January of this year I got my first job in a long time because for the first time years, I felt like I should be in the work place, I should have friends, I should not hide in my house.

I use to hate myself which you already know this. But I hated myself so much and the things I had to deal with inside me have healed and I am a much better person inside out. The scars have healed and I'm better for it.

sounds like things are going so much better now! i'm glad you gained the confidence to work again and also dealt with some things inside, that can be the hardest part!

donnas144 · September 2012

yes definately. ive lost 15 lbs and feel so much better and healthier. feel like im making that time for me. also feel that im strting to feel like me. (prior children ish lol!). ive still got some weight to loose but its in sight now. feel alot happier

amberrr20 · September 2012

ive lost 16 lbs so far and i have gained some confidence. my belly doesnt bulge over my pants anymore... better yet my pants are starting to get baggy! i feel much more healthier and have more energy.

healthynotthin · September 2012

Running with a sports bra and walking around my college campus in just shorts and a tank top. That's so new for me!

whittlelauraann · September 2012

I still have a LONG way to go... but I finally sort of feel like a "normal" weight. I know I am not thin yet but I am finally see myself as possibly not the fattest person in the room, parent at a meeting, at the office. I don't know about confident yet but much less self concious.

jenjersnapco · September 2012

I am only 2/3s of the way but I don't feel more confidence yet. My skin is not rebounding at all, despite BodyPump and other strengthening, and I am so embarrassed by my arms especially. I wear the same-now huge-shirts to avoid my arms being seen. Thankful we are headed into fall and winter. Hoping that with time and more loss, the skin might recover a little and/or my pride makes me care less about my flaws. I want to be confident!

sarahg148 · September 2012

I can definitely say that losing weight and firming up does build up my confidence. I have a PILE of pants that once I fit into...I will be beaming with confidence. Once I hit goal I'll also be walking around in shorts and a tank...so that gives me until spring/summer to lose 20 lbs. PLENTY of time.

Can't also wait to run on a treadmill without things jiggling, lol.

DexterDarko · September 2012

Years ago when I was "insecure" I would rarely leave the house for fear of what people thought of me.

After awhile I stopped caring, but that's because I hadn't left the house in like.... 4 months....

Then since starting this journey, I'm a changed person, and I'm glad to leave the house and when I do the thought of other people doesn't even come into my mind. Perhaps I'll actually talk to somebody outside of my family in the months coming ... lol

newhabit · September 2012

so great to hear everyone's stories! it is amazing how it can change you. changing that feeling inside can be a different battle though. some of you touched on this but something i think changing that "inside" image of yourself is the hardest.

newhabit · September 2012

I am only 2/3s of the way but I don't feel more confidence yet. My skin is not rebounding at all, despite BodyPump and other strengthening, and I am so embarrassed by my arms especially. I wear the same-now huge-shirts to avoid my arms being seen. Thankful we are headed into fall and winter. Hoping that with time and more loss, the skin might recover a little and/or my pride makes me care less about my flaws. I want to be confident!

sometimes the skin takes a while to go back. sounds like if your'e doing strength training that should help... just might take longer than you thought.

hopefully you will see some changes soon

tlsegar · September 2012

I definitely notice a change in my confidence level. It's interesting to notice how I am much more chatty and apt to banter with salespeople and waiters. I smile more at strangers. I guess because I am not so concerned that they are judging me as the fat woman. And I'm only a little more than halfway to my goal. So I can only imagine what I will be like when I get there!

rjcelmer · September 2012

So much has changed in the way I view myself. I spew confidence 24 hours a day. I find it a pleasure to wear smaller, more fitted clothing instead of always wearing baggy things. It actually took a while to get used to how clothes are SUPPOSED to fit because I had been wearing huge things for so long.

I have confidence when speaking to people face to face. I no longer feel inferior when standing next to a "fit" person. I can also see the stigma attached to overweight people now. I see how much differently people react to me and treat me now that I am not 290 lbs. They seem to be more comfortable and engage in "normal" conversation when before it seemed like they would say the bare minimum so they can get away as soon as they could.

I walk around without a shirt and feel just fine. Because I am starting to show muscle definition in my arms, legs, and chest, I don't feel uncomfortable with sleeveless or tighter shirts or a little bit shorter shorts.

I look at 7 flights of stairs to get to my office as absolutely nothing when before I took the elevator to go 2 floors.

I feel great, I look great, and I can conquer the world with my new health. I have a little way to go as I want to continue shedding fat and building muscle, but I have nothing but confidence that I will do it and that I will look and feel better every day from here forward.

shelbyfrootcake · September 2012

I feel the same. Some days I'm brimming with confidence, others I'm riddled with crippling self doubt and neurotic insecurity. My clothes fit better now though so I'm physically more comfortable while suffering my neurotic breakdowns, which is nice.

OnMyWay4 · September 2012

I did not feel more confident till actually recently. Or at least I was not able to see my confidence till recently.

I think for me what has caused me the most struggles is getting use to all the compliments. The good and the bad. I've gotten "OMG HOW have you done it" and the "Oh you'll just gain it back, no one loses that much and keep it off for good, you're doomed to be fat forever." I struggle with accepting compliments without making it sound as if I don't believe them. I'm finally getting better at this. Just yesterday I had a guy look me up and down and ask my why in the world I would be needing to count my calories. After I told him why, his jaw hit the floor. He told me how great I looked and without even thinking I was able to say "Thanks" without the usual "Psh ok, well thanks"

Another struggle would have to be my mind catching up to it all. Once in awhile I'll still catch a glimpse of the old fat me in the mirror. It doesn't happen often anymore but I have tried to let that be a positive reminder that, that is my mind not letting me go back to that place.

I now see myself as I have always been told I was, strong, beautiful, and able to do anything I want to do. For the first time in my life I think I love myself more then ever before and I'm not ashamed to admit I'm beautiful, I'm not ashamed to admit I look good. I know this to be true now. I might not be where I wish to be yet, but I've worked hard to get to this point and that gives me the right to love myself because for the past 2 years I've loved myself enough to change myself for the better. I am now more happier all around with my life then ever before. Yes I still have moments of self doubting, I believe that is natural. But all and all I rock my own socks .

"Oh you'll just gain it back, no one loses that much and keep it off for good, you're doomed to be fat forever."
^
THIS...sounds like someone needed a slap in the face or maybe put a plug in it. Sadly I can put a face to that quote because I can totally see her (aka...my EX BOSS) saying something like that You look fantastic and I've seen you on many threads. YOU are an inspiration to so many people. Haters are going to hate always I guess. You should feel super confident because you have come a VERY long way!

secretlobster · September 2012

I lost weight in 2009 and kept it off. I still don't have confidence in myself.

elprincipito · September 2012

Nope. Weight has nothing to do with confidence. Unless you have lots of confidence even when you're overweight. You have to work on both separately. This is from my own experience though.

siggakolla · September 2012

i actually did it the other way around, i had gotten to the stage of basically hating myself and i didnt even want to look in the mirror, i had stopped going out on the weekends because i would always end up feeling horrible about myself.
then one night when my friend ,who I hardly get to see, came to visit and i decided, im not gonna let my confidence get in the way! for one night while she is here i will be full of confidence and have fun! and the entire night i had guys talking to me and i was dancing and having fun! all because i just decided to let go of my self hatred.
after that i really worked hard on getting my confidence back and for the most part its there! but there are moments where i see a picture of myself with all my "skinny" friends and i wish i wasnt twice their size! but i´ll get there!

lacroyx · September 2012

Some days I do. Some days I don't. I look in the mirror and see the old guy about 75% of the time. It's getting better though. In terms of fitness my confidence is through the roof. I do what I want and don't care what others think or say. However in other aspects of life, like dating, there is very little to none at the moment.

Clothes is another big one for me. Never cared about it. As long as it fit and covered my huge gut, I was happy. Now I am discovering nicer things to wear that I couldn't before in the past since they just didn't make it in my size. I actually care about how I look now and that adds to my confidence.

natymatos · September 2012

Oh I have to say that it has. As soon as I lost the first 20 pounds and I have a long way to go. I'm actually enjoying working out, which is new to me. I was unable to wear heels because I was so heavy that it was very bothersome on my knees. I feel like a woman instead of a slob. With only 30 pounds I've gone down 5 dress sizes, it has been quite the experience to go shopping for more fitted clothes. I use to always wear not only baggy clothes but I wouldn't accesorize, rarely wore make up. Now I enjoy fixing myself.

Weight has been a lifelong struggle for me. I use to shower in the dark. I figured I know where everything is, I don't need to see it. For the first time I was able to look at myself in the mirrow on my Eve suit and the lights are on now when I shower. So I guess I have definetly gain some confidence and my self esteem has gotten a huge push since I started this journey.

newhabit · September 2012

Nope. Weight has nothing to do with confidence. Unless you have lots of confidence even when you're overweight. You have to work on both separately. This is from my own experience though.

that's true... but i think for some losing weight has helped their self esteem and image and confidence as seen in some of the stories. but that is true that the mind issue is different and it doesn't always happen for everyone that they gain confidence. i agree that you have the ability to be confident no matter what your weight/body shape.

secretlobster · September 2012

Nope. Weight has nothing to do with confidence.

I'd say this is untrue for many, if not most. You could argue that "confidence is from within" but face it, feeling awful about how others perceive you is a pretty big deal to a lot of people, and it does have an effect on one's self esteem.

mshoneysmile7 · September 2012

I started feeling more confident when I noticed that certain clothes looked better on me. When my old clothes started looking baggy, it put a little pep in my step. I actually started wearing DRESSES this summer. Prior to this summer, I only work a dress to my father's wedding in 97 and my prom. And if I did wear a dress, I wore them WITH leggings. I also gain a lot of confidence when I take before and after photos. That helps me to see where I came from, and reassures me that I am making the right choices.

How have you gained confidence since losing weight?

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