Hi All,

I'm wondering if anyone has is having or has had this problem:

I've lost 24.2 lbs (I am going for 100) and you can't even tell. NO ONE can see it. I actually saw a before and after pic of myself and even I can't see it.

It's very frustrating becuase my clothes are now 1-2 sizes smaller, and I feel different, but it's not visible.

I just feel like I'm at a point where I need the motivation of someone saying: "wow, you lost weight!"

ARG.

Thanks for listening,
Taunia

I'm sure someone does but alot of times people are afraid to say something about it. I know you say you can't notice a difference but I bet you really can.

One great way to really notice a difference (but I don't even follow this advice because I hate exercise) is to do some weight lifting because that will help you look smaller.

Some people will definitely have noticed your weight loss. They may be just too reserved to ask. People may also wonder if you are ill, so they're afraid to mention your weight loss. If your weight loss has been gradual, and you've been wearing clothes that fit all the time (rather than letting your clothes get really baggy before replacing them), it will be hard for people to notice at this stage.

Believe me, I know what I'm talking about. I've lost 109 lbs so far, I'm within 20 lbs of goal, and honestly, some of the guys at work have just noticed. I think they're programed to notice thin and fat, and the variations in between don't register. Other people started to comment after about 30 lbs or so.

I'm personally always happy to hear compliments, but I'm doing this for me not them.

Maybe you need a tangible way to visualize your weight loss so far. Throughout my weightloss, I've used a paper clip chain, adding clips to it for each pound up to a certain amount, and then removing one for each pound. If I'd added all the way along that chain would be way out of control by now! But either way, it gave me a visual reminder of success. And it was a tangible action I could each Weds morning after my weigh-in. I also have a graph that charts out my weight loss. It's a great reminder to look how far I've come on those days I feel like I still have so far to go.

I'm sorry to write a book, but I feel I understand what you're going through. Don't be frustrated! You've lost 24 lbs. That's one-quarter of the way there! Congratulations! Keep us popsted on your progress. Everyone here is cheering for you. (and I think you look fabulous )

Flib
292.6/183.6/165ish

You can't tell to look at me that I have lost any weight *but* my clothes aren't digging into my tummy as much, I can roll over in bed without it being a huge huffing/puffing ordeal, and best of all, my dh says that when he hugs me he can wrap his arms around me further then he could before.

So, even though it isn't visually obvious to myself or anyone for that matter....I *know* I am feeling more comfortable.

This morning I took out a pair of jeans from the dryer. We all know how jeans are when freshly washed. I can honestly say I was afraid to put them on because I didn't want to be discouraged if they were tight. Well, I was very pleasantly surprised...they fit well. Not loose, but not digging into my gut.

I can't wait for people to notice. I am not discourgaed that they don't yet...because I know that 19.5 more pounds from now...they probably will. Stick with it, you WILL see results! (hugs)

Angie

Taunia, just hang in there! I felt the same way you did, and then overnight EVERYONE started noticing. It was right about the time that I had lost 30 pounds. Before that, I could definitely tell a difference in my clothes, rings and watch, and in how I felt, but nobody else said anything. One day someone finally commented on how much weight I had lost, and from that day on it seemed like everyone I saw had a comment. Some people are probably hesitant to mention it, but believe me...they will notice the change soon!!

Janet (Kudzu)

I really appreciate all the encouragement. : )

I'm really a VERY positive person......it's just this is such a tremendous big deal to me.....I've never been able to lose 5 lbs, never mind almost 25! I'm just surprised that it's not visible yet.

I'll keep my chins (just kidding) up!!!

Thanks everyone!

Cheers,
Taunia

tjsjazzgirl,
Okay==I have noticed in the past that no one noticed or said anything until I hit 30 pounds down. Isn't that odd? That just seems to be the magic number. You are doing great and you're almost to the "noticing point." for other people.
As far as yourself, do you think it might be a good idea to try on your old clothes and pinch the extra fabric that is there? Then you'd see how well you're doing and how you used to fill in those clothes and you don't anymore.
You're doing great and you'll do even greater. Take care, take heart and do it!

234/209/thinner

Taunia,

I know how you feel. I have lost 16 pounds and want people to notice, but of course I weigh enough that it is going to be awhile before they do. However, I can tell somewhat that my jeans are a bit loser. I swore I was going to do it slowly this time so it would stay off. I have lost weight very quickly in the past only to have it come back to haunt me.

You know you are doing great, the compliments will come.

As someone else said, sometimes people are a little afraid to say anything. This year at school one of the other teachers told someone that they were proud that the other person was losing weight. The other teacher was irate because she hadn't lost any and didn't think she needed to!!!
Whoops!!!

Elaine

297/281/145 WW since 4/17/2001

Yikes! That's almost like the "when are you due?" comment! LOL

I have never been confused for pregnant, though! ; )

Just thought I'd back up the posters who said @ 30 lbs lost is the magic mark. I also have about 100 to lose, and it's when I hit 30 lbs that people started asking if I'd lost weight. What a great feeling! I think it also helped that it was at that point I went out and bought smaller size pants so that my clothes were not hanging on me. Somehow that made it easier for people to 'see' the loss.

Stay committed and keep up the great work. They'll start remarking on your progress soon.

Try not to be too discouraged, you have lost the weight and thats what important. People will start to comment on your loss and even if they haven't said so yet people will have noticed.
As far as been able to see a difference yourself, don't worry. I think alot of us are so used to seeing ourselves as fat that we still see ourselves that way for a long time after we are no longer fat. I am still looking at clothes and thinking that I can can't wear them and then trying them on and finding them too big.

Whatever you do, don't give up. It is all worth it in the end.

Kathy
(240/162/160)

Please don't be discouraged! Also, keep in mind that the heavier you are to begin with, the longer it may take for others to notice. Example: a friend of mine who weighs roughly 110 pounds lost about 10 pounds a few years ago, and *boy* did she get compliments... Meanwhile, *I* lose 10 pounds, and no one is any the wiser... !! I had to remind myself that for years and years and years, I had made a POINT of not wearing form-fitting clothing, etc., so when I lost a little bit of the wiggle, it wasn't very noticeable. I had to lose another 10 or 15 pounds, and slip into some better-fitting clothing before people really started noticing.

I have to say I know what she's talking about. I to need to loose about 100 lb.s now down 50 ,but I still have a hard time noticing on my self . I thought that I was alone on this . yes many do comment but there are still some that don't .I even compared pictues of my self and can't really see the diffence . It can be very discouraging. But I do fell great and am buying clothes in the reg. side of the store and last but not least I can tie my shoes comfotable and cross my legs so hang in there and keep looking for things like that. But I'm so glad that you posted this now I don't think I crazy any more best of luck

I went from 256 to 150ish and it honestly took getting to about 180 for people to really start noticing. But hey everyone started noticing at the same time and the compliments definately kept me going through the winter. Some people may also see the loss but may not want to say anything, my mom's just lost 90lbs (still has another 45 to lose) and people told her they didn't want to say anything in case she was sick or whatever. Hang in there, people will notice and maybe they'll notice other things too, a little added spark in your eye or just more confidence to face the world, those compliments rock.

Places to look where you're losing weight are your collar bones, back of your hands even just taking pics every month and then comparing. You'll notice a difference.

Take Care!

Ali

Wow! 30 really is the magic number! It happened to me too! I have about 90 to lose and have lost almost 40. The 25 mark I was noticing it in my clothes but didn't get many comments. People at work compliment me all the time but at church they are still keeping quiet. I have heard other comments like you look so nice today,etc. So I think they notice but too shy to comment just yet. Enjoy them when they come in cause they will soon!

Lynn