Great list. I agree and relate with all of them, but I'd like to add one of my own.

To look good, and get compliments and know they are meant!
It's really been an assult on my ego with ole Alvin loosing so much weight and everyone ohhhhing and aaahhing over what a great job he's done. And althought I am terribly proud of him, and for him, it makes me feel like I'm a failure (I started to say loser, but that's not right!)

In addition to all the above, I want to be able to look myself in the face knowing that I am taking care of the healthy body that God gave me, and not trashing it by shoveling in things that will make me sick. At this point it may not be about the weight anymore, but the struggle to overcome my greatest enemy - myself.

For a more humorous take on this subject see the Atkins forum, around page 9 or 10, for the thread entitled "I want to stay fat because..." -Ruby

Qadira, I started a more light hearted list like this a while back - promised myself I'd finish it later because it would go on forever. I listed everything - every single little thing that came to mind of why I wanted to lose weight.

just to give an idea because I don't want to go on and on here as well - I listed every clothing article I've ever wanted/had in my life and never was able to wear.

I want to travel some day and I know I wont fit comfortable in airplane seats. I want to be able to wear all seatbelts. I can't fit in most rollercoasters I want to be able to feel every curve and part of my body without a huge roll being in the way. I want to see the real me for once in my life - I've never seen the actual size of my butt, the actual size of my cheeks, the actual size of my nose, my breasts, my feet, .... I don't know what I look like beneath this because I've always been overweight.

Sometimes I can't find a single store that has clothes that fit me. I want to look beautiful and astonishing on my wedding day, and not look back and regret how I looked. I want to wear cute little panties, or cute stylish bras, or any dress that I see.

I want to hike, run, play sports, everything without getting worn out within minutes.

I want to be able to hug people and I want them to be able to wrap their arms fully around me.

And your list is awesome as well... I agree with all of it.

Like I said, the list can go on forever And I think I will make that list again soon, very soon.. and remind myself constantly of why I need to do this.

Ruby - I went to look for that thread you spoke of and found it - it is wonderful! Its humorous but it really touches you deeply as well. I don't know whether to laugh or cry at it.. but I think thats a good thing, lets me focus on reality.

Heres the link:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39990

Oh, cdtobehealthy! Thank you for that link! I read 2 pages and have tears of laughter streaking down my face! That is hilarious! I'll have to get the rest of it later.

It's sad, too, because I can relate to so much of it! Thanks again!

CD - can you tell me how to include a link in my posts? Thanks in advance -Ruby

Let me first say that your list Qadira is I SWEAR, exactly the same as mine. I started it a couple years back and truely, its almost word for word.

But this time around, I have been doing better and staying OP I think because DH is helping alot because of somethings he wants.

#1 He wants us to go to Florida next year to go to Disney....that will require fitting in the airplane seat.

#2 We have finally decided that a baby is a possible choice, Gee, it only took 12 yrs to decide!!!! But at my weight, no go. So need to loose for that reason too.

CD, I hear you! A couple years back we went to the amusement park, we went to get on my favorite ride, the old wooden rollercoaster....and I couldn't fit. It was so embarrassing!!!! The guy tried squeezing me in....pressing, moving me around, nothing worked, and in front of all those people, I had to get up and leave the ride....I thought I would die! I wanted to too.

And the wedding, that is also so sad....when I went to get a wedding dress, I went to all the big and small wedding stores and NOTHING was avail in my size. I was told every store I went to that no manufactorer went larger than a 26. My only option was to have one made. Well how can you? Just because the picture looks cute, doesn't mean it will look good on! How many times have we picked up a shirt,dress or outfit of any kind and thought Yeah, this will look great only the see that it doesn't? The only way is to try it on!

I even said to the last lady, "I guess Fat chicks aren't allowed to fall in love and get married"


Anyhow, we both have medical issues, he is diabetic and I have High BP. We have finally grown up I guess, realizing that we no longer can say 'Tomarrow' we'll start. Tomarrow actually was Yesterday for us, I'll be 39 soon and he is 41.....

Lastly, My dad wanted me to be healthier....he worried that I am so obese. Sadly he died this same day last year...I only hope he can see that I am actually doing it this time.

Evilyn - He sees you, be assured. Now you have an angel on your team. -Ruby

Qadira, This is a great list.
I would like to add a couple of things. . . I would love to go to the movies and sit comfortably in the seat without my leg or hip going to sleep before the movie is over. I would like to go into a new restaurant without worrying that they will try to seat us in a booth which I probably won't fit into. I would also like to cut down on my medication. I really hate having to take daily medication.

What a great thread!

I had just thought of something today but now can't remember!

Ooooh, not that I've missed this one--but just once more wouldn't it be nice to fall into the toilet again when DH leaves the seat up???????

I want to play basketball with my daughter for more than 5 minutes without being winded

I want to ride a bike with her without having to get an old lady tricycle yet not worry about my big a$$ swallowing the seat!

I want to do cartwheels in the yard with my daughter and run and play frisbee and everything else that comes with being a kid!

Wow, so many things we all identify with... and a few of my own.

I want to feel more comfortable standing in front of a class full of students.
I want to be able to look at photos of myself without cringing.
For that matter, I want to be able to look in a full-length mirror without getting depressed.
When I'm babysitting my best friends' daughter, I want to be able to pick her up and walk up the stairs without getting hopelessly out of breath.
When it's raining and I have no umbrella, I want to be able to run inside from the car rather than walking quickly.
I want to enjoy going to the hairdresser instead of spending my time there trying not to look in the mirror.
I want to know that people are reacting to me, not my fat.