Living Maintenance - What does it FEEL like to be thin?

I've been wondering this a lot lately.

Even at my lightest (10 years ago, 180 pounds) I don't remember ever having moments where I actually *felt* thin. I don't mean emotionally. I know that's a whole other ball of wax, and that will require a whole uphill battle of its own! What I mean is, what does it feel like, to live in a thin body?

Examples (that I'm sure you can sympathize with):

*I'm participating in a bike ride next weekend that has us riding over the San Diego Bay Bridge. It's a wonderful opportunity and should be lots of fun, but I can't stop thinking about the effort of physically manipulating my body, on a bike, up and over the bridge. The weight of my legs, the pressure of my...rear end...on the saddle, the weight of my torso in my hands. If you are a cyclist, what does it feel like to ride a bike? Light? Easy? Do you FEEL your legs?

*When I roll over in bed, I like to settle my hand on my hip and feel my hip bone. This is the ONLY position where I can actually feel it--about halfway over. Otherwise it's pretty buried! If I press in certain spots I can feel other bones. What does it feel like to be able to easily feel your bones?

I hope this question makes sense. I've been thinking lately that if I actually knew the difference between where I am now and where I could be--the difference in how my body would feel--I might be more motivated to actually get there! :lol:

Let's see...I used to be thin only last year so I know how it feels.
It feels great. I never noticed it until I gained weight, though. When I was thin I didn't notice how I felt running or my bones. Now, though, I notice "wow, I can't feel my bones as easily anymore."
How does it feel to be thin? Awful when you're not anymore :P

You can't stop looking in the mirror :lol:

Just kidding.

Actually, I do not feel thin. I did during my first year of maintenance, but now, more than anything else, I feel STRONG. I'm not thin; I'm musclebound. And it's incredible -- when I need it, I have the strength and endurance of two men. I can build and assemble large, heavy things all by myself. I can swim far out into the ocean -- enough to scare people who do not know me or my capabilities --- and swim back, ready to do it all over again. I can ride my bike for a hundred miles. I can pull myself up inside ceiling trap doors with no ladder. I could go on... and on... and on. Basically, I feel like I am powerful and strong. I can take care of myself in most situations and do what I once thought could not be done.

When I was not quite this strong (but around 10 pounds lighter), I just felt sexy. The only type of powerful I felt was the power I had over the opposite sex :lol: I felt light. Oddly light, at first, since I had not been that small in the last few years. I felt LIBERATED. Then, the "whoa, I really am not fat anymore!" shock wore off and I just felt hot.

I am not 100% satisfied with my body at the moment (eeh, 70% aesthetically perhaps), as I feel I am trying to find a happy medium between being fit, healthy, and having a life. I'm trying to figure out whether I look "too muscular" or whether I dig my current appearance... most importantly, whether I want to exert the effort it may take to maintain all this muscle, or whether to slack a little and thus be slightly thinner (fatter just isn't an option for me if I can help it ;)) It's very much a journey for me, even now. I felt my hottest last year and it's my fault I don't feel that way now... I tried competitive bodybuilding, which really screwed with my mind. And honestly... I kind of miss feeling THIN, even though I am in 80 times better shape now.

Basically, self-improvement, for me anyway, doesn't stop at thin. My body image issues have re-surfaced and manifested themselves in different ways. BUT... I'd take this body over being fat again any day, for sure -- it is one less thing to worry about. :)

One thing, though... if you lie in a mattress with too many springs, you feel them all poking you... hah!

Hitting my dream goal felt great. I say "dream goal" because my original goal was to get to what I was before I was pregnant, 155. Got on a roll and thought, well, no pressure, let me see if I can finally get below 150. Did that, and thought, well, haven't been 138 in ten years. Did that.

It feels great. I still have some of the same self-esteem issues. If it ain't my body, it's my skin or my clothes. For the most part though, I am much more confident, faster, can endure more, and not shying away from social functions because I couldn't find something to wear.

By the way, Nightengale Shane, I didn't even recognize you because your hair is so different. I love it!!!!!

It feels amazing. :) I'd never been a normal weight and had no idea I could feel as good as I do. It was like taking off a 122-pound backpack and walking away. Now I feel like I'm walking on clouds or with springs on my feet. Even after all these years of maintenance, I'm still astonished at what this body is capable of doing. Pullups! Pushups! Sliding through narrow little spaces! Energy! Wearing clothes I never dreamed of fitting in!

I used to think that how I *look* would motivate me to stay at goal. In reality, it's how good I *feel*. There isn't any food in the world worth trading this feeling for.

I truly believe that if someone who is overweight could trade bodies with me for 24 hours and experience what it feels like to be fit and healthy, nothing in the world would stop them from losing the weight. So many of us have no idea how good it's possible to feel because we've settled for mediocre and making do for too long.

In the end, all I can say is that it's better than any of us could ever imagine. Be prepared for the best surprise of your life! :carrot:

PS regarding hip bones -- I really could use some padding there! My hip bones are exactly the same height as the edge of my kitchen countertops and I'm forever banging them there, quite painfully. Who would have thunk? :dizzy:

Oh gosh, let me give you just one example. You get down on the floor on all fours for some reason, and to get back up, you just rock back on your feet--and stand up!

Jay

thanks for starting this thread! i really appreciate everyones insight! i have never been thin, I've been overweight since I was a kid so it's hard to imagine myself as thin. For the last few years, everytime I have lost 10-15 pounds I've always just settled with the fact that I could go no further and deluded myself into thinking I look healthy/okay enough and would go back to my old habits..
But this time I have gone further than I ever have before and I'm trying to stay motivated this time to go all the way. Congrats to all of you on your success! All of you are so inspiring!

I used to think that how I *look* would motivate me to stay at goal. In reality, it's how good I *feel*. There isn't any food in the world worth trading this feeling for.

I fully agree with that... both physically and emotionally, the FEELING is terrific :D

Hmmm.....I'm not certain I could be described as "thin" at 155+ lbs. Like Shane, I'm a little muscular.

What is it like to be fit? Pretty awesome. I can run with my husband and kids. I bike. I can deadlift more than I weigh.

What is it like to be a healthy weight? Pretty awesome. I still marvel at how much easier things are. I can do things now that would have been difficult 50+ pounds ago. The Metro in Paris would have been a nightmare when I was obese.

What is it like to see my body through new eyes? Pretty stunning at times. I was warming up on an exercise bike and I glanced down at my calf. Holy cut-like-a-brick, Batman.Or I'll notice my quads or triceps or delts....it is very very cool to think, "That's ME????"

I'm still working on some body image stuff and some binge tendencies, but I'd rather be working on them in maintenance than to still be obese.

What is it like to have lost a significant amount of weight? Well, everyone seems to think they have a right to comment on my body....most of the time it is supportive but sometimes criticism is implied (or heck, put right on out there), but I've become more comfortable and more confident and mostly I don't care what other people think anymore.

I've never been thin. Ever. I could post 43 pictures of every year of my life and in some of them I'm not overweight, but never thin.

That said, when I was at 190 a year ago, things didn't hurt. I didn't yell up the stairs for the girls to come down for something, I ran up. I didn't ask someone to hand me something, I got up and got it myself. So here I am - 35 pounds back on and knowing that getting it off is worth every bit of effort so I can experience that same level of energy.

And I really believe I'm going to get to thin this time. I think I weighed 145 when I was 14 years old. I'd like to do it again when I'm 44.

I don't actually consider myself thin, but I am much smaller. I still find myself constantly surprised, which is weird. I struggle with the clothing thing. I was out shopping with my DH yesterday and he actually said to me "Stop picking the large size, you are a medium" because that's what I keep doing. I still keep thinking that if I get a medium off the rack, some alarm is going to go off and call me out as a fake LOL! And this is a year later :D

I love the fit feeling I have. I can't get over how far I can run, how far I can bike, how strong I am. I just love it and have found that I am not ready to stop finding out how far I can go. I love being in a crowd and knowing that I blend in and don't stick out because I am large.

In the old days it was always "How much more until I am done" - now it is "How much more can I do?".

It's walking around and not having the slightest urge to suck in or disguise my belly :) Although, it turns out just 5 pounds was enough to mess that up :dizzy:, but I'm partway back to that point. It was really a lovely feeling.

I have always been thin and I dont remember how I felt because it was what I was use to being...I know I was able to run for hours and ride bikes and stuff..now? at 146 I cant do that...it is a workout! lol....I feel in pain now...the day after my workouts are ridiculous...I should have realized I was in shape! But I didnt pay attention...

I truly believe that if someone who is overweight could trade bodies with me for 24 hours and experience what it feels like to be fit and healthy, nothing in the world would stop them from losing the weight. So many of us have no idea how good it's possible to feel because we've settled for mediocre and making do for too long.

I've said/thought this SO many times. If I'd only known it was THIS fabulous I would have done it sooner. I knew it would feel marvelous, but honestly, I hadn't a clue it would be this overwhelming, stupendous, incredulous over the top PHENOMENAL. Every single day is like living in a fairly tale. I get to wear all these gorgeous outfits, I get to walk around full of energy, bouncing around, light on my feet, like walking on a cloud. No paranoia about who's walking behind me and staring at my enormous backside. No paranoia about taking up more then my fair share of space in the world.

I'm just going to copy and paste this from a post I wrote this morning:

"I wonder if it could be a case of you just don't know what you're missing.I knew being slim would be wonderful, but I hadn't a clue it would be THIS wonderful. Because it's surpassed any expectations I ever had. I never realized that it would encompass each and every aspect of my life. Going to the bank is easier and more enjoyable, as is doing all errands, going shopping, cleaning the house, doing the bills, going to the dentist, getting dressed, doing the laundry. You name it - it's more enjoyable - and easier."

Oh and about the hipbones, I've bruised mine many times walking into the counters. My butt hurts from many chairs because there's just not enough padding. It's okay, I'll take it!!!

Oh and about the hipbones, I've bruised mine many times walking into the counters. My butt hurts from many chairs because there's just not enough padding. It's okay, I'll take it!!!

I'd rather have the bruised butt from not enough padding on the chair than the bruises from the fat overhang bruising from chair arms when trying to squeeze in there! :D Don't miss that at all.

This is such a great thread. I have never been a normal weight either. I don't know what it feels like. I have no frame of reference. I was thinking about that today. I wonder what it would be like? Right now my goal is to be a size 16. Sad, but true. I can't fathom being any smaller. I love reading how great your experiences are being fit and slim. I can hardly wait to experience the wonderfulness of it!

I hear someone say, "look at you, you are so thin!".

I actually turn around to see who they are talking to. It must be someone behind me, because I do not consider myself thin at all. But, alas, they really are talking to me. Being petite has its advantages.

Like others above, I consider myself fit and healthy. Thin was never my goal.

How does it feel? Meg and Robin nailed it.

I remember my first 10 mile hike. I actually floated along the trails. I had tears in my eyes as I climbed the hills without stopping to "pretend" to admire the scenery when I was really trying to get my breath and keep from passing out. It was a very emotional experience for me. Something I wouldn't trade for ANYTHING!

I feel giddy when I go shopping, I can buy all the REALLY good bargains that don't fit other people. I can try on 10 things and choose the one I like the BEST (and I like all of them) instead of buying the one thing I don't HATE.

I feel ecstatic when my husband wraps his arms around me and the bends down and picks me up and carries me.

I feel grateful and blessed every time I pass by a mirror - it still amazes me when I see the person staring back. Is that really me?

I feel happy when I walk into a room and know that I look and feel my best. I'm not looking around to see if I'm the biggest person in the room, I'm working the room and enjoying being social and carefree and having fun with everyone there.

I feel relieved when I walk into a restaurant and the waitress sits us in that little odd-shaped booth in the corner - where the table is oh-so-close to the seat - and I slide in easily, with almost too much room to spare.

I feel cocky when I walk down the aisle on an airplane an I see the smile of my seatmate - that a "little" person will be next to them. UNLIKE the look of horror I am used to experiencing.

I feel a huge sense of accomplishment when I go places with my children. I can participate fully in the experience. Instead of sitting and watching, or waiting at the top/bottom, or taking pictures of everyone else having fun.

I feel like a purring kitten when I eat one piece of dark chocolate - slowly. Savoring the experience. And I really do not want any more.

I feel like crying, I'm so overcome with emotion when I realize that the best years are yet to be, that I can/will enjoy them to the fullest - spending quality time with those I love.

As Meg said so well, I may look different, and that is great. But how I feel is the real pot of gold at the end of this weight-loss rainbow :)

I'd rather have the bruised butt from not enough padding on the chair than the bruises from the fat overhang bruising from chair arms when trying to squeeze in there! :D Don't miss that at all.

Lori, I meant there wasn't enough padding ON ME. But I guess it could have been the chair as well. And yes, how I used to despise hanging over those chairs and stuffing myself into an arm chair. Just the worst feeling.

Counting Down again we are in sync. Everything you wrote I agree with 100% and have experienced.

DH and I went away with some friends last weekend. Time after time I was mentioned as being the "small one" of the bunch. When pressed for space, it was, "let Robin sit there, since she's the smallest." I was buying sunglasses, I asked for opinions, one of the ladies said, "yeah take those, they don't overwhelm your tiny face." And I am taken aback. Are they really talking about me? ME???? I get all choked up, but have to hold it in. They can't possibly realize what they just said to me and how much it means.

During that weekend, I finally let my DH pick me up. He's been dying to. He just swooped me up. And I cried.

Shopping, ooh that's just beyond belief. It's really hard to choose now when, like CountingDown said, every single outfit looks - fantastic. I no longer have to settle for the one that looks the LEAST awful. Could be why I've amassed such a huge collection of clothing. ;)



I feel happy when I walk into a room and know that I look and feel my best. I'm not looking around to see if I'm the biggest person in the room, I'm working the room and enjoying being social and carefree and having fun with everyone there.

I feel relieved when I walk into a restaurant and the waitress sits us in that little odd-shaped booth in the corner - where the table is oh-so-close to the seat - and I slide in easily, with almost too much room to spare.



I too have such confidence walking into a room. I know I look fantastic, because I FEEL fantastic. I am no longer feel intimidated and awkward. The funny thing is, there could be stunningly beautiful, young women there and even THEY don't intimidate me, because I know for sure that I am the best ME that I can be. I don't shy away from them, I am as friendly and open to them as humanly possible.

I can't tell you what it feels like to be able to slide into that booth. I used to have to cram myself in there and being so short, my chest would literally lay on top of the table. And I took up so much width on the bench. So embarrassing. I was so self conscious

I've been maintaining for 2 years now and it's just as enjoyable and hard to believe as it was when I first lost the weight. I feel as if I've been given a second chance at life. And yes, it feels better then any of "that food" ever tasted. :smug:

This is a wonderful thread, thanks to all you "losers" for contributing!

I am also one who has never been "thin". I was a normal sized child until puberty hit and I went from chubby to thick to obese. It is so hard to imagine what life would be like at a normal weight.

It is like trying to imagine myself with three heads.

Thanks again for sharing these wonderfully motivating points of view.

During that weekend, I finally let my DH pick me up. He's been dying to. He just swooped me up. And I cried.

That is so beautiful. I cannot even imagine my fiance swooping me up.

I know he is always figuring out if he can do it, I can see his mind working. Sometimes if we're in a swimming pool, he'll hold me in his arms and try and see how far he can heft me up above the water. I know he's thinking about whether he could lift me on dry land. I think he's worried how he would get me out of the house if there was a fire or something and I was hurt and he had to move me. He never says anything, thank goodness.

This is all really hurtful to think about. I try to bury this hurt and think positively, but I do feel sad sometimes. You and the other maintainers are an inspiration. I want to be where you are ... I WILL be where you are! (power of positive thinking ... and doing)

Another thing I can add-not seeing a belly when I look down.
I've never been so aware of my stomach until now, in a bad way! Before I could wear anything I wanted and not worry about flub sticking out.
That's part of it, wearing anything and looking truly great. Not "hmm, from this angle" great, but really great.

During that weekend, I finally let my DH pick me up. He's been dying to. He just swooped me up. And I cried.
<sniff> Now, I'm crying too. I know exactly how you felt!
:hug: and :congrat:

I'm betting it won't be the last time ;)

I wonder this too. I haven't been normal weight since my early teens and even then I was chubbyish. I did manage to lose down to 186 last summer, but that still qualified me as Obese by BMI.

Although to be honest after living most of my life over 250 for the last 15 years... being near 200 feels down right normal... and fabulous... I can't wait to see what "normal" feels like.

I was slim till I had kids (they are now 22 and 23). So...basically I've been overweight for half my life and I don't really remember how it feels to be slim. I've lost 40 pounds and honestly probably have another 40 to go if I want to get to that "pre-baby" weight and I had pretty much written off that possiblity because it just sounds so.....impossible, I guess. I was hoping for 180 just because I though that would be a weight I could live with and maybe it will be, I don't know. But the chicks here who have lost large amounts of weight have made me believe that yeah, maybe 155 or 160 IS possible again.

I have no idea how I will feel when I get there. I'm already feeling pretty sassy now; in fact, I got rid of a box of clothes out of the closet and came across a pair of unfamiliar jeans. Turns out it's a pair that my son wore in high school. So I tried them on. Mommy likes her new jeans! :)

I've never been thin either, I'm sure it feels great! :D

I've never really considered myself to be thin but I guess we have a warped way of seeing ourselves.

I can no longer sit on the bleachers at my sons baseball games for more than a few minutes because my butt hurts from lack of padding.

Shopping is an experience. Where I used to look for the biggest shirt (XL) to hide myself in, now I grab the size small and am always flabbergasted that it fits. I can't shop in the misses section at Walmart for jeans anymore. The lowest size is a 4 and they are cut too big.

I can actually count my ribs all the way down my back, I can see all the bones in my hands, legs and arms. My belt actually sits on my hipbone and not on a shelf of blubber.

People actually makes comments that maybe I should consider gaining weight, LOL

I don't think of myself as "thin", I think of myself as "normal" and sometimes I still feel amazon-y but that's because of my height, I think. I always wanted to be a tiny, petite little-thing, but that's not meant to be.

But I *loooooooooove* the new-found physical abilities. Love, love, love participating in sports and races and rides and all that good stuff. It feel *wonderful* to move my body whereas before it felt like a huge, horrible burden.

But I *loooooooooove* the new-found physical abilities. Love, love, love participating in sports and races and rides and all that good stuff. It feel *wonderful* to move my body whereas before it felt like a huge, horrible burden.

And you do all of these so fabulously!!! You are my running hero!!

Robin, that is awesome about your experience with your DH. Love it!!!

Physically, being thin feels like I always imagined it to be, I feel light, energetic, vibrant, truly alive. Psychologically, though, my brain still has a lot of catching up to do. Truthfully, even now, as a race-running, bodybuilding, size 4 wearing athlete, I still don't "feel" much different than I did at 290 pounds. Or at least I don't yet "see" myself the way I really am. I still get startled when I encounter new photos of myself, and sometimes I don't recognize my own face right away. There are lingering habits that have proven really hard to extinguish... unless I consciously inhibit it, I still turn sideways when I walk through turnstiles. And every once in a while I have brief moments of panic when restaurant hosts leads me to booths that doesn't look like like they have much space between the table and the back cushion.

I think it's just going to take a lot of time for my self-perception to adjust. I've been overweight since very early childhood and I've never known until now what it's like to be "normal." Perhaps if I had gained the excess weight during adulthood I would be better adjusted by now, but I was fat all throughout my developmental years and my attention was routinely brought to my body, my weight, my size... the things that made me abnormal. So I figure it's just going to take a lot of time for my brain to recognize and accept such profound changes.

There are so many wonderful things about being normal sized. Yesterday I put on a cute little skirt, it just hits the top of my knee. I haven't worn anything shorter than two inches below the knee in almost 25 years. I wore it with a size small blouse that was too small when I bought it. It is very fitted, one of those sheer type with the camisole that comes with it. I am old enough that I feel undressed without hose, but it was very hot so I decided to put some bronzer on my legs and go without the hose. I felt fabulous! I used to cover up even in the summer, which is over 100 degrees May-September here. I was so miserable. Now I feel so free, not afraid to show my legs, I can wear the light little tops. I move so easily. I can cross my legs and even wrap my foot behind the other leg if I want to. It has been twenty five years since I was this size. I had forgotten how wonderful it feels. I don't think I felt this good even then. I hated exercise growing up, so I never had muscles in my legs like I do now. I am in love with those muscles. I make my husband poke them to see how hard they are all the time. He laughs at me, but he is proud of what I've accomplished. I have been thinking a lot about how uncomfortable I was before. The fat around my mid section was the worst. It felt so awful, it made every day miserable. I would get sore if I stayed in bed too long. It is so worth the effort to make yourself healthy. Just do it, you will be so glad you did!

I have my thin days and my fat days in terms of how I feel. Toeing the top of the "normal" BMI range I don't think I can really call myself "thin," but I'm satisfied to be "normal." Here are some thoughts in general (both positive and, well, less positive):
- I feel strong now that I've been lifting weights for six months. My calves have muscles! Who knew? And I can SEE them!!
- Riding a bike will still make your butt hurt even if you're thin. And if you aren't a regular cyclist, it will still make your legs hurt and be hard to do. OTOH if you cycle for exercise, these things become less noticable! Exercise is hard if you're out of shape, no matter how much you weigh.
- Being thin feels COLD. :lol: Without all that insulation it's easier to feel the cold! OTOH I'm hypothyroid so my cold feeling was extreme because of that too.
- One of the best feelings I have is for DH to grab my waist or my ribcage right above my waist. His hands are big and I feel really tiny in comparison, even on days when I think I look fat in the mirror.
- Airplane seats don't feel nearly as small as they used to.

I think the best feeling I have now that I am a normal size is a feeling of empowerment. When I was fat, I would say things like, "Run a 5k race? I could NEVER do THAT." Now it's like, "Do a triathlon? Give me six months to train and I'm there!" There are all sorts of activites that now seem within reach that I would never have contemplated when I was fat. The fact is, I probably could have run that race or done that triathlon when I was fat, with the proper training. But when I was fat, I didn't believe that I was capable of doing it so I would never get started.

(Let's just pretend that I didn't say, "Run a marathon? I could NEVER do THAT!" yesterday . . .)

I have a few more added thoughts on how it "feels" to be thin:

1. I ran away from the camera unless I was drunk at my highest weight. Now, I LOVE getting my picture taken and don't even mind if people want to take spontaneous pictures of me. I don't need to suck it in or make sure I'm caught from my special "thin" angle. And I LIKE the way I look in pictures, too, whereas before, I was less than thrilled.

2. I get cat calls instead of cattle calls. At my HW, if I tried running or biking in public, I'd get some obnoxious frat boy type yelling something like, "HEY FATTY!" or "MOOOOOO COW!" Now, I get the equally obnoxious but more favorable, "HEY SEXY!" or just "HEY GIRL!! WOOOOOO!!! Wanna come to a PARTY?"

3. Grocery shopping is no longer shameful. At my HW, if I was buying lots of junk (even though usually it was for my ex who liked it more than I did), I was afraid of the checkout person thinking, "No WONDER she is fat! She's buying all THAT stuff!" If I bought healthy things, I was fearful of the checkout person wondering if I was trying to lose weight.

4. No more overshirts. I was once the queen of blazers and overshirts because they helped hide my love handles. I rarely have to worry about clothes making me look FAT. Now, some things do not flatter me the way I want them to, and some things make me appear bigger than I would like to appear, but nothing makes me TRULY look FAT.

5. No more back pain (erm, the knockers were a little bit too large... now, they are smaller, but a comfortable size!), acid reflux, or insulin resistance.

6. I used to think, "Ok, I like so-and-so-insert-name-of-Hottie-McHotPerson-here, but I'm not sure if he or she will like ME because I'm not sure if this Hottie McHotPerson is, uh, down with the round." Now, if I decide I am interested in someone who is not interested in me, at least I will know it has nothing to do with my weight.

And I don't have to worry about people in general judging me for my weight, which is nice.

7. I get cold easily. Sometimes, I get cold VERY easily. But I used to be constantly roasting.

8. I don't have to be afraid of showing some skin.

9. I'm hungry much more often. That isn't so much a benefit, but it's amazing how much less I could eat while fat even with the same activity level and still feel alright. Now, if I try to restrict my calories the same way I did at my HW, I'm so hungry I can't concentrate. But, since I know WHAT to eat, I can eat more and not think, "ohmygosh, I'm such a fat@$$, I should put this down now..."

10. I no longer hear, "You MIGHT want to consider losing A LITTLE BIT of WEIGHT" from my doctor. That line irked me because I was healthy in every other way (no high cholesterol, no high blood pressure, etc). But now, I hear, "You are so healthy and fit and have done a great job! I wish everyone had your habits and discipline!"

Now, some realism:
All my problems didn't go away just because I stopped being fat. My life improved for the reasons above, but I had to assist in making the rest of the improvements. I once thought the entire world would be mine once I reached my goal weight (silly, I know), but it wasn't. Some people started being incredibly catty to me once I lost all my weight, and others became catty once they found out I WAS fat once. I quickly realized some people in this world are jealous witches and immediately detached myself from such so-called friendships.

Sometimes, I am prone to depression. I still am, even though I'm not fat. I thought once I stopped being fat, I'd never get depressed again (since I WAS 23870347902374 TIMES more depressed at HW), but other circumstances in life can still be just as depressing or hurtful.

Still, I AM much happier and am SO glad I decided to change my life.

This is a GREAT thread!

I was naturally thin until I got pregnant for my daughter--in 1976. I've been fat for 32 years now, and can't remember how it felt to be thin.

It would be nice to run up the stairs with a basket of laundry and not feel like my lungs are going to explode.

It would be nice to be able to get down on the floor and be able to get back up again.

It would be nice to be able to step up onto a chair, stepstool, or ladder when I need to.

It would be nice to fit in just about anywhere. There are even some bathroom stalls that make me nervous about fitting.

It would be nice to have my life back, and be able to feel some of the things you all are sharing about. I hope it'll happen one of these days...

I joined because of this thread. It is incredibly inspiring to hear what it's like to be thin/normal/average weight.

I was actually thinking about this very recently.

I love the stories of women being picked up by their husbands.

I've been obese most of my life. It started when I was a child, and with my mom's help, I lost weight starting when I was eleven/twelve. I maintained for years, until I had my first daughter. Even while maintaining, I was still chubby for my short height. After I gave birth, my weight has been going up and up.

I can't remember what it was like to even be average, and I really want to feel all of these great feelings all of you are feeling.

Can't wait. But, must be patient.

( Accidental bump of an old thread. Oops! )

Hi Techno and welcome! :welcome3: It's perfectly OK to reply to an old thread!
This one is a goodie and deserves to be bumped. And how great that it inspired you to join!

Stick around with us and we'll help you get there, one day and one pound at a time. As you've read, being thin (or fit, which is how I like to put it) is a fantastic place to be. :carrot:

Techno - this is definitely a great thread, that deserves a little bump now and then. Welcome to the forum! :)

Gosh, I never saw this thread before, I must have missed it...but I am LOVING IT!

If I could sum up how it feels to be thin in one word, I would use a real big one like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

I didn't realize this was an old thread either. I loved reading it and seeing everyone's great stories.

I also was never thin when I was younger. I was overweight until I had my children, then I was obese.

Now I am what so many of you have said-- amazed at my energy, love to shop for clothes, proud of myself, an athlete, I show skin, and I am freezing 100% of the time!

I still don't see my body the way it really is. I think I am actually much thinner than I feel/look to myself. I have been coming to this realization as many people comment about how thin I am. I still don't feel it. But I sometimes have trouble finding clothes small enough! And I was with a co-worker and I admired her pants-- she showed me the label to see the brand and I saw they were a size 6. I would have sworn that she and I were the same size but I've been buying size 0's lately.


thanks for bumping the thread!

It was nice to see and revisit this thread again!!! If you ask me this is definitely a bump-worthy thread, but then again I think there's lots of bump-worthy threads here on the Maintainer's Forum. :)

I have taken for granted being naturally thin my entire life - eating a ton of junk, being lazy, but since I now I have to work for it, I really appreciate being thin now.

--I can squeeze through small spaces, behind people's chairs, without my butt hitting them as they sit
--I can squat down to pick something up effortlessly, climb on ladders/chairs, hoist myself onto counters with no problem
--I can occasionally indulge and SAVOR food, if I decide to splurge. and I can, because I watch what I eat the rest of the time.
--I hardly ever need naps anymore. I don't feel tired until well after midnight, sometimes, and I need to force myself to go to bed
--I have no problems falling asleep
--I love it when DH picks me up--believe it or not, I hate it when he does it, because I still feel "too heavy"

I really don't have the best body image. My mom always told me my thighs were big when I was 110 pounds and 5'5". I think I'm fat at 132, and even now at 123, I still feel like my legs are too big, and my waist could be a lot smaller. However, the exercise is helping my self image because I feel strong and healthy, as opposed to skinny and out of shape.

Wow, I am so inspired by this thread. I admit, I cried a little :o I figured I should take a little look at the maintenance section to get an idea of what I will do when I get there, then I saw this thread. I took some of the best inspiration and made a sticky on my desktop for days when I am feeling down. I will admit, to this point, I have mostly been focusing on how I will look better. I never realized how I would FEEL better and how it would effect my everyday life. Thank you so much everyone for sharing your stories. It touched my heart. :^:

Hi,

Just to echo lots of other people's sentiments this is a really amazing thread, older and newer posts!
This is all very fresh for me now, as I am just about able to say out load that I am thin - I am now 6 lbs away from my arbitrarily set goal weight, but I just have to make it there in my own head!!

The good things:

Pretty much all of the above, When facing a long walk or uphill climb somewhere, I still immediately think, crap I can't do that, and then a light bulb flashes, oh yeah, duh, of course I can, I can run 6k non stop, of course I can walk up a hill.

Hip Bones and collar bones - I love love love them.

Shopping, oh it is all so shiny and new to fit in little sizes.
Just last week was buying a Nike running jacket, and my sister was with me, they only had small or extra large, and I was picking up the XL thinking it might be a bit baggy, but could be ok. My sister was saying don't be ridiculous it will be massive on you, was walking away when she said, just try on the small...guess what, perfect!!!

Meeting new people, I know that the first thing they think isn't FAT FAT FAT - that's amazing...sometimes like the activity thing though the thoughts are still there that they will think it, and then the realisation dawns that in fact they won't.

So, lots of good stuff - it feels really, really amazing to be thin.
Still have a lot of negatives in my life, doesn't solve everything by any stretch, but yes it has done a lot for me to get thin - Yippee

Hi,



The good things:

Pretty much all of the above, When facing a long walk or uphill climb somewhere, I still immediately think, crap I can't do that, and then a light bulb flashes, oh yeah, duh, of course I can, I can run 6k non stop, of course I can walk up a hill.

Hip Bones and collar bones - I love love love them.


Meeting new people, I know that the first thing they think isn't FAT FAT FAT - that's amazing...sometimes like the activity thing though the thoughts are still there that they will think it, and then the realisation dawns that in fact they won't.

- Yippee

OK So I'm not "thin" yet, But these 3 things hold so true for me. Especially the facing long periods of activity. When my friends say they want to go hiking, my FIRST reaction is to dread it, then I remember how silly that is, I LOVE hiking and I'm fit now, so there nothing to dread.

I love my collar bone so much I think my husband is jealous!

Meeting new people is weird for me. In the back of my mind I still sort think they are thinking about how fat I am, then something will happen and a realize that they are a similar size as me, so it turns out they probably are not thinking about how fat I am...weird.:D

I've not been very overweight before but i've spent most of my life a bit overweight. When i'm happy with my weight and fitness the things i enjoy are

1) All clothes look good, everything suits me - same as others have said.
2) If i'm walking along the street i often feel a bit twitchy and want to break into a run because i've got so much energy (sometimes i actually do this and 'pretend' i'm in a hurry to get somewhere, but really it's just for fun - but when you're 40+ it's not really the social norm to run whilst out shopping!!)
3) Same if i'm walking up a hill - i want to start running up it because i enjoy the feeling that my muscles are strong and really WORKING and i can feel the power.
5) Not remotely needing to suck my stomach in to try and look better!
6) Seeing people look me up and down whilst talking to me and imagining they're thinking positive things instead of negative things
6) Sinking into bed at night and suddenly realising how physically tired i am, how comfy the pillow is, and how happy i am. That lasts about 5 seconds, then i'm asleep.
7) The biggest one really is having all positive thoughts about myself, as against all negative thoughts, it really does have a big impact on my happiness.

I'm mainly making this post for selfish reasons because i wanted to use it as as a motivational tool for myself so i can re-read it if i'm feeling weak-willed!
Other things that other people have said have resonnated too so this whole thread will be great to have a re-read when i need it - and maybe this is another 'bump' for new contributions?.....

I love this thread. I often read it over and over for inspiration. And it makes me cry every. single. time.

Sorry for bumping an old thread!

It's definitely a bump-worthy thread. I must have missed it in 2009, although I was on the boards.

I loved Robin's story of crying after her DH picked her up. Last week, I picked up my DH and took a few steps with him on my back. I can't say that it was comfortable, or particularly romantic when I dropped him. (Sorry, hon!) The Boy saw this (age 8, 52-ish pounds), and wanted a bouncy piggy-back ride where the "horse" stops every few feet and jumps up and down in place. And another. And another. And another. I'm so thankful, and happy, and proud, that I can play with him this way.

I think even better than the feeling of thin is the feeling of STILL THIN! :)

I just noticed that my first post on this thread was over a year ago...and now, a year later I weigh exactly the same as then. That my friends, feels great!!

I don't think I qualify as "thin" but I am completely struck by how it feels to be able to run and run and run. It really and truly feels like a miracle to me.

When I was morbidly obese I had no cardiovascular fitness whatsoever, and over time I realized that I couldn't run at all. Just ten running steps and I felt winded. The only time I EVER ran was if one of my kids had taken a tumble, and the dash to try to get to them terrified me. Most of the time, someone else got there first. I used to fall asleep and dream that I was running, only to wake up and find myself trapped in a morbidly obese body.

When I started running it felt IMPOSSIBLE. Just 30 seconds and I felt like I was going to die.

Now, I run and run and run and to realize that I'm running and I'm not winded feels exactly like it use to feel in my dreams. It feels absolutely incredible.

How does it feel to be thin? That's such a great question!

I'm just starting to enjoy shopping again...at a mall!! That means I have let go of a lot of anxiety. It takes me about six hours now to get fairly overwhelmed whereas before, stepping inside the mall had me completely overwhelmed. It feels great pulling styles off the rack that were previously off limits to my shape.

It feels weird to be able to fit through spaces that visually I should not fit through. Like walking between cars? Or between my car and garbage can where I used to have to walk around? Or fitting into our wing backed chairs?

And very little gets me winded these days. I out sled my children now!

My bones are taking me by surprise. I have to use the word "weird" again. Scratching feels weird because I'm scratching bone and that's going to take some getting used to. I find it creepy.

I feel so strong at the gym. I feel like I belong there. I really need to find some more social outlets for my love of the gym. Solitude is nice sometimes but I thrive on the classes.

Wow....I have had this Cloud 9 feeling since this morning and knew it was because I am loving what I am seeing in the mirror. I wanted to post about it and then decided not to because I did not want to ruffle any feathers.

But can I say, being fit and at a normal weight is AWESOME! I never ever wanted to be thin...I love my curves (the little I have left) so I am loving where I am at now.

My clothes fit, I look hot and I am no longer self-conscious. I am 5'8" tall and right now I have on a 3" heel shoe at work. When I was fat I would never have done this but being at a normal size - I am rocking these shoes!

Yes, I had a whole new language open up to me, and that's the language of clothing.

I can look in my closet with a certain base level of confidence, and when I select something, it's not simply because I look less fat in it, or because it's one of the few things that fits me.

It's because I want to look a certain way or say something in particular. Like, today I want to wear a very tweedy riding jacket, because it feels like fall, or it's the middle of winter, and I'm going to wear a bright yellow cashmere sweater, because I'm longing for the sun, or today I feel slinky & urban, and want to be all in black, or I just ironed a crisp white shirt & I have a Victorian brooch I haven't worn in a while.

I can do all this -- I can play paper doll with myself -- because finally I live up to the image that I had in my head.

It's nice to have all those possibilities open up beyond basic cleanliness, neatness, a sort of inobtrusive decency.

Wow, this thread is fantastic. It's given me a ton of motivation.

Saef, that's one of the things I want the most...to be able to wear whatever I want and not worry about it flattering me. Cute little skirts and dresses, stockings, leggings, jean shorts (a big one for me, I haven't been able to wear shorts since elementary school), heels without feeling like I'm going to die from the pressure on my toes or the fear of teetering over. I want to just throw on whatever I want. I also want to be able to wear light clothes in summer. I've worn jeans and long sleeves in 100 degree California July! Talk about miserable.

I'm short, so I want to feel small and petite and bouncy and cute...something that I've never felt but have always been envious of. I always thought I was doomed to be fat, but I realize now that I can be all of those things, and I will be!

Im sorry but i had to bump this. Ive been struggling so much the last 2 months to get back into the gym so i havent lost anything and now that ive been better ive lost 10lbs in 2 weeks. Its amazing to hear how you guys feel. Im 21 and hate when people ask if i want to go to 6flags because i wont fit into the seats and obv wont tell them that or when people have bbqs and i feel like im sweating to death or always wearing dark colors. I want to know what its like to wear a pair of shorts and tank top out in public and feel good about yourself. to know what it feels like walking into the gym and not thinking people are staring out you. I just want to be a normal young lady and its fab to hear you guys saying all the things i want. Ive only lost 30lbs and i already feel the physical difference i just hope i can stay on track!

I think I would amend this question for me to ask: What does it feel like to be fit and toned? Never, ever in my 39 years on this Earth have I ever been proud or happy with my physique. My self-esteem has always been in the toilet, lol. It's a wonder that I managed to let my hubby in to my dark place.

I'm still hoping to be at 15% body fat eventually but I'm happy with the progress I've made thus far. I never thought at my age I'd get to 18% body fat or be 117 lbs. I haven't been this small since I was like 14 years old, lol.

I am so much more self-confident in how I look and my marriage has blossomed b/c of it. I'm an overall happier person and I no longer dread turning forty.

I guess I owe it all to my late mom. Because of the horrible way she died from terminal cancer from not taking care of herself, that propelled me to want to do something once and for all.

*gazes heavenward and waves* "So..thanks, Mommy. Love you and hope you are proud of the healthy, vibrant, active woman I have become. Miss you like crazy. YOU. DID. NOT. DIE. IN. VAIN." :)

For me, a lot of it is about NOT feeling self-conscious. Sometimes I have to get up and speak in front of people for my job and now I always notice the absence of the worries I used to have about what people were thinking about me. Were they thinking "Look how fat this woman is. She must be stupid and lazy." Were they looking at my clothes and thinking I was too big to wear what I'm wearing or that my belly rolls were showing through my shirts? Were they dismissing everything I said because I was fat?

Now I don't think about what I look like when I get up in front of people *at all* and I can focus on what I'm saying and connecting with the audience. It's really amazing.

Shopping with friends is a great feeling too. I have always loved shopping- even when I was relegated to The Avenue and Lane Bryant. Now, I can finally go shopping with my girlfriends and try things on and come out and show it to them and have them say "Ooooh, that looks great!" And I can do the same for them. I love this and I feel like I missed out on it for all my life until now.

I really do look in the mirror and love what I see. I'm not perfect- I have cellulite and stretch marks. But I feel like I'm average. Nobody is going to look at me and think anything about my weight. I feel like they can finally just see me as a person and not a fat suit.

I concur with the hip bones and ribs and other knobby bones I never knew I had, they're fascinating. Collarbones especially. And shoulder muscles! How cool is that. When I was fat, I could lay on my back in bed, lace my fingers on my belly, let my arms hang down and my elbows wouldn't be resting on the bed because my belly was so big. Now, I can rest my elbows on the bed and lace my fingers together and it makes a big arch over my body into which I could fit another me! It's really crazy. Also, I can't stop looking at myself in mirrors. Some people might think it's vain, but I don't care. I've worked damned hard for this and I'm going to enjoy it and let it really sink in!

Im sorry but i had to bump this. ... i just hope i can stay on track!

"Don't hope, do". "Make a plan, write it down". "write before you bite"."hard to go off plan when you have one". I remember reading these mottos when losing and how they have become second naturre to me now. A good ingrained habit. I have made my upcoming meals for our annual family jaunt to the beach- a 12 hour car ride! While losing, I lost when I traveled. While maintaining, I maintain while traveling. Both phases required pre-planning. I know what I am getting when we stop at Chick Fil A. No guessing. A lot of this is auto pilot that requires a small bit of time. Not so in the beginning. The initial discomfort of learning something new has paid off for me later on.

What do I get from this planning- food peace and a thin body. One I am quite happy with while wearing a bathing suit on the shore. Not a bad trade off.

Might I suggest diethobby as a place to get some tips from too? The more you read and learn, the easier it will be for you to formulate a plan for life that you can follow.

Feels like a lot of pressure to stay that way lol. No but I feel younger. I feel like a teen. I can jump so high and get through a workout so much better. St my heaviest I was 180's and I was pregnant. Not pregnant (post-natal) I was 165. And my smallest as an adult I was 130. But I looked 115. Not sure why having more muscle makes me weigh so much and look so tiny. Like my current avatar pic. It was taken today and Im 140lbs now.

Feels like a lot of pressure to stay that way lol. No but I feel younger. I feel like a teen. I can jump so high and get through a workout so much better. St my heaviest I was 180's and I was pregnant. Not pregnant (post-natal) I was 165. And my smallest as an adult I was 130. But I looked 115. Not sure why having more muscle makes me weigh so much and look so tiny. Like my current avatar pic. It was taken today and Im 140lbs now.


Wow, you look amazing. My sister is your exact height and weight and people always think she's like twenty lbs. lighter, lol. I think muscle makes you look tiny b/c it's lean muscle mass as opposed to fat which is kind of blobby looking. People always think I'm like 10 lbs. lighter than I am because I'm kind of 'compact', lol. I once saw a Dr. Oz show where he had five lbs. of fat and compared it to five lbs. of muscle and the difference was...staggering. What an eye-opener. Congrats on the weight loss so far. :)

Wow, you look amazing. My sister is your exact height and weight and people always think she's like twenty lbs. lighter, lol. I think muscle makes you look tiny b/c it's lean muscle mass as opposed to fat which is kind of blobby looking. People always think I'm like 10 lbs. lighter than I am because I'm kind of 'compact', lol. I once saw a Dr. Oz show where he had five lbs. of weight and compared it to five lbs. of muscle and the difference was...staggering. What an eye-opener. Congrats on the weight loss so far. :)

Thanks. I am struggling as well. I am a binge eater..sadly. And I have IBS with constipation. So I am a laxative abuser unintentionally. Its so hard to stay small. Just keep at the working out. That seems to make me smaller as I bloat lol.

What do I get from this planning- food peace and a thin body.
One I am quite happy with while wearing a bathing suit on the shore.
Not a bad trade off.

Might I suggest diethobby as a place to get some tips from too?
The more you read and learn, the easier it will be
for you to formulate a plan for life that you can follow.
Congratulations Karen on your successful maintenance,:hug:
and thanks for liking my website, diethobby.

What a great thread! I particularly relate to this post:


I used to think that how I *look* would motivate me to stay at goal. In reality, it's how good I *feel*. There isn't any food in the world worth trading this feeling for.

I truly believe that if someone who is overweight could trade bodies with me for 24 hours and experience what it feels like to be fit and healthy, nothing in the world would stop them from losing the weight. So many of us have no idea how good it's possible to feel because we've settled for mediocre and making do for too long.

I totally, totally agree with this! :carrot:

^bump

Love love love this thread.

I've never been particularly thin, but at 135 lbs I was mostly solid muscle and used to get nice comments from random people like "wow, are you an athlete?"

But more importantly, I used to wake up each morning much more eager to start my day. Being satisfied with my body gives me freedom to not think about it at all. That's what I miss, that happy freedom.

What does it feel like to be thin?

I feel broke!! Hahaha..since I've been spending my ALL my money on new clothes. I think for once in my life, I'm a shopaholic!

What does it feel like to be thin?

I feel broke!! Hahaha..since I've been spending my ALL my money on new clothes. I think for once in my life, I'm a shopaholic!

I used to be a real clothes horse when I was fat. I was so excited to find anything nice in my size, I felt I had to buy it. All the fancy clothes, expensive shoes and meticulous grooming masked a real lack of confidence. Now that I can walk into virtually any store and find lots of things that will fit me and look great, I don't really care about clothes any more.

But I'm still broke, because now I spend all my money on fitness gear, gym memberships, workout DVDs, kettlebells and other assorted fitness toys...

:boxing: :ebike: :strong:

But I'm still broke, because now I spend all my money on fitness gear, gym memberships, workout DVDs, kettlebells and other assorted fitness toys...

:boxing: :ebike: :strong:

Same here, I constantly find myself lurking in the fitness section of shops.

Same here, I constantly find myself lurking in the fitness section of shops.

Heh. :cool:

I just stumbled upon this thread, and wow is it inspirational!! It's such a feel-good read.

What does it feel like to be thin...well, I don't feel "thin" in the least bit probably because I'm 5'9 and always felt like a "big girl" regardless of my size, but I do know that I feel healthy and slender.

My DH and I were at a party last week and someone I haven't seen in a year came up to me, gave me a hug and said, "You are sooo tiny!!" That completely blew me away because the person who said it is 5'3 and super tiny, so for her to say that her 5'9 behemoth friend was tiny was really a big deal for me, lol!

Here are some things I have noticed about being "thinner":

** I no longer sweat for no reason (and wonder why the **** I am sweating). I remember being at my aunt's wedding 6 years ago in May and I was sweating profusely...and I wasn't even moving. I was so freaked out and I didn't know what the heck was going on. Now that I look back, I realize that I was sweating because I was fat and I didn't even know it.

**I don't have to take off my winter coat when I am running errands because it doesn't make me profusely hot. The winter coat came off immediately after stepping into a store when I was overweight.

**I can now run. And I like it. And I feel like my body can do anything I ask of it.

**I am no longer nervous to eat a lot of food in front of people. At the party I was at last weekend I ate two plates and was the first person to grab a piece of pumpkin pie. And I didn't feel badly about it at all

**Clothes shopping is awesome. I am no longer limited to overly-big-patterned moo-moo shirts that I can't stand but have to wear because that's all there is. I love grabbing a medium and doing a double-take when I see the tag. XXL used to be my homey.

**Most of all, I just love the confidence that comes from being thinner and feeling healthy. It's not a cockiness, but more of a "whew, I feel good, and I am proud of myself, so I am going to hold my head high." I am nicer to myself which in turn makes me nicer to others.

**I am no longer nervous to eat a lot of food in front of people. At the party I was at last weekend I ate two plates and was the first person to grab a piece of pumpkin pie. And I didn't feel badly about it at all

**Clothes shopping is awesome. I am no longer limited to overly-big-patterned moo-moo shirts that I can't stand but have to wear because that's all there is. I love grabbing a medium and doing a double-take when I see the tag. XXL used to be my homey.

**Most of all, I just love the confidence that comes from being thinner and feeling healthy. It's not a cockiness, but more of a "whew, I feel good, and I am proud of myself, so I am going to hold my head high." I am nicer to myself which in turn makes me nicer to others.

I love those reasons of you!!!

What a great thread! I loved reading some of the responses. :coffee:

I'm not what I'd consider thin but I'm certainly a lot thinner than where I started. Things I've noticed (and many of which I've already posted about here :lol:) are:

- so many bones! I keep poking myself and I just feel angular

- Airplane seats are comfortable, who would have thought!?! :lol:

- Clothes still don't always fit the way I want still but I can find cheaper, normal-sized clothes and get them altered so that they DO fit.

- My body isn't perfect. I have stretch marks and loose skin BUT I look way better in clothes and don't feel as limited. It's like I've removed the heaviest jacket in the world.

- I look in mirrors way too often.

- SO MUCH MORE CONFIDENCE

- I've started wearing make-up again and dressing up more

- I don't feel embarrassed anymore at the pool when I take my cover-up off and am wearing my bikini underneath.

- I get treated better (I have to say while it's nice to get treated better it makes me really sad that that means I was treated worse/ignored more in stores etc when I was heavier and that others have to deal with that. People shouldn't be treated differently according to their appearance :( ).

Not thin, but love being at a weight where I don't have to think about "being fat" haunting my thoughts. So many years my first thought on waking was taking an inventory of my fatness so I'd know what to wear.

Not thin, but love being at a weight where I don't have to think about "being fat" haunting my thoughts. So many years my first thought on waking was taking an inventory of my fatness so I'd know what to wear.

Ouch! I used to do that too - I'd almost forgotten about it.

:hug:

This thread should be stickied. So motivating and inspirational!!

I just started school in the fall to become an X-ray technologist. This is the first group of people I've gotten to know that didn't know the bigger version of me. Knowing how to handle all different body shapes and sizes is obviously a big part of the job, and every time I am used as an example in class, it is because I am so SMALL. It makes me smile every single time!!

And another thing about this job.. it is very physically demanding. I don't think I could have done it 55 lbs heavier. In fact, my new career choice has been and continues to be a motivator to lose weight. It feels really good to have the energy to give my patients the care they deserve. :)

This thread should be stickied. So motivating and inspirational!!

I just started school in the fall to become an X-ray technologist. This is the first group of people I've gotten to know that didn't know the bigger version of me. Knowing how to handle all different body shapes and sizes is obviously a big part of the job, and every time I am used as an example in class, it is because I am so SMALL. It makes me smile every single time!!

And another thing about this job.. it is very physically demanding. I don't think I could have done it 55 lbs heavier. In fact, my new career choice has been and continues to be a motivator to lose weight. It feels really good to have the energy to give my patients the care they deserve. :)

That's fantastic! I'm going to school to be a COTA, and there are a lot of physical demands as well. It absolutely motivates me to keep losing! :D

Love this thread! I hope we get more responses for those who have conquered this aspect of their life, motivates me every time I read here :)

I love that I can get more done because I have so much more energy and I no longer hit that wall at 2-3 PM like I used to.

I love that reaching for something I've dropped or climbing on a stepladder to get something down out of a high cupboard is effortless now.

I love that I am no longer dripping with perspiration all the time and having to decline activities based on how much I might sweat.

I love that I can dance again. DH and I are going to dance at the Christmas party tonight.

I love that we are even GOING to the Christmas party. In years past we just didn't go because I was too fat.

I love that I no longer get "the look" from DH every time I eat. This behavior almost caused a divorce; the underlying problem is still there (hatred of fat people and disrespect of me) but at least this particular conflict is gone. - Though that's NOT why I chose to lose the weight!

I love that I can wear warm fuzzy sweaters (because I really NEED to these days; I am constantly cold) without looking like a pincushion.

I love that I can shop more easily and I have a LOT more choices these days than I used to.

I love waking up every morning feeling energetic and positive.

I love looking slim and feeling confident in jeans and pants.

I love that I no longer have to pass up physical activities, like climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, because I think I won't be able to keep up.

I love that I no longer have to feel apologetic about, or over-compensate for, my weight.

I love that people assume I'm naturally athletic.

I love looking forward to a challenging workout.

I love having the stamina to snow-shoe or hike for 22km (about 13.5 miles), and looking forward to getting up and doing it again the next day.

I love it when my colleagues ask about my holiday plans, then say, "Wow - you must be fit!"

I love no longer dreading holiday weight gain.

I love being able to walk up several flights of stairs without getting out of breath.

I love being able to participate in conversations about exercise instead of just smiling politely.

I love buying new workout stuff.

I love finding new physical activities that I can actually do.

I love it that my natural walking pace is "very brisk" instead of "ploddingly slow".

I love being able to walk into any store knowing that there will be lots of nice clothes that will fit me.

I love that I no longer have to dress to hide my "flaws".

I love it when my husband compliments my butt, or muscles, or secretly checks me out when I'm getting changed.

I love feeling strong, light, agile and fit.

I love being confident, instead of telling myself I'm confident.

I love being able to say that I'm hungry, or eat a cookie, without feeling that people are judging me.

I love coming across a children's playground in a park and sliding down the slippery dip and playing on the climbing equipment.

I love putting my hand on my hip and feeling muscle there - instead of fat.

I love no longer feeling the need to cringe when someone brings out a camera.

Cue the dancing carrot! :carrot:

For me it feels no different, I am still 'chubby' in my mind, 8 years later...

For me it feels no different, I am still 'chubby' in my mind, 8 years later...

:hug:

I think we all still have "fat" days, but I'm sure we can find a way for you to see what others see.

Have you tried yoga?
Other types of exercise?
It's beneficial to focus on what our bodies can do, rather than on what they look like.

What about a wardrobe makeover?

Listing 10 things that you don't miss about being fat?

Listing 10 things that you can do now, that you couldn't do before?

Seeing a counsellor who specialises in body image?

I'm just throwing out some random ideas, but I'm sure others will have some suggestions.

:hug:

I think we all still have "fat" days, but I'm sure we can find a way for you to see what others see.

Have you tried yoga?
Other types of exercise?
It's beneficial to focus on what our bodies can do, rather than on what they look like.

What about a wardrobe makeover?

Listing 10 things that you don't miss about being fat?

Listing 10 things that you can do now, that you couldn't do before?

Seeing a counsellor who specialises in body image?

I'm just throwing out some random ideas, but I'm sure others will have some suggestions.

YOGA is the best, once you see that people all ages and shapes and sizes can come together and do things that will bring your mind and body together it is amazing. We need to be happy..thin is not the whole picture..it is being happy and healthy that is our true goal.

For me the best thing is not having to think about weight at all. Wear whatever great clothes I want, do whatever activities I want--easily.

The worst thing is regretting I didn't do this earlier in my life. I spent decades as an overweight person and only now at 64 am I slim and carefree.

My plea to everyone struggling with weight issues is: hang in there and DO it. Don't let the years pass before you make the changes you want.

Thanks!

I was a "happy fat girl" - my weight loss didn't bother me or anyone else, it wasn't a huge amount either (40lbs) so really, the weight loss didn't change much for me. Yes, I'm healthier, fitter (I am a weightlifter now, yes I know my body is remarkably different & stronger), but it didn't bring the "lifechanging" miracles that sometimes people think it will :) I was happy before and happy now, at 130lbs. I will say, at 110lbs when I lost a bit too much, I was very unhappy though - yes, being that thin brought a lot of attention from men and I was very young/naive (19-20) and didn't handle it well. Now, at 130 and happily married, I will say that I am just as happier as a "happy fat girl" - only healthier.

So maybe it did change a lot :)

The worst thing is regretting I didn't do this earlier in my life. I spent decades as an overweight person and only now at 64 am I slim and carefree.

Oh I hear you! :hug:

I read out my earlier post to my hubby yesterday, and as I did so I felt that familiar little pang of regret that I left it so long. I didn't start losing weight until I was in my mid-40s, and am now in my mid-50s.

But looking at it from a more positive angle, we now have a new lease on life, and we've figured it out, when most of our contemporaries are dealing with weight gain and the associated health problems. :halffull:

I love being able to say that I'm hungry, or eat a cookie, without feeling that people are judging me.


Same here!!!:carrot:

My rosacea is history. The tech who does my IPL is astonished with my results. I never could have imagined how much easier physical therapy for TMJ would be being trim. Nothing like the therapist to say so. I appreciated being smaller when I had my endo & colonoscopy. The medical procedures are so much easier being thin & trim. No way for me to have known that while I was still fat.

The medical procedures are so much easier being thin & trim. No way for me to have known that while I was still fat.

And mammograms are now far less painful.

My DH calls me skinny, but I'm not entirely convinced that I am... yet.

All I know is I feel strong and healthy with so much more energy than I did at my heavier weight. I still have a few pounds to lose, and a bit more refining, but ultimately I'm pretty contented.

On my journey I have discovered some amazing things about my body and how all the hard work and perseverance has paid off:

I love being keenly aware of my muscles when I work out and feeling them sore and tired after a tough session.

I love looking for clothes that will show off more of my body instead of trying to find ways to cover a pouchy belly or a big bottom (these were my main problem areas). I still encounter troubles trying to reconcile my latest photos with the picture I have in my head though.

I love feeling 'in the zone' when I run. My feet are lightly springing off the ground and my body feels effortlessly free (only seems to last for a short time though - but it's great when it happens) as though I'm flying along.

I love how my hips don't feel as bruised after a run, because I have less weight jarring my bones every time I take a stride.

I love discovering new, 'never before seen' muscles I had no idea I possessed. It's exciting looking for the positive changes instead of having that fear in the back of my mind wondering 'oh s--t, I've gained weight'.

I love that my appetite has been moderated such that I"m not starving hungry all the time, and when I do feel hunger and eat something, I need a lot less to feel 'full'. I feel this also makes me more discerning about what I choose to eat, because I have less 'tasting time' to enjoy whatever i do eat.

It feels wonderful! I actually have to put a pillow between my legs to sleep as the bones in my knees dig into each other. I do not like looking at my hip bones naked though--they seem strange. Now movement, I feel light as air and with a spring in my step. I don't recognize myself yet and it has been over a year!