Unexpected results of weight loss

My daughter and I got separated in the grocery store. When she found me, she almost walked right by me - she said "I almost didn't recognize you" lol!

Still have a ways to go, but I was pleasantly surprised when I flew recently and didn't have to "let out" every airplane seat belt in order to fit in them. In fact, it made me unreasonably happy to have to tighten them. (I hope this actually means I'm getting smaller and not that everyone else is just getting bigger! Lol.)

Physical:
- I can fit into some really high quality second hand clothes. The designer boutique is called "My Old Wardrobe". Silk dresses, leather skirts, pant and skirt suits, outerwear, an embarrassing number of skinny jeans... a small fortune.

- My body can do things now that I could never do before! Like carry heavy groceries or bicycle for hours without stop.
- I don't tire so easily. Even going downstairs to get groceries in the store seemed like such a task, now I do everyday stuff with ease.
- I've kinda replaced my food addiction with gym wares. Sadly all the athletic wear I bought 6-12 months ago are now too big. Even the undies I bought 2 weeks ago, went sliding downwards today.
- I can tie my shoelaces without tummy feeling like a big obstacle.
- Spontaneously I run at times where I used to walk (slowly).
- I've always had a bit of a complex for my big arms. Can see now that underneath some vanity fat, the biceps have grown!
- I can wear a custom made inherited ring my aunt gave me.
- Guys are hitting on me.
- One of my cycling instructors not only urged me to apply for a job in the business, but sent me contact info as well.

Mental:
- Feel more in control. I'm repairing my relationship with food. It's not a substance I should use to abuse myself with. Food is not a "comfort" in place of having painful feelings.
- I enjoy pressuring myself now at the gym or outdoors. I love the smell of the woods and fresh air.
- I'm a survivor that has been too self-reliant. Dieting has taught me that asking for help sometimes is ok too.
- The dieting process has also taught me to be humble and grateful for the tiniest successes in life and to appreciate when my body functions as it should.
- I'm kinder to myself. Even when I'm having bad days, I don't wanna shame myself anymore. Shame is toxic. I can't change the past. I can only change the present and the future.

Today was an eye opener for me. My daughter and I were playing outside. She likes to put a board on top of her skateboard and sit on it and have me pull her around, lol. Cheap entertainment. Anyway, today she asked me to sit on it and said she would pull me around. I said no way will I fit on that board. Well, surprisingly, I did, AND she was able to pull me around while I sat on it. Six months and almost 70 extra pounds ago that wouldn't have been possible. We had a lot of fun.

Ishii19 wrote: »

I noticed I spend more time caring for and decorating my body - caring for it in the gym and the kitchen inspires me to spend extra time rubbing on lotions, grooming, wearing makeup, adorning with jewelry - I'm not yet near my goal weight but happily I love my body again and want to treat it well all the time

I do the same. I've slowly started wearing more jewelry and I also wear make up more often. In fact, I feel weird without it on now, lol. Paint my nails more, too.

Mine is horse related. I've had the same horse for many years. I knew that it would be so much easier getting up in the saddle and that I wouldn't need a "boost" from behind if I lost a bunch of weight. What I didn't expect is how uncomfortable it is to ride for a long time. No more cushion on the saddle! I seriously am looking into getting some kind of pad. Oh, and the other surprise was how much more active she was while riding. I am sure she is thrilled that she doesn't have to carry the extra 65 pounds anymore, but she was almost running up the mountain trail last time we went. Bonus!!!!

Slashnl wrote: »

Mine is horse related. I've had the same horse for many years. I knew that it would be so much easier getting up in the saddle and that I wouldn't need a "boost" from behind if I lost a bunch of weight. What I didn't expect is how uncomfortable it is to ride for a long time. No more cushion on the saddle! I seriously am looking into getting some kind of pad. Oh, and the other surprise was how much more active she was while riding. I am sure she is thrilled that she doesn't have to carry the extra 65 pounds anymore, but she was almost running up the mountain trail last time we went. Bonus!!!!

Haha, YES, someone else with this particular problem! Hope you find a good seat pad. I've tried a few, but they were all too slippery for my liking. I also went from a 16" western saddle to a 15" because the previous 16" seat, which once fit me perfectly, now feels far too roomy. And I love feeling the horse have more energy, too. They're actually part of the reason I was motivated to lose - didn't want to have the horses carrying any more weight than they need to!



Got another one today - I was referred to as one of "the office skinny girls." That was such a weird feeling that I just had to laugh.

This thread made me laugh out loud. I'm just a third of the way towards my goal and I look forward to all these changes. The first thing I've noticed so far is that the top of my jogging pants used to roll down under my belly all the time and I was constantly pulling them up when I was out walking my dogs. Now they stay up of their own accord but getting a little loose so may stay falling down for other reasons soon!

I'm going to take a peek at this thread everyday to remind myself why I'm on my journey and not to give up. Thank you to everyone for sharing.

1. The cold feeling. For people in maintenance, does this ever go away?
2. People treating me more nicely. In particular, men have finally started to notice I exist.
3. I am more accepted in the Equestrian community, and I can ride a wider variety of horses. Also, my half chaps are getting very loose. I genuinely never expected to lose weight in my calves, thought they were mostly muscle, haha!