It always amazes me how our changes are our own journey, a matter of perspective, and all relative. 14s will probably be my maintenance size, unless I get a panniculectomy, which would remove hanging skin below the belly button. Smaller sizes just won't fit around the hip area & the surgery is probably more invasive than I'm willing to undergo.

I started in size 24, however, so again, the changes are all relative, aren't they?

I look at other people who weigh what I weigh and they almost ALWAYS wear a smaller size than I.

Lisa you're so right about it being our own journey! Everyone has a spot that they'll feel comfortable at and different people look different in the same size. You can see multiple women in a size 14. Some will look completely normal sized, some overweight, some thin.

I'm sure it didn't help my self esteem that my closest friends - the ones that I usually go on trips with - are sizes 2-4 and shop in a lot of places that only carry up to 12 (and even then it's usually actually a 10 labelled as a 12). Shopping with them at times can be really hard for me mentally and emotionally.

I have not developed really hanging skin yet - but it's quite loose, and I have another 30 or so lbs to lose. I could kick myself for waiting until my 60's to get around to actually losing this excess weight - the chances of having enough residual elasticity in my skin to reduce without loose skin are pretty remote at this point in my life.

So far, the area that I see as most needing a 'fix' is my arms... When I lose weight I really would like to be able to wear something sleeveless without being self conscious about my arms...

So... I was looking at some cosmetic alternatives and saw that there are soe non surgical options -- Thermage and some other radiofrequency/laser alternatives that help skin to tighten up. Venus Legacy is one that looks interesting - here are some before and after's.

Maybe some alternatives of this sort could be helpful to those of us who have quite a bit of loose skin - perhaps offsetting the need for surgery.

Just finding this thread and it really got me to thinking about what I will be able to do after I lose this weight! So here's my list...
*buy the clothes that I want to wear instead of the ones that I have to wear because nothing else fits
*tie my shoes with ease
*quit worrying about if I can "fit" in a booth
*ride roller coasters again!!!!
*feel attractive
*be able to take the stairs instead of the elevator to go to the first, second or even the third floor of a building
*wear a sexy swim suit instead of one that tries to cover things up (they never really do, you know!)
*take that cruise I passed up because I didn't want to be "seen"
*not be embarrassed for even my hubbie to see me naked
*play with my grand daughter on the floor, in the treehouse, on the slide, etc
*cut out high BP and Cholesterol meds
*be more social
*know that I am healthy
*avoid knee replacement surgery

Oh!! And hike the South Rim at Big Bend Nat'l park!!

Great list. I have hiked the South Rim at Big Bend several years ago but know I could not do it today. Only half way to goal but it won't be long. :)

I looked back at my list earlier on when I started and

I'm fitting into regular calf boots
I am 3lbs away from weighing less than my husband!
I still don't like photos of myself, but I will get those boudoir shots for my husband one day!

New to the list:
-I bought a bikini, my husband might be the only one who ever sees me in it (strictly cabin wear), but I think by goal weight I'll be confident enough to wear it for him.
-Maybe I will spend more time on my appearance. I've always taken care with the way I dress, mostly to disguise my size, but I've never been one to wear makeup or take the time to do anything with my hair. Haha, who am I kidding, I will only get out of bed early to run!
-I will make more of an effort to stay active and take note of what I eat so that I can maintain what I am working so hard for.
-

I decided to make a list with you guys too. I don't think that I have ever given myself a 'list' before because I don't believe I ever genuinely thought that I would be successful. After my success last year and knowing that it is possible I know that I have the right mindset to make this happen now.

After I lose weight:

I will be able to buy a pair of 'tall boots'
Get on my horse without checking to see if anyone is looking at me first because I am so awkward
Ride my horse bareback on the beach in a tank top (and let photos be taken of me!)
Wear a pair of snugfit riding pants!

frawniemae and mmjenny -- so glad you found this thread and added your lists.

The Beck Diet Solution (thought of by many IPeeps to be the bible for weight loss maintenance) directs you to create a list of reasons why you want to lose weight, and then to review your list daily throughout your journey.

DeterminedDieter - isn't t fulfilling to find that some of the desires you put on your list at the beginning of your journey have become realities!

Someone else - the screen-name is escaping me at the moment -- an IP re-booter, I think - talked about having created a video when she began her re-boot journey.

I think this is great idea - I wish I had done one back in July when I began IP. It would be really good for me to have a video depicting the depth of misery I felt then -- then I could review it at those times when diet fatigue seems to set in, or when I get closer to goal and feel pretty good but am less motivated to hang in all the way to my goal weight. I always think that's a powerful episode when they do that look back on The Biggest Loser, like they did last week.

We go to BB at least once a year but we have always stuck to the desert hikes because I just can't do the high country ones! I want to see that view for myself!!! Maybe I'll see you up there!

oneuh2 I ordered me a copy of that book right after I read your post. Thanks!

When I lose weight I will:

Feel strong enough to do things I loved as a kid: Skiing, Roller Skating, Mountain Climbing, Repelling etc...

Not be embarrassed to have my picture taken

Be able to shop for clothes & not hate how I look in the mirror

Not be afraid of what obesity is doing to my body, my brain & lifespan!

When I reach goal?? I will.....
* Set up a 'chance' meeting with my ex and his wife LOL :) Yep, still first on the list! :)
* Be able to zip up my cool leather boots - and OVER my skinny jeans! :)
* Get off as much medication before retirement as possible (I want to use the money to travel instead :) )
* Be healthy, stay healthy, and be around for many, many more years to enjoy my kids and grandkids
* Like so many others said - be in more pictures - smiling and facing the camera - not just being caught in the frame whilst trying to duck out!
* Not ALWAYS being in the very back in group pictures (where I'd 'hide out' so as little of me would show as possible).
* Not always feel like the "Fat One" wherever I am
* Shop, shop, shop for all of the great clothes I could never fit into!
* Feel like a healthy, normal, person and be that person I admire - instead of wishing I was like that person I admire!
* Set a 'scream weight' and be enough in control that I NEVER let myself go over it!
* There are so many other fun things to think about "when I am at goal". It's one of my favorite things to think about every night as I slip off to sleep. I know there are so many things that will open up to me and be possible again - things I haven't been able to enjoy for a very, very long time.

I've never really thought about this...but such a great idea to do
so I will;

Wear skinny jeans and boots
Dress more chic and sexy (I think a new wardrobe will be great)
stop avoiding pictures or hiding behind people
get some pics with my sons
get that extra flap of skin I have always had since my pregnancies off
maybe get the "girls" lifted
be more adventurous with DH :censored:
enjoy the summer more (less clothing more skin)

:flow1:Enjoy being healthy:flow1:

I really like your list especially the scream weight I have never heard this term before but it sure makes sense.

Nice thread. I especially like the scream weight idea!

My list:
Not have knee pain anymore (already done!)
Get off BP and cholesterol meds (also already done!)
Avoid diabetes
buy an entire new wardrobe because nothing else fits
Have a woman look at me with desire.
Get in and out of my two old Fiat sportscars...easily.

I'm looking forward to fitting into my old clothes again, and wearing my old shoes that I love. I will not miss these swollen feet! :lol: