Your biggest difficulties AFTER losing the weight (Pics)?

This was amazing to read. I lost a lot of weight (140lbs.) twenty years ago, and proceeded to gain it all back. Now here I am again. I understand so much of what you said about not being happy and no longer being the life of the party. I had friends that told me that I had become a b--ch after I lost the weight. I guess I was tired of not having what I wanted to eat, and being hungry all the time. I resented my naturally thin friends. I hated the unfairness that comes with having a genetic background that makes me gain weight faster than any human I have ever met. After saying all that, however, I would give anything to be back there again at 158 pounds. I'm older now and have rheumatoid arthritis. The excess weight makes it much worse. I took my measurements yesterday, and my hips are 61 inches! Five feet around!! I cried for an hour! So, my friend, even though life is different and tough, please hang in there. It is worth it, and no food in the world is worth going back to where you were. It's not all about looks, but health. You are young and probably don't think about that right now, but honey, time goes by fast. Take care of yourself now, and you will be much happier later. Find a way to work in some things you like to eat and don't be quite as rigid. You can still be successful and probably a little bit happier! I'm in your corner, and I'm going to need some cheering on in this journey myself. Thank you for sharing what you're going through. It has helped me, and I know countless others. I'm very proud of you!

JustRobby1 wrote: »

logiatype wrote: »

Last paragraph really hit home for me. My body has changed and continues to change (and I'm happy with the results) but going through this has altered my personality (maybe permanently). I don't think I'll ever enjoy food in the same way again. Just the guilt of eating above my goal is enough to alter how much I enjoy what I'm eating. People that I used to go out to eat with rarely invite me anymore.

I've always been on the quieter, more aloof side but becoming cold/calculating about what/how much I eat appears to have bled into most other aspects of my life.

OP here and I can relate. Other than the physical change, the dramatic departure of my personality from it's previous norm is what most people notice the most about me. Simply put, I am not the same guy I was a year ago. Not even close. This was not a conscious decision on my part, it just sort of evolved organically.

I am far removed from being the laid-back type, happy to eat, drink, be merry and have endless parties on the weekends. I’ve become a rampant control freak. My old self would not want to be in the same room with the guy I am now. I have no doubt done untold damage to some of the long standing friendships in my life because they were friends with a dude that now only exists in their memory.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to read my post, and I am comforted by the fact that so many of you found certain aspects relatable in your own life.

I can relate to this. People quite literally called me "the jolly big dude." That guy is dead. Now I'm driven, controlling, and not nearly as pleasant. I'm not sure I like the change and it's created a lot of strain in my relationships, including my marriage sometimes. I'm hoping that as I approach my goal and relax somewhat into maintenance that I can be the "jolly dude" minus the fat.