What nobody tells you about losing weight
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Getting dressed in the morning thinking your pants look so small they aren't going to fit then realize they're actually big. Every morning this happens - still getting used to it
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This thread turned out to be totally motivational. These are a lot of nice problems to have considering where we've been.
Pulling my pants up because the belts are too loose when they're on the last notch
Looking in my closet realizing you have to replace all my pants. On the other hand looking at the prices and realizing I don't have to pay extra for larger sizes is nice.
Being cold all the time
Having to relearn what size pants I wear I just use the order online now actually have to go to the store and try them on.
Going to bed can be a *kitten*. Had plenty of padding before now it feels funny laying down and being bony. Thank God I have a Select Comfort bed so I can adjust it.
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Sorry in advance for the wall of text! Love this thread I've read all of it over a week.
I started at 285 and am currently at 227 (goal 150). So far the things I didn't expect/no-one told me:
- I wouldn't notice when I achieve something I couldn't do before until later (I was unable to walk more than 100 meters at my highest without getting shin splints, and I would have to stop at the stop of the stairs in the railway station to pretend to read the time table until I got my breath back. Recently I walked up those stairs with a fit friend, matching their pace, and holding a conversation and continuing without a pause, I didn't realise until hours later).
- I wouldn't be able to see a difference in the mirror, but would be able to in comparison photos and am able to feel it in my clothes.
- It will take quite a lot of weight to drop a dress size (I know this changes with the paper towel effect but currently even large amounts of weight loss aren't noticeable).
- I would become more assertive looking out for my own interests, but also less self involved. Previously I would never cancel on a friend, allow myself to be treated like a doormat, and even not sit on public transport because I felt everyone else was more worthy. Now I have the confidence to say no to things I don't want to do (and weirdly my friendships seem better I'm not sure if I was needy before, but my friendships seem to be much more chilled), and I'm quite happy to exist and take up space un-apologetically. In terms of being less self involved, I no longer assume everyone I meet is thinking horrible thoughts about me, or constantly worrying about how the world reacted to me. Now I'm not sure if I don't care, or because I feel less conspicuous I've stopped thinking about myself but focusing on the event or whats going on (it's so nice not worrying/thinking about myself so much)
- My overall mental health would improve, I'm happier, I haven't had a panic attack in almost a year (I used to have them daily), I don't feel worthless anymore and even though I'm not at goal I love myself as I am but continue to want to improve. I feel much less shame on a day to day basis. I had the confidence to start yoga classes, and even though I'm always the worst in the class, I'm not overcome by embarrassment and self hate.
- I would be happy going out without make up. Previously I would never be seen out without full hair and make up, because I felt I had to make twice as much effort to look half as good as everyone else. I thought if I looked even slightly unkempt I would be ridiculed. Now I'm fine popping to the shop without make up and hair scraped back.
Looking forward to the next phase of loss, not seeing any loose skin yet but am likely to have some!57 -
shelbygt600 wrote: »Sorry in advance for the wall of text! Love this thread I've read all of it over a week.
I started at 285 and am currently at 227 (goal 150). So far the things I didn't expect/no-one told me:
- I
- It will take quite a lot of weight to drop a dress size (I know this changes with the paper towel effect but currently even large amounts of weight loss aren't noticeable).
- I would become more assertive looking out for my own interests, but also less self involved. Previously I would never cancel on a friend, allow myself to be treated like a doormat, and even not sit on public transport because I felt everyone else was more worthy. Now I have the confidence to say no to things I don't want to do (and weirdly my friendships seem better I'm not sure if I was needy before, but my friendships seem to be much more chilled), and I'm quite happy to exist and take up space un-apologetically. In terms of being less self involved, I no longer assume everyone I meet is thinking horrible thoughts about me, or constantly worrying about how the world reacted to me. Now I'm not sure if I don't care, or because I feel less conspicuous I've stopped thinking about myself but focusing on the event or whats going on (it's so nice not worrying/thinking about myself so much)
- My overall mental health would improve, I'm happier, I haven't had a panic attack in almost a year (I used to have them daily), I don't feel worthless anymore and even though I'm not at goal I love myself as I am but continue to want to improve. I feel much less shame on a day to day basis. I had the confidence to start yoga classes, and even though I'm always the worst in the class, I'm not overcome by embarrassment and self hate.
- I would be happy going out without make up. Previously I would never be seen out without full hair and make up, because I felt I had to make twice as much effort to look half as good as everyone else. I thought if I looked even slightly unkempt I would be ridiculed. Now I'm fine popping to the shop without make up and hair scraped back.
Looking forward to the next phase of loss, not seeing any loose skin yet but am likely to have some!
What's the paper towel effect?
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What's the paper towel effect?
I've stolen the text from http://vitals.lifehacker.com/the-paper-towel-analogy-explains-why-weight-loss-is-a-1733478690 since it explains it better than I could:
The lesson to be learned is that fat, like paper towels, comes off in sheets. When you are heavy, you are big around. And when you are big around, that fat is spread over a MUCH larger area - just like that outside towel sheet. The closer you get to the lean you, the more each lost pound of fat shows, because it is spread over a smaller area.
While the outside sheet may only cover 1 layer of the roll, the inside sheet may go around 4 times. That last sheet looks like it gives you 4 times the results of the first sheet, but in reality, the results are the same - your perception is just different! And you’ll never see the inside, if you aren’t patient while the outside is coming off!75 -
shelbygt600 wrote: »What's the paper towel effect?
I've stolen the text from http://vitals.lifehacker.com/the-paper-towel-analogy-explains-why-weight-loss-is-a-1733478690 since it explains it better than I could:
The lesson to be learned is that fat, like paper towels, comes off in sheets. When you are heavy, you are big around. And when you are big around, that fat is spread over a MUCH larger area - just like that outside towel sheet. The closer you get to the lean you, the more each lost pound of fat shows, because it is spread over a smaller area.
While the outside sheet may only cover 1 layer of the roll, the inside sheet may go around 4 times. That last sheet looks like it gives you 4 times the results of the first sheet, but in reality, the results are the same - your perception is just different! And you’ll never see the inside, if you aren’t patient while the outside is coming off!
Wow-great analogy! Thank you for sharing.4 -
shelbygt600 wrote: »What's the paper towel effect?
I've stolen the text from http://vitals.lifehacker.com/the-paper-towel-analogy-explains-why-weight-loss-is-a-1733478690 since it explains it better than I could:
The lesson to be learned is that fat, like paper towels, comes off in sheets. When you are heavy, you are big around. And when you are big around, that fat is spread over a MUCH larger area - just like that outside towel sheet. The closer you get to the lean you, the more each lost pound of fat shows, because it is spread over a smaller area.
While the outside sheet may only cover 1 layer of the roll, the inside sheet may go around 4 times. That last sheet looks like it gives you 4 times the results of the first sheet, but in reality, the results are the same - your perception is just different! And you’ll never see the inside, if you aren’t patient while the outside is coming off!
Ahhhh
Thanks for explaining!7 -
shelbygt600 wrote: »
- I would be happy going out without make up. Previously I would never be seen out without full hair and make up, because I felt I had to make twice as much effort to look half as good as everyone else. I thought if I looked even slightly unkempt I would be ridiculed. Now I'm fine popping to the shop without make up and hair scraped back.
This! ^ I would NEVER go out without makeup and hair done when I was heavier. Now it really doesn't bother me.
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...the nuclear level high you experience when you try on a smaller size and the fit is comfortable when you were expecting "snug".
...looking in the closet for shirts you neglected because they weren't big enough, since they are perfect now.10 -
Feeling confident enough in my own body to not cross my arms over my stomach when I sit (as if it hides the rolls)...instead to sit with my arms resting comfortably on the arm rests like a queen! ;-). I haven't gotten back to this state yet (about 30lbs to go) but I remember what it felt like so getting back there keeps me going.11
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I'm only on day 6 so far, but this thread has been one heck of an inspiration to me. My biggest fear is loose skin, I am 6'4" and (roughly) 340 pounds so I have a metric snot ton to drop and I am terrified that I am going to look like a sharpei but that fear is not going to hold me back, thank you all for the inspiration.
Feel free to add me.
Ok, so I am petrified of the loose skin. I am 5'3 and at my heaviest was 260 pounds. I began 2/15 of this year and have lost 38 pounds so far. About 15 pounds in I started noticing wrinkly skin on my stomach, but it's gone! I know it might get worse the more I lose, but I'm hoping for the best. I have been drinking water and lifting weights and that is supposed to help. I let fear of the skin stop me for too long. Hang in there and keep up the good work! Btw I'm 43. I've read that age is a factor.5 -
Anyone else noticed that the effects of caffeine are more pronounced on a smaller body?! I've been having heart palpitations for about the last 6-8 weeks. They've been getting increasingly frequent and have even started to make me feel breathless. I finally went to the doctor to check it out. Turns out my heart rate and blood pressure are all fine - the doctor thinks that the amount of Diet Coke I drink (about 8-9 glasses a day) contains too much caffeine. Whilst I've lost 26% of my body weight over the last 15 months, it never occurred to me to reduce the amount of Diet Coke I've been drinking, or that caffeine would have that much more of an effect. Cold turkey here we come!!14
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I love this thread! Everyone on here is awesome!7
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I'm only on day 6 so far, but this thread has been one heck of an inspiration to me. My biggest fear is loose skin, I am 6'4" and (roughly) 340 pounds so I have a metric snot ton to drop and I am terrified that I am going to look like a sharpei but that fear is not going to hold me back, thank you all for the inspiration.
Feel free to add me.
Ok, so I am petrified of the loose skin. I am 5'3 and at my heaviest was 260 pounds. I began 2/15 of this year and have lost 38 pounds so far. About 15 pounds in I started noticing wrinkly skin on my stomach, but it's gone! I know it might get worse the more I lose, but I'm hoping for the best. I have been drinking water and lifting weights and that is supposed to help. I let fear of the skin stop me for too long. Hang in there and keep up the good work! Btw I'm 43. I've read that age is a factor.
It'slike you are talking about me. Almost exact same experience. I was also told lots of water, strength training would help, but also slow and steady with the weight loss. If you loss it too fast your skin doesn't have a chance to spring back. Slow and steady let's you skin spring back little by little.8 -
That you may lose your 'rack' and the tummy may be the last thing to go.
This has been one of the saddest parts of my weight loss journey. I have always enjoyed my larger chest size and now they have shrunk and I want them back but not the weight. I'll have to learn to live with it because I can't afford fake ones.8 -
You really don't change your shape. Meaning if you were an hourglass before you lost weight, you will still be one after. People have this misconception. And women thinking weights make them bulky.12
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girlgroves wrote: »Cold turkey here we come!!
Don't go cold turkey after that large of a daily intake! I had a friend who consumed large amounts of caffeine and he quit cold turkey and the shock to his system landed him in the hospital! Reduce over time.
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I agree with the boob loss... the saggy skin... Sad!
And... if you only "lose weight" and don't lift weights, you will look SKINNY FAT!6 -
But waking up with a little soreness is a WONDERFUL feeling!!14
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I'm only on day 6 so far, but this thread has been one heck of an inspiration to me. My biggest fear is loose skin, I am 6'4" and (roughly) 340 pounds so I have a metric snot ton to drop and I am terrified that I am going to look like a sharpei but that fear is not going to hold me back, thank you all for the inspiration.
Feel free to add me.
Ok, so I am petrified of the loose skin. I am 5'3 and at my heaviest was 260 pounds. I began 2/15 of this year and have lost 38 pounds so far. About 15 pounds in I started noticing wrinkly skin on my stomach, but it's gone! I know it might get worse the more I lose, but I'm hoping for the best. I have been drinking water and lifting weights and that is supposed to help. I let fear of the skin stop me for too long. Hang in there and keep up the good work! Btw I'm 43. I've read that age is a factor.
I'm 5'2", 52, and started at 248, so my numbers are in your range. 111 lbs later there is loose skin, but not as much as I thought. Partly because I'm on day 1243 here, don't know about genetics. I figured there would be more seeing as how I lost 51 lbs when I was 28, gained it all back and a lot more, and have been morbidly obese for almost 20 years. My neck bothers me more than anything and there are non-surgical options I may explore later on, but overall I wouldn't trade the loose skin for the taut if it means 111 lbs come with it. One spot that's weird is the inside of my elbows when I hold my arms straight up. Not a lot, it's just a weird spot.
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Don't go cold turkey after that large of a daily intake! I had a friend who consumed large amounts of caffeine and he quit cold turkey and the shock to his system landed him in the hospital! Reduce over time.
@FloraJL Thanks for the advice. It turns out that I can't actually manage complete cold turkey after all! I've managed to cut out the Diet Coke completely, but I'm allowing myself a coffee a day at the moment - just to keep myself awake! It's only Day 3, but the heart palpitations have reduced a lot at least.
(Sorry - not sure how to do the quote part of a post yet!)8 -
I am 62 years old and have lost 58 lbs so far. I am noticing the 'saggy' skin but don't know if it's due to the weight loss or my age. I keep seeing people post about weight lifting to help reduce this but don't have a clue as to how to start! I don't belong to a gym and doing all of my exercise in my house. What can someone like me do to start with weights or yoga (resistant) bands. The places I notice the most are in my arms and inside upper thighs. I don't have saggy skin on my neck, face or belly. Any suggestions?2
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No one tells you you'll be doing laundry all the freakin time. My gym clothes aren't gonna wash themselves but I also don't want to do laundry every other day either... Sigh... It's a blessing and a curse34
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How uncomfortable it starts to get when the only thing people say to you is regarding your weight loss. I loved the compliments at first but now it's the only thing we talk about. And I'm starting to run out of replies! Suggestions?
"Thanks so much! How are you doing? Tell me about your _____!" People love to talk about themselves.11 -
After loosing 116lb so far, the realisation that I'm actually quite attractive - not meaning to sound arrogant but when men first started looking at me I would check I didn't have something on my face lol and I took it while to get that they were looking at me because I looked good lol xx45
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I am a Guitarist and after losing a little over 50 pounds, my gut no longer keeps the guitar farther away from my body. Sounds silly I know, but the my playing mechanics have improved due to this one little change. Being thinner also helps with my confidence when I am on stage.46
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AdelaideNat wrote: »That getting older doesn't automatically mean you're condemned to putting on weight & being unfit ! At 48, I'm now a lean, mean, fitting machine instead of a pudgy, lazy, couch potato
I'm 64! And not dead... yet!! I had originally lost 46# during 2014-2015, utilizing MFP, then almost gave up this healthier lifestyle for a year. I've been back on the calorie-counting wagon (MFP) since March and have already lost 11 of the regained 30 pounds. What I wasn't "told" or even thought about ... some people are ALWAYS watching my weight for me! But, one of the nurses at the hospital where I worked actually stopped me and asked what I was doing to maintain my weight loss. So.... we can be an influence on those around us and not even realize it!7 -
rldeclercq4 wrote: »No one tells you you'll be doing laundry all the freakin time. My gym clothes aren't gonna wash themselves but I also don't want to do laundry every other day either... Sigh... It's a blessing and a curse
So true!
And concurrently, I tell myself I should buy more gym clothes so I don't have to do the laundry all the time, but now I'm out of space, and I'm still doing a ton of gym clothes laundry...
I think I need to go through my clothes and throw out the too big stuff again...10
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