Lost 25 lbs and can hardly tell....
isign17
Posts: 23 Member
While I am thrilled and so proud to have lost 25 lbs, I find it so frustrating that I can barely see a difference. It hasn't really made a dent in my clothing size either. I know no one can even tell what I have accomplished so far. While in my head, I realize that I was just so overweight to begin with that it will take a good amount of pounds lost for people to notice, I am just discouraged that I don't have more to show for the 25 lbs I DID lose. Sorry to be a downer. This is the first time I've ever posted on MFP, and I wish it was a more positive one! Thanks for listening.
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Replies
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I usually don't post here, just read a lot, but I completely understand your frustration and thought I would share what someone told me. They called it the paper towel effect...When you have a brand new roll of paper towels you have to use a lot of them before the roll starts looking smaller. When the roll is smaller you easily notice when you pull a few more off. Noticing weight loss is very similar.
For me personally, starting at 254 pounds, others did not comment until I hit about a 40 pound loss. At that weight the clothing size didn't move much either (probably cause my clothes didn't really fit right and really weren't the correct size). Keep your head up and keep going, you'll start really feeling and seeing the results in no time.14 -
That is a great way to look at it. Thank you so much for taking time to post. I guess now that I've gotten the most annoying part off, now the next significant amount will make a lot more difference.
Thank you! 1 -
I was feeling that way very recently, and boom, I hit 30lbs this week and for whatever reason, that was the magic shift. I almost lost my pants at the gym and had to buy new ones. My family were absolutely fawning the last couple of days at how different I looked. Now all the clothes are different. I have to buy new underwear. I can't explain why, but that's how it went. Sometimes it's just a little more and BOOM!
Also, remember this: When we look at ourselves in the mirror, we are quite used to the image. We often see ourselves through a distorted lens.
Hang in there. 25lbs is a hard won victory you should be enjoying. I'm CERTAIN you're about to break through and things will be noticeable to you.1 -
Wow! Glad to know I am not the only one feeling that way. I have lost 40 and can't even tell. I have quite a lot to lose so maybe that is the reason. It just seems that when I have lost the weight of a toddler, you might be able to tell!1
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When you have more to loose, even a significant amount will not seem so, in terms of appearance. Don't let it get you down. Focus on what you have accomplished.2
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I understand how you can feel that way. I have lost 67 lbs and I logically know that is a significant amount. I know clothes are fitting me differently and there have been indicators that I have lost a great deal of weight but I look at myself and I can't see any real difference. I know that is just my perspective as I've been told pointedly by other people that they see a difference. I also know it's because I still have a long ways to go. I don't get down on myself and I think I have a very healthy attitude. I just have to keep my head on straight and continue with the good work that I have already done and I know that I will get there.1
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Stay the course! You're doing this for you, not them, and YOU know the work you're putting in and the changes that are happening.
Great work!! 25 lbs is not easy to lose!!1 -
25 pounds is amazing!! I had some of the same problem with you and most of the others. I didn't feel like I looked much different after a 25 pound weight loss, and I didn't really drop pant sizes. However once I passed the 40 pound mark then people started to notice and I could notice a big difference.
Just keep doing what you're doing, and try not to get to down on yourself
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It's important to keep in mind that when you lose weight your body shape stays the same. It just gets smaller. So when you look at yourself in the mirror you can think you haven't changed at all. My thighs still look large because they're larger than my tiny chest at the same ratio they were before I lost weight. My perspective is off. This is why measuring is great and also progress photos (so you can do a side by side comparison) are helpful.
And congrats on the 25 pound loss! That's fantastic and a lot of work!3 -
25 pounds is awesome. Just think of how 25 pounds of butter would look and give yourself a pat on the back for getting rid of that! Keep at it, it will all work out for you.1
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Thank you all for your responses! I know I have to look at the bigger picture and realize that it WILL show eventually. I'm definitely much healthier than I was 25 lbs ago, so I will be sure to focus on the positives and not the bit of discouragement I'm temporarily facing. Things can change a great deal in just a month or so. I'm so glad I posted here. I really feel the support! Thanks again!2
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arubalarue wrote: »Wow! Glad to know I am not the only one feeling that way. I have lost 40 and can't even tell. I have quite a lot to lose so maybe that is the reason. It just seems that when I have lost the weight of a toddler, you might be able to tell!
Yes - that is exactly what I've been feeling! But I guess the point is, we DID lose the weight of a whole toddler. So we are much, much healthier even if people don't see it. Less pressure on our joints, and all the other health benefits that come along with it. We may not feel it, but the numbers don't lie. And congrats on your loss!0 -
Stay the course! You're doing this for you, not them, and YOU know the work you're putting in and the changes that are happening.
Great work!! 25 lbs is not easy to lose!!
Thank you for that awesome reminder! Yes, I'm doing this for me. All that matters is what I've accomplished so far, and I worked hard for it!0 -
MissusMoon wrote: »I was feeling that way very recently, and boom, I hit 30lbs this week and for whatever reason, that was the magic shift. I almost lost my pants at the gym and had to buy new ones. My family were absolutely fawning the last couple of days at how different I looked. Now all the clothes are different. I have to buy new underwear. I can't explain why, but that's how it went. Sometimes it's just a little more and BOOM!
Also, remember this: When we look at ourselves in the mirror, we are quite used to the image. We often see ourselves through a distorted lens.
Hang in there. 25lbs is a hard won victory you should be enjoying. I'm CERTAIN you're about to break through and things will be noticeable to you.
You have really gotten me excited! How awesome that it just all of the sudden happened for you! So I guess it will be a very nice surprise when it finally happens for me. Thank you for that added motivation!0 -
Stay encouraged...YOU are doing great!! I am sure your clothes are getting loose by now...keep going girl!2
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I understand I am almost at 20 lbs and some pple notice others don't. I'm trying to lose another 58 I'm scared I won't get past 192 when i do bc a few yrs ago I quit when got to that, but not quitting anymore. You can do it we all can do it
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That bowling ball you're holding weighs what? 10 lbs? So you've lost 2 1/2 bowling balls!!! That's fantastic! Congrats1
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I get it, but focus on moving forward. It probably took 30lbs for me to notice the first time I lost, and 50 (!!!!!) For anyone else to notice.
This time I haven't seen much scale progress at all (and now not weighing in at all), and my shape is changing. I've lost inches from my low hanging belly and thighs. Oh and I'm noticing the very tops of my shoulders are sinking in and getting narrower!
Do you do any strength training? That's what's different for me this time- I started exercising right away and I'm 2 weeks ish into a strength training plan. It's not one that people will send links for, I just created one based on my strengths and goals. I always like having strong legs and loved the little muscle I could see when I lost before, so I do lunges and squats, planks and wall assisted push-ups to build my strength. I did 3 sets of 10 reps last week, today I was able to do 4 sets of 12 You might be pleased with your body a little more if you build some strength 1 -
I feel your pain - I've lost 27lbs so far and there's really no difference anyone can easily see and although I have to cinch my belt tighter, I've *almost* lost a pant size...but not quite.
I started off at 325lbs so I still have a long ways to go, but I don't mind that others haven't noticed yet. *I* have noticed that little things - like walking up and down the stairs is now easier. I have more spring in my step. I have less cravings for food and more cravings to get up and do something.
Now if only I *could* get up and do something...
I agree with clbortiz - it is definitely the paper towel effect.2 -
I have found that the scales shows the loss before I feel or see it. I'm down 15lbs since 4/1 - almost half-way. My weight was decreasing weekly which was encouraging- but it wasn't until I woke up one morning and as if almost by magic I felt much lighter and could see and feel the difference in my body. I think it takes the body and mind awhile to catch up with the numbers.... and BTW isign17: other people don't notice our change because they're all obsessing over their own bodies - LOL1
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I think there is power in before and after pictures. I've lost 23lbs and I did take a before picture. I got to the completion of a workout program and it was time to take an after picture. I avoided it for several days because I didn't think I had made progress. I felt like it wasn't noticeable. Like some people said here, you often maintain your shape and just over all get smaller. Well when I finally took my after picture, there was a big noticeable difference. But if I hadn't done that it would have been really easy to get lost in my own head. Even if you never show it to a single person there is power in putting on a pair of shorts and a sports bra and taking a full body head on picture. I'm also a huge fan of inches over pounds. So take those measurements. Congratulations. Keep going. It sounds like you are doing amazing!2
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I know exactly how you feel. I posted this in another thread but I started at about 260 lbs and am currently 209. No one has really noticed except my family. At one point after I had lost over 40 lbs, I confided in a friend that I had lost quite a bit of weight and he told me I looked exactly the same. A little tactless, but I appreciated his honesty. Stick with it and you will get there! I'm sure that pretty soon, we'll both be feeling like new people!
One thing I started doing is writing down my measurements and keeping them in a spreadsheet. I don't have my starting measurements which I'm kind of sad about, but it has helped give me another objective parameter to look at in addition to pounds lost. It's fun to see the numbers go down over time (I've been re-measuring every 5-10 lbs).
I keep telling myself that pretty soon, changes are going to be happening so fast I will almost be wishing for them to slow down (ALMOST!) The idea of what I'm even going to wear at different sizes makes my head swim.
I LOVE that paper towel roll idea clbortiz! I realized that it's probably the reason why it was so easy for me to gain the weight in the first place (past a certain point, if your jeans fit and you feel the same, it's hard to catch yourself).
Keep it up! It will be so worth it and keep reminding yourself of how big an accomplishment that really is! This is all for YOU!1 -
Next time you're at the store, put 25 packages of butter sticks in your cart. That used to be on your *kitten*, hips, arms, legs, face, back..... You get the picture. Now walk away from the cart..... Leave those 25 behind you and get a new cart, and start filling that one up too. No one else needs to know. You did that all on your own. Be proud of your accomplishment!! (Then go out the butter back in the cooler... It'll spoil1
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I am truly overwhelmed by the awesome support here on MFP! Thank you all for taking the time to respond and provide some encouragement. I have learned a great deal from reading all that you shared! I really do feel like I've gained a whole new perspective since I first posted a few days ago. Thank you again!0
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I get it, but focus on moving forward. It probably took 30lbs for me to notice the first time I lost, and 50 (!!!!!) For anyone else to notice.
This time I haven't seen much scale progress at all (and now not weighing in at all), and my shape is changing. I've lost inches from my low hanging belly and thighs. Oh and I'm noticing the very tops of my shoulders are sinking in and getting narrower!
Do you do any strength training? That's what's different for me this time- I started exercising right away and I'm 2 weeks ish into a strength training plan. It's not one that people will send links for, I just created one based on my strengths and goals. I always like having strong legs and loved the little muscle I could see when I lost before, so I do lunges and squats, planks and wall assisted push-ups to build my strength. I did 3 sets of 10 reps last week, today I was able to do 4 sets of 12 You might be pleased with your body a little more if you build some strength
brb_2013, No I haven't started an exercise plan, except for walking on the treadmill here and there. I do have a friend who just committed to a 21 day strength training plan, and it was amazing to see how much her body shrunk in that time. Definitely something to consider starting! I'm sure I would notice a bigger difference if I did that. I'm also thinking that it may take until I lose 40-50 lbs for other people to really see it. But at least I know I'm half way there! I keep telling myself I'm not where I WAS. And by the way - way to go on your loss! 0 -
I think there is power in before and after pictures. I've lost 23lbs and I did take a before picture. I got to the completion of a workout program and it was time to take an after picture. I avoided it for several days because I didn't think I had made progress. I felt like it wasn't noticeable. Like some people said here, you often maintain your shape and just over all get smaller. Well when I finally took my after picture, there was a big noticeable difference. But if I hadn't done that it would have been really easy to get lost in my own head. Even if you never show it to a single person there is power in putting on a pair of shorts and a sports bra and taking a full body head on picture. I'm also a huge fan of inches over pounds. So take those measurements. Congratulations. Keep going. It sounds like you are doing amazing!
I definitely need to make sure I take really good pictures. I don't think the ones I've taken so far really emphasize or show clearly how things may have changed. So even though the idea mortifies me, I may have to go the shorts/sports bra route. haha At least I know it could just be me that sees them. And it might provide better motivation since I could see the progress much easier. Thanks for the suggestions!
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I know exactly how you feel. I posted this in another thread but I started at about 260 lbs and am currently 209. No one has really noticed except my family. At one point after I had lost over 40 lbs, I confided in a friend that I had lost quite a bit of weight and he told me I looked exactly the same. A little tactless, but I appreciated his honesty. Stick with it and you will get there! I'm sure that pretty soon, we'll both be feeling like new people!
One thing I started doing is writing down my measurements and keeping them in a spreadsheet. I don't have my starting measurements which I'm kind of sad about, but it has helped give me another objective parameter to look at in addition to pounds lost. It's fun to see the numbers go down over time (I've been re-measuring every 5-10 lbs).
I keep telling myself that pretty soon, changes are going to be happening so fast I will almost be wishing for them to slow down (ALMOST!) The idea of what I'm even going to wear at different sizes makes my head swim.
I LOVE that paper towel roll idea clbortiz! I realized that it's probably the reason why it was so easy for me to gain the weight in the first place (past a certain point, if your jeans fit and you feel the same, it's hard to catch yourself).
Keep it up! It will be so worth it and keep reminding yourself of how big an accomplishment that really is! This is all for YOU!
Fantastic progress!!! I have no doubt you'll be seeing big differences soon. Keep up the great work! And thank you for the encouragement! 0 -
Keep it up! This is so inspiring to me that you're losing weight I'm not a success story yet but my friend once weighed 300lbs and she's at 150 rn!! But don't get me wrong she took at least 5 years for her to look toned and stuff I recommend doing some weights to tighten up your skin, maybe more people will notice then! Keep at it girl very proud! 1
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Google 5 pounds of fat. That helps me when I feel like I'm not making progress! You are doing great! Proud of you:)1
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