Since this is Jan. 1, I think that we will have many new posters or lurkers. All of us that have successfully lost a large amount of weight know how daunting it is to even consider tackling this task. I want to encourage those at the start of this journey by telling them what a difference my weight loss has made in my life. It is so worth the effort.

I hope that all others who have lost weight, whether 10 or 100 pounds will also post how weight loss has helped your life.

Here is my list, I will probably think of more later.

*Not feeling self-conscious in public
*Fitting in a booth at restaurants
*Fitting in a seat at the movies
*Not worrying about breaking chairs or toilet seats
*Not being jammed against the steering wheel of my car
*Fitting in rides at amusement parks (going next week and should not be a problem)
*Walking for long periods of time without getting out of breath
*Playing with my grandchildren- even sitting on the floor with them
*Not needing a seat-belt extension on an airplane
*Much easier to buy clothes
* I don't have to leave work ahead of others to walk to meetings. I used to do this because I got so out of breath.
* I can take the stairs.

*At my check-up all my numbers were good. I am hopeful that I have avoided diabetes and high blood pressure.

Don't give up. Find your way to lose weight and a year from now, you will be so glad that you did!

Congratulations and thanks so much for posting this. I've regained a bit and needed reminders.

Wow! a hundred pounds is such a huge accomplishment! congratulations!

I have lost 50lbs, and as you asked am willing to share too:

- I feel better in my clothes, and love when I can go down another size.
- My diet now feels like second nature, and I find it easier to follow
- I move so much better! I can walk, squat, jump, and play so much easier.
- people are really starting to notice, and for me that is a huge motivator.
- I have so much more self confidence than I ever had before.
- I don't have to worry about sitting in the both at a restaurant anymore
- because I am having to buy some new clothes, I can think a little more on the fashion side

This is only the beginning for me, I still have 100 to lose, and I'm excited to make it happen.

Congratulations Cheryl! You have done so well, and are such an inspiration.

I remember how it felt to weigh much less than I do now, and I want to get back to feeling better. In 2013 I was in survival mode (and did lots of comfort eating), in 2014 I am going to start taking better care of myself and feeling better (mentally and physically).

Congrats Cheryl!

What wonderful encouragement.
Excellent job! You should be very proud.

Ditto to all the above.

I can move without hurting now.
I have tons more energy.
I don't have to constantly adjust my clothes.
My skin and hair look healthy now because I eat healthy.
I inspired my hubby to eat healthier and he lost 50 pounds and no longer has to take high blood pressure meds.
I get out more and have made some new friends.
I don't break down the springs in furniture anymore...was getting tired of having to replace mattresses and recliners.
A lot less doctor visits.
My family doesn't worry about my health anymore.
I don't snore anymore and sleep much better.

I'm not as far as the above posters, but wanted to chime in. I'm down 35 pounds total so far.

My favorite things about weight loss:

-Being able to shop in any store I want to
-Chasing after my 3 year old and actually outlasting him
-Being able to carry my one year old in my hip (didn't so much have noticeable hips before)
-feeling a good after workout sore instead of a "my joints hurt" sore

I love reading your posts! We don't have to reach goal to reap the rewards of weight loss.

I have another one to add. I love crossing my legs now!

Very Inspirational. I am just starting out and have a long way to go. It is good to see people meeting their goals.

- I can stay living in my 2 story house
- I can go to the esthetician again (I had become too heavy for her table)
- I don't need to ask for a lap belt extender on the plane
- it's a whole lot easier finding nice clothes
- chairs don't crack or bend when I sit in them
- I can move with a lot more ease
- I like going for walks now!

So inspiring and encouraging. A great way to start the year!

I can relate to all of those Cheryl. (also my name. )

Some awsome things that I've noticed...

seat belts everywhere fit....with room
shopping in the normal section
I don't feel like I'm falling out of my office chair constantly
It's much easier to drive, not being stuffed in my seat
my sugar numbers have dropped like a rock to normal
i can sleep much better with no snoring
i'm able to do fencing (the sport) again
people are much friendlier to me

There's just so many benefits so far, even though I'm not at goal. I started feeling some of these benefits when I was still well in the 200s. Make the effort - there's just no way to describe how wonderful the rewards feel.

I love, love, love this thread. Keep 'em coming!! You are all so inspiring.

My life has transformed. However, while I've gained personally in some areas, I do face struggles in others.

In terms of gains:

- off BP and cholesterol medication
- am the fittest I have been in my life. I can run with 20-something year olds (I am 38) and like to run 6 miles a day.
- body looks fantastic
- hair, eyes and skin look fantastic
- I have more energy and feel great
- my mind is more focused
- people sit next to me. People want to socialize with me.
- I sweat less.
- I feel much more self-confident
- joint pain e.g. knees has gone.

But there have been challenges. And, while not wanting to discourage anyone, I will list them in the interests of being transparent so others can be better prepared than I was and plan:
- cost. I have lost 8 pant sizes and 5 shirt sizes. That's several new wardrobes. $$$$
- cost. I eat a lot of healthy foods now. $$$
- marriage and family. Priceless. I have still got one (just) but the energy and focus it has taken to lose 100lbs+ has put a strain on my family. I don't eat their food. I wake up early to exercise. I have red lines on things I cannot eat and/or must do. I sometimes get branded selfish.

Apologies if that got too heavy.

Here is a funny. At 281lbs I bought most of my clothes online. With weight loss I had the joy of buying my clothes in stores. But guess what? My current waist is 29 inches and my stores don't stock this small. So I am back to buying my clothes online again! Sucks!