Starting out as a chubby teen, I never realized or thought of myself that way. I never criticized myself for it in any form. Never was really even self conscious. I guess my mentality was who cares what you wear as long as it fits its fine.. my weight then was close to 190. I was always the happy funny girl that everyone liked. Well, I finally realized that I would like to get out and do more things and decided that I should shed some pounds. I started watching what I ate and working out and low and behold I dropped to 170 fairly easy. I continued until I was at 140 and then I got married. I still am doing so and now have dropped to 120-122, depending on the day. My goal I set for myself was 140, and I hate to say it but that was when I was my happiest. Now it seems as I am more critical on myself and down more often. Does anyone else have this? I have days where NOTHING seems to fit right. Some days even my mood depends on how I look and feel in my clothes. I am in perfect shape now, and don't get why the sudden change in how I feel. Anyone else out there feel this way too? I would love to bounce back to my old self again, that would be great!

Congratulations, Toolgirl, on your weight loss. I can very much relate to what you are saying. About 6 years ago I went from 213 down to 130. My original goal was 140 pounds and, looking back, I felt and looked my best at that weight. But when you are on a roll with weight loss and getting compliments, sometimes it can be hard to stop.

But seeing pictures of myself at 130 pounds, I looked like my head was bigger than my body. I was a size 3, had no butt and barely filled my B-cup bras. My face also looked very drawn. Plus, I had to practically starve to keep my weight there.

But when I did decide to go back to 140, I did it the wrong way...by eating everything in sight. Going from 140 to 130 took me 2 months. Going from 130 to 140 took me, I kid you not, 1 week! But I couldn't stop at that point. The binge monster had a good hold of me by then. Now, here I am setting (and keeping) my goal at 140. This time I know better.

So if you really feel you looked and felt better at 140, I'd suggest slowly adding in more healthy calories until you get back to that weight.

Good luck!

thanks for the feedback.. I appreciate the positive input its just weird I always feel like I am much bigger than I am I guess. Must be a set mindset from just being overweight in the past. I would love to stay healthy and maintain a healthy life style, definitely not lose more weight. My grandpa recently passed away and I have been dealing with a great amount of stress but slowly getting better, I do believe that is how the last 15 came off so easy and actually without much effort. It is nice to know others are in the same boat as me and to read similar stories.

Hey I meant to ask, Sandcar150, how did you tone up after you lost weight? did you deal with that issue too? mine isn't bad (of course to me it is the worst, because we are all hardest on ourselves, )but losing weight (15 pounds) so quickly has left me feeling like I have a jello stomach LOL not big but definitely not firm how it should be. Just makes ya feel blah some days

Congrats on meeting your goal and try not to be so hard on yourself! (hugs)

I hear you! For me, I've gained and lost so many times over the years; plus, I've had two kids and am almost 49, so my skin elasticity is pretty much shot. I have heard that it can take your skin 2 years after reaching goal weight for it to tighten up to its fullest. So give it some time to do that. Meanwhile, it doesn't hurt to do dry brushing. If you google it, you will find tons of info on it. I have one, but am not consistent enough with using it to give it a fair review.

I'm just now getting into a workout called Callanetics, which can really produce some amazing results in toning you up without the use of weights. I love the newer dvds called Cardio Callanetics and Callanetics Evolution, but some people swear by the old ones done in the 80s, saying they've seen inch loss after just one or two workouts. Check out the reviews on Amazon!

Cool, may have to look into that.. I have been on this Jillian Michael's kick lately.. she has some amazing videos and has an amazing story as well. I would recommend 30 day shred to anyone.. just be prepared to have SORE muscles the next day or two. do what you can. you can build up momentum as time goes on. It wasn't easy but if I can do it and keep it off I have faith that each and everyone of you can achieve it. I sure have come a long way and it does feel good to have reached this level for sure. I just need to build up the self confidence, that is why it is nice to have others to bounce back and forth with about all of this stuff. I just gotta remember to stay positive! thanks girls!

Congratulations!

Congratulations! You've accomplished something wonderful.

Don't beat yourself up dear!

Thank you everyone.. I must admit it does feel pretty amazing, but I still have those up and down days where I just feel BLAH LOL I just say its the joy of being a girl.. any other good ideas/tips and tricks anyone has ?

Congrats. I, too, like to stay at 140. I have to be very watchful of what I eat to stay at 130. I remember when I was at 140 I maintained it very easily and was happier. So I hear ya!

I"m very happy for you