Big Weight Loss Crew: What Surprised You Most?

[diplomat]

-I got my back fixed so I averted paralysis and regained 2 1/2 inches of my height back.

Holy CRAP!

That, all by itself, is enough!!

 

[FartfulCodger]

Surprised at how easy it is to get up from the floor.

Surprised that the 34-36 waist pants I'd been storing for 10 years only served me for two weeks in March. They had been too tight for a decade, now they're too loose.

 

[Smiter]

At your service.

 

[domin8brix]

Holy CRAP!

That, all by itself, is enough!!

No kidding! He told me I would get some height back but this was better than expected!

 

[Smiter]

I would get some height

What I wouldn't give for some of that action. My growth was hindered after a verminous doctor gave me cortisone for a fever when I was 13. My height stalled at 6"3 but my feet kept growing. I wear size 16 shoes.

 

[Smiter]

weird one, i am way more critical of myself now and hate my reflection more than when i was 240ibs

Na it isn't weird. When we are obese, we become lethargic and defeatist, thinking that our state is insurmountable. But when the weight is gone, we look at hitherto 'minor' imperfections more critically because we no longer have the "shelter" excuse of the enormous obesity obstacle. We think, okay, now if we could overcome THAT, then these should be doable.

 

[mamallama]

I thought recently I was developing hyper-hydrosis but it turns out it was hot flashes. That one you can definitely keep.

So, I have started digging into traveling for plastics, but it's still a little daunting. South Korea is particularly good for facial surgeries, and I've heard Mexico, Brazil and especially Turkey for the body, but I cannot convince myself to do that abroad because I have a few friends who have done tummy tucks locally to varying degrees (from simple panniculectomies to full on fleur de lis 360s), and their recoveries were rough especially for the latter since they are basically repairing your abs. The idea of getting on a plane a few days later for that many hours and layovers is not sounding favorable. But I do need to dress for the dying husband I want, so that might be worth it OR maybe I need to marry him and then let him pay for it.

I traveled to the Dominican Republic with a friend who had a mommy makeover that included a Brazilian butt lift and if was definitely a hard trip home. The results were spectacular! The cost was much more affordable between all the things (air, accommodations, personal driver, surgeon, private clinic). They have a whole surgical vacation thing there. Even recovery houses where they take care of your post op needs. I'm an RN and I was impressed.

 

[Grogu]

113lbs down as of this morning, so I'm thinking that that would qualify me for the "big weight loss crew"

Best things:

Easier air travel

Buying new clothes

Greater mobility

Worst thing:

- The huge pile of clothes that I have waiting to be donated that I just can't get my hands around both physically and mentally. I've come to realize that I must also have a clothes addiction in addition to a food addition. I never knew. My closets are full of clothes that don't fit me and it's a struggle sometimes to find an outfit that I don't look ridiculous wearing.

I did a donation about 5 months ago of 3x and 4x tops and 42-56 waist shorts and pants. It was about 5 large garbage bags full of stuff. But that was super easy, because all of that stuff was huge. Now I need to remove size 38-42 shorts/pants and 2X tops. I could probably remove 1X tops too, but that's going to be a tough sell.

 

[professorpeppy]

See! There's the evidence. And they say we only care about looks. This proves that we care about what's inside, too. Absolutely. We care if it's a C or D instead of an H or I.

You cheeky sod!

Na it isn't weird. When we are obese, we become lethargic and defeatist, thinking that our state is insurmountable. But when the weight is gone, we look at hitherto 'minor' imperfections more critically because we no longer have the "shelter" excuse of the enormous obesity obstacle. We think, okay, now if we could overcome THAT, then these should be doable.

very true actually.. its hard to put myself in that mental space again but i deffo think thats whats going on here. its a slippery slope for sure, its like i didnt care at all before (i was previously very alternative presenting when i was fat, loads of piercings, dyed hair, the lot), now ive gone back to who i was before (taken all the piercings out, natural blonde hair, 'basic' style) its like im chasing this standard that i will never meet. ive now moved onto my face and analysing what work to get done when i finish losing the rest of my weight.. only 30 ibs to go is insane to my goal weight when i started, ill be finishing at 100ib loss if i meet it. its crazy how ive spiralled into chasing this version of myself that doesnt exist and probably never will because ive lost the weight. i was never fat growing up, just the past 2ish years of my life i gained 100+ ibs due to life doing life things, so it was really hard for me to be her. now i feel like im back its like, damn, ive unlocked this side of insecurity that never existed if i had never gained so much weight, almost? i wish i had never gained it in the first place, but damn its taught me so many valuable lessons

 

[Smiter]

You cheeky sod!

Guilty as charged.

(i was previously very alternative presenting when i was fat, loads of piercings, dyed hair, the lot), now ive gone back to who i was before (taken all the piercings out, natural blonde hair, 'basic' style) its like im chasing this standard that i will never meet.

That tracks too. It's like acceptance of surrender. Something like okay, I'm not in the classic mold of attractiveness so let's 'experiment'. What difference would it make? That sort of thing.

its crazy how ive spiralled into chasing this version of myself that doesnt exist and probably never will because ive lost the weight.

I didn't get that. I thought losing the weight would make that ideal version of yourself more attainable. I fathom that the proximity to this ideal state might make the self-perceived pressure more tangible and pronounced. Folks often justify their state with excuses to themselves. But the closer one gets to their goal, the harder it becomes to accept the excuse. It can become a sunk-cost fallacy if the goal is unrealistic. In your case, though, I don't think that applies. The realization of the dearth of valid excuses can lead to doubt about competence in achieving that goal, which can manifest as anxiety, self-doubt, and insecurity at times.

I'm a little fortunate in that regard. I usually deal with such things with a combination of "Fvck it" and "Sod off". Admittedly, that could be due to the Y chromosome within my nuclei.

 

[Smiter]

- The huge pile of clothes that I have waiting to be donated that I just can't get my hands around both physically and mentally. I've come to realize that I must also have a clothes addiction in addition to a food addition. I never knew. My closets are full of clothes that don't fit me and it's a struggle sometimes to find an outfit that I don't look ridiculous wearing.

I did a donation about 5 months ago of 3x and 4x tops and 42-56 waist shorts and pants. It was about 5 large garbage bags full of stuff. But that was super easy, because all of that stuff was huge. Now I need to remove size 38-42 shorts/pants and 2X tops. I could probably remove 1X tops too, but that's going to be a tough sell.

It's all a matter of perspective. I've no addiction to clothes except maybe taking them off. I've not bought clothes for myself in years. And yet, there is a storage shed in my yard filled with suitcases of old clothes that I will never use. It brings me misery thinking of their isolated, unwarranted existence and I didn't even buy them. The women in my life did. The pounds I lost include the 80 from my body and the infinite amount from my wallet.

 

[Smiter]

The results were spectacular!

Some claims strain credulity. Evidence required.

The cost was much more affordable between all the things (air, accommodations, personal driver, surgeon, private clinic). They have a whole surgical vacation thing there. Even recovery houses where they take care of your post op needs. I'm an RN and I was impressed.

Yup, medical tourism rocks, if you don't despise travel. Sigh!

 

[kj4otu]

I prob don't "fit" lol in this group yet. Started at 328 and currently down over 21lbs in 5 weeks (slow dose titration), but my sleep apnea and snoring have completely resolved already. I've been waking up at 4am like an adrenaline shot!! Attitude has changed dramatically already...I actually enjoy being alive! Also lab work, a1c, etc, etc. All good things.

 

[GroundBison]

-Definitely more clothing options now

-Not feeling embarrassed or like I have to try and hide how fat I am with a jacket or something.

-Being able to go to a doctor with a concern and have them not assume it is because of or related to my weight.

And for worst, I agree about the hard surfaces! I've never had a big butt even when fat, but there's definitely inadequate cushion now lol. Also loose skin.

 

[bayardtrustin]

I prob don't "fit" lol in this group yet. Started at 328 and currently down over 21lbs in 5 weeks (slow dose titration), but my sleep apnea and snoring have completely resolved already. I've been waking up at 4am like an adrenaline shot!! Attitude has changed dramatically already...I actually enjoy being alive! Also lab work, a1c, etc, etc. All good things.

Hell yeah you’re in this group! Feeling better and living better is where it all starts!

 

[bayardtrustin]

113lbs down as of this morning, so I'm thinking that that would qualify me for the "big weight loss crew"

I did a donation about 5 months ago of 3x and 4x tops and 42-56 waist shorts and pants. It was about 5 large garbage bags full of stuff. But that was super easy, because all of that stuff was huge. Now I need to remove size 38-42 shorts/pants and 2X tops. I could probably remove 1X tops too, but that's going to be a tough sell.

This is literally my life. Bags upon bags full of XLs-4XLs, and I where M and S now in shirts - 32 pants.

 

[deleted.user.16]

-Definitely more clothing options now

-Not feeling embarrassed or like I have to try and hide how fat I am with a jacket or something.

-Being able to go to a doctor with a concern and have them not assume it is because of or related to my weight.

And for worst, I agree about the hard surfaces! I've never had a big butt even when fat, but there's definitely inadequate cushion now lol. Also loose skin.

1000% on the clothes. I don't know if I've earned the right to comment here yet bc I have not yet lost all the weight I need to. But just going from 190>160 made such a difference in my clothing options. It's the first time I could even consider having any sense of "style". Whereas before, my shopping experience was more like:

Does this make me look fat?

- Yes

Does this make me look fat?

- Yes

Does this make me look fat?

- Yes but at least the person standing in line behind me can't count my back rolls to pass time. I guess I'll buy this shirt.

 

[bbbilly]

im down 131lbs total and for me the BIGGEST surprise is my wiener looks huge now lol.

no joke

 

[banditchewy]

Weirdly I find that massages really hurt when there is less protection (fat). It could also be that I didn't really enjoy them before anyway.

 

[GroundBison]

Weirdly I find that massages really hurt when there is less protection (fat). It could also be that I didn't really enjoy them before anyway.

Oh man, I was thinking of getting a massage soon, and I didn't think about this! I don't think I've had a massage since I lost weight and now I'm worried it won't be worth it.