My first time on a plane in more than two years...

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  • and I did not need a seatbelt extender!

    I now understand what people (after they've lost weight) mean when they say it takes longer for the mind to catch up with the body. For example, the last time I flew before today, I weighed close to 300 pounds and wore roughly size 26 pants, and was used to using a seatbelt extender (I used to ask the flight attendant for it as I boarded the plane). The past few weeks I would think about this upcoming flight and I could not wrap my head around the fact that I wouldn't need one this time. I told everyone I would probably ask for an extender as I boarded, because instinct would kick in. It would probably feel automatic, even now that I'm under 200 pounds and wear size 13 pants. Well, I resisted that impulse and was pleased to find it was easier to get down the aisle of the small plane (a 37-seat commuter), and I was happy to find that the seatbelt not only fit, but I had to pull the belt to cinch it and there was about 5" left! And when it came time for snack service, I was able to open up the tray, I could never get it open all the way because my stomach was in the way, I had to hold onto whatever I was eating. And this time there was a gap between the tray and my stomach!

    I was so happy I just had to share! I know from experience what an ordeal plane travel could be when you're overweight. It was like a new experience for me, not feeling squished in and taking up more than my space and feeling uncomfortable.
  • This made me smile because I know how you feel. The tray always bothered me because of my tummy :/ I am working on it lol. Congrats on your weight loss!!! I hate the small planes because I feel weird when my thighs are slightly bulging over :/ I always get the one seater.

    I bet you took a deep breath and lost that anxiety once you knew you could seat comfortably lol. Congrats on your big feat
  • - I know EXACTLY how you feel. What a wonderful victory for you! Keep doing what you are doing - it is working

    Congrats!
  • What a GREAT milestone.

    Congrats, you!
  • woo hoo! I'm happy for you! I can def relate with you. I was always sooooo worried that I would need the extender and have found myself literally SQUEEEZING it shut and not being able to breathe just cause I was too emarrassed or something to put it on. It would take me like 5 minutes to CRAM it closed and stuff.. The last time I was on a plane I was so excited that I could buckle it and STILL breathe!
    congrats again! Weightloss rocks! haha
  • Great stuff!
  • Reading things like this just makes me happy to be part of this forum... I think that is a great achievement... we measure things differently here, I love it....
  • Congratulations–that's a great, practical milestone!
  • congrats-It must be a great feeling.
  • Fantastic!!! Congratulations!
  • Congratulations!
  • Quote:
    I know from experience what an ordeal plane travel could be when you're overweight. It was like a new experience for me, not feeling squished in and taking up more than my space and feeling uncomfortable.
    Oh yeah. ORDEAL. Which is why I avoided it for over 15 years. 15 YEARS!!! And I finally took a trip this past January. INCREDIBLE FEELING!!!

    I am so overjoyed for you. I really and truly know just how ecstatic you must have felt. I am THRILLED for you. When "they" say that nothing tastes as good as being thin feels, THIS is what "they" are talking about.

    Congratulations on one of the best things about a healthy lifestyle. And keep up the PHENOMENAL work. I know you know this, but I'll throw it in anyway - IT'S SOOO WORTH IT!!!

    P.S. Why not change your stats to the left to reflect your awesome weight loss. It says you're 222 lbs. Helloooo - you're a mere 195. Time to change um'.
  • Congrat's that is soooooooooooooo wonderful .You let me see that I can do it also.tks for sharing
  • You are doing great!!!
    Every time I fly I am annoyed how sardine-like it feels. The rows of seats are way too close together and I never have any space for my legs - what about people that are over 6 ft tall?
  • Congratulations!! I bet that's an amazing feeling!!