Does weight loss make you happy?

For me, weight loss makes me happy as I see the scale go lower & lower and my "trend line" in my report on MFP is steadily declining.

Aside from that, the happiness really comes from several other things. Most importantly, I find myself less & less introverted. Where before I would literally want to hide in a corner and avoided social gatherings entirely, I find myself going out more and not feeling like everyone in the room is staring and saying "look at that fat *kitten*."

I've been able to get up and walk and actually WANT to exercise whereas before, I just wanted to sit in my chair playing a video game or staring at some stupid television show.

Since eating healthier and losing weight, my mind is clear. It's hard to describe, but I felt like I was living in a fog before.

Since I stopped eating garbage fried & sugary foods, my skin has cleared up (not that I had horrible acne or anything, but I did get the sugar zits and oily skin) and my sense of smell has improved dramatically.

My "love life" with my wife has drastically improved. I no longer feel ashamed of my body (well, not as ashamed anyway) and I'm more limber & flexible.

Strangely enough, my OCD has really taken a backseat. I no longer repeatedly check light switches, stove knobs or door handles. I no longer feel the need to relentlessly buy things. I used to buy stuff, as much from OCD as from depression when looking at my health. Now the only things I have been buying are a few new clothing items here & there as I lose more & more weight.

I've been able to stop and realize all the good things in my life like my wife and our two daughters, and to appreciate those things more.

There's more that I could list if I thought about it, but I've rambled on enough.

I am thrilled beyond belief, because of what my weight loss allows me to do now, that I hadn't been able to do for years. 148 lost over 2 1/2 yrs.

Absolutely, in my experience. Physically and emotionally lighter. I didn't feel like "me" in my old body. Now I feel free, strong, my real self. That is liberating and a miracle. Like I won the lottery. It's a totally different experience of life for me: happy, content, at peace. Now I just have to deal with life stuff, not life stuff plus a body that made me really sad and kept me from truly living.

Here's the longer version. You asked for it. The dynamics of the relationship changes.

A good number of my post bariatric surgery buddies ended their marriages some time after surgery. Weight loss affects a lot of things including confidence and independence. If the partner can't deal with the changes, well then. Plus the successful loser may no longer want to be a doormat.

My marriage survived because my hubby is cool as in chill as in easygoing.

Co-workers weren't universally overjoyed. My loss might awaken their personal struggles and failures. Also consider how friendships change with reformed smokers and alcoholics who manage to overcome their demons. No more weekend drinking buddies. Smokers also don't need their personal failure rubbed in their face.

Then there's relatives. Some were so uncouth to suggest to hubby that I might dump him now that I am prettier.

And neighbours. A lady ran out of her house and asked if had cancer? Another neighbour just this week asked if I could eat ham. She had a treat to share and she did not wish to offend.

I respond to compliments, backhanded or sincere, with a simple "Thank you" and confide that it was very very hard. This takes the listener off the hook for any perceived failing on their own part.

I also miss the sisterhood of the plus sized woman. I see their struggles but any encouragement I might offer is going to come off as smug. So I simply treat them as honoured peers with valuable insights.

To those fearing I am on deaths door, I cheerfully respond, "No, it's all good!"

I don't give out much information on how I did it. I save that for MFP among friends.