According to my sweetie, it started to be visible in my waist at 25 pounds, but I know that I really started to get comments from my coworkers around the 35-40 pound mark. I just met with a couple of friends that I hadn't seen since last Christmas, and they were both adamant that I'd lost "a half a person" at 61 pounds. Obviously that's not QUITE true, but they last saw me in a 28 and now I'm in a loose 18.
I agree with Nelie (as usual!) that measurements are SO important!! Of course I'm a big old hypocrite as I say that, because I haven't taken my measurements since I started (where the heck is that tape measure, anyway??) I just know that even when the scale isn't showing as much progress as I'd like (like now, for instance) I -- and others -- can still tell by how my clothes fit, and how my "parts" feel when I touch them. My thighs are hard, my waist is much smaller, my hands and arms are more shapely, my legs have definition, my chest is harder and you can actually feel my shoulder bones instead of just soft round mounds! My jawline is clearly apparent and I've lost an entire chin, my face is MUCH smaller, you can see my cheekbones, and my eyes no longer get lost in my face.
I don't huff and puff when I walk anymore, I can take the stairs without feeling like I'm going to have a heart attack, I jump/hop up and off steps, I'm back to the brisk walking pace I had before gaining all the weight, I have my LAP back! -- so as I'm typing this on my laptop, it's on my lap comfortably in front of me.....this was just NOT possible before, as my huge stomach took up so much space. I can lean forward while driving and scratch my feet with ease, I get in and out of the car without making embarassing breathing sounds, I sit sideways in the passenger seat like a girl again instead of having to face forward with my legs spread a little, in turning my head I don't feel my neck-flesh -- and I can turn my head farther.......there are so many ways to tell that you've made progress. I'm just getting started with this list, Heather. I completely understand that you want to see results right now, but you need to just make up your mind that you're in this for the long haul. Tell yourself you're going to do a whole laundry list of improvements at the 6 month point.
There are so many ways to "notice" weight loss -- not just by the scale, not just by inches, not just by non-scale victories.....think of what you're doing for your health! You're in the process of saving your own life, Heather; think in those terms. Think reduced blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and more. Think cardiovascular fitness, the elimination of that edema, and increased endurance and mobility. Think energy levels, mental alertness, stamina and strength. Think not having a heart attack, warding off diabetes, and living an active life in this world.
You're doing great Heather, and you're solidly on your way down a long road to where you want to be. It IS a long road, but all along the way there are so many victories. I've only lost 61 pounds of the 149 that I intend to, and I feel and look like an entirely different person. I still have a long road ahead of me, but if I hadn't persevered and continued to look forward I wouldn't have made it this far. You can do it, too, Heather -- there's not a doubt in my mind, just keep at it and you'll continue to not only progress, but amaze yourself and others in the process.