(my apologies for this really jumpy crazy long post... but if you can, please read!)
I feel like a 3FC gypsy! I haven't been able to post in quite a few months... Life just decided to be turned COMPLETELY upside down. Ended up moving out into the middle of nowhere and not having any real internet connection for a while... but I wanted to let you guys know that I have still been reading via-my phone every night. Everyone here is seriously an inspiration to me. In the past 9 months... I quit my job, got a new one, decided to "go for it" when an opportunity to follow a huge dream came along, accepted that I had a drinking problem and changed those habits completely, and decided to finally talk with my doctors honestly about my medical conditions and for once try and see if I could help myself get better.... It might be odd, but reading about you all really did inspire me to keep going.
In fact, I am giving everyone here a LOT of credit for where I am now, and the reason I am "SO EXCITED!" Like I said, life has been insane.... But, I have been working really hard and I am proud to say that in the past 9 months, I have officially lost (okay this feels even crazy to say)....
75LBS!!!!
I still have quite a ways to go... but, for the first time in my life I dont feel so glued to the floor!... I can sit with my feet curled up in my chair!! (ok, i know thats a really dumb thing to be happy about but ever since I was little i have sat all folded up on the couch or with my feet under me in my chair... its just how I am comfortable! but, these past 5 years or so I havnt been able to... and it has been really annoying)
So now that I am able to be back, I just wanted to share, say thank you, and also reach out for some advice!!
When I started this I weighed 278lbs.... as of this morning I now weigh in at 203lbs. My goal is between 175 and 180lbs. My doctor says that would be as low as he would recommend I get for my size and build right now (could change once I get there, but we are just going to cross that bridge then.
Ladies, I need some advice! I just dont know of anywhere else to ask!
Issue #1, Skin--- Yes, skin. The issue being there is an excess of it.... and also a pretty big amount of stretch marks. Is there anything I can do for the extra skin on my arms and stomach? (short of surgery which is not in any way possible because I am broke) its like my skin is waiting to get filled with fat again... (DO NOT WANT. haha.) And also, these stretch marks? Arms, legs, stomach, boobs.... they are everywhere... and seem to be getting worse... any ideas?
Issue #2, Clothes--- Nothing fits... but I'm scared of going shopping. I just dont know where to go or what to do... I had some clothes in the back of my closet that are actually from my senior year of high school/first year of college (note, im 24yrs old now)... I am wearing those jeans right now... Ive been trying to alter and take in anything I can to avoid buying new stuff... I was wearing pant size 20-24 (depending on brand any of those sizes)... I'm somewhere around a size 12 now. Anyone have any tips on where to start when buying new clothes? I"m still going to be losing some more and I dont want to buy a WHOLE new wardrobe again in another 9 months but I'm not going to be able to do much more with what I have right now.
Issue #3, People--- What do i say? I know I look different but I dont think I look THAT different. I know my sizes have changed but otherwise I really dont see any difference in myself daily... but apparently other people do. Especially those I don't see every day.... I want them to know I appreciate them acknowledging that I'm thinner and I appreciate the compliments!... but, some people kinda go overboard and I just don't feel comfortable going on and on about it. I typically reply with "ha, yeah... I've lost a little bit recently! thanks!" but some people wont take that as enough of an answer... anyone have a good way to change the topic or let these people know that it is a little awkward for me? I had someone ask if I had surgery the other day! Talk about awkward... (for the record, I am not against surgery! That was not meant as a bash to anyone who has had weight loss surgery. My father had gastric bypass 8 years ago. For some people that is their best option. I however did not. It has been diet, exercise, and getting my blood sugars and hormones finally in check)
Issue #4, Me---I dont know of a way to stay motivated without obsessing.. and even though the scales and the size numbers have changed, many days I look in the mirror and see the same person i was 75lbs ago.
... And lately it has really been working against me when it comes to staying motivated. Anyone have any tips on how to notice changes in myself other than the numbers on the scale?
Okay, like I said, crazy long jumpy post... haha.... Thanks again for all of your inspiration and for any advice you can give me. I think we finally have the internet situation resolved at my new place so i plan on being around from here on out. :-)
xoxo
La Vie