[AZ Sunrises]

A year ago I hated flying. Southwest was daunting. Would they toss me or make me buy a second seat? I always needed an extender. I spent the whole flight pressed against the window trying to not encroach on my seatmates.

I flew again yesterday. No extender needed. There were plenty of seats open and someone chose the center seat beside me instead of another open one. I pressed against the window out of habit but wasn't uncomfortable. The arm rest against the window wasn't gouging into me.

I caught sight of my reflection at my destination and it hit me...I'm still fat but I don't stand out as huge anymore. I'm starting to blend in with the crowd again. I'm more visible but less remarkable at the same time.

That's pretty frigging cool.

[cherbear]

That's wonderful! Your post made me smile! Great job and keep at it!

[matt_H]

That is awesome! Right now in my desk at work is the seat belt extender that I "borrowed" from a flight previously. I hated asking for them so I'd bring my own . Those days are gone forever!

I'm wicked happy that flying isn't so daunting and uncomfortable for you.

[JackieHollow]

That's AWeSOME! The last time I flew (5.5 years ago!) the seatbelt didn't fit and I was too mortified to ask for an extender. I'm flying again in April and am so nervous about it. I hope to be able to come back with a great NSV like yours!

[kateleestar]

Thats AWESOME!!!

[Sunshine73]

That's awesome!!! I'm terrified to fly but I can't even begin to think of whether or not I can overcome the fear of flying because I'm also afraid of not fitting in the seat, of being made to purchase a second seat or of just plain old being 'that person' on the plane that no one wants to sit next to.

I'm looking forward to the day when I can say "I'm afraid to fly" and have it mean just that and have no riders attached about my weight.

[time2lose]

That is so cool! Congratulations.

[mmel3283]

That's awesome. I can't wait to have a story like that. Good for you!

[Dreamgyrl]

Congrats on the victory!

[Bunny]

YAY!! One less struggle for you to deal with.

I can't wait until I'm there also!

[silentarctic]

Super cool! I can't wait for the day when I no longer feel horribly guilty if someone is stuck sitting next to me on a plane. A long way to go there for me. I'm so glad you are there, the whole... need an aile seat so I can lean out into it for 90% of the flight gig gets tiring!

[KathleanAgain]

That is so awesome! Last time I flew I was around 315 and for the first time I had to use a seat belt extender, and I remember feeling so embarrassed at the time! Now I'm down to 236, and I'm less scared of having to fly somewhere. I was so convinced that last time they would make me purchase an extra ticket, but fortunately I sat next to my skinny Hubs and the subject never came up. And last night we went to the movies with a group of family and friends and I didn't even have to worry about spilling over my seat like normal! I forgot how great that feels!