The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[MerryMary]

excuse me!!!\
I missed the 100pound celebration somewhere!
Good grief girlie, let's shout this out, BIG Time for the BIG loss!
wowo

Thanks, Hol! You're very kind

[MerryMary]

Hi Merry,
Thanks for stopping by my journal with your support. Do you remember what it felt like to be obese, or do those feelings or memories fade with the weight loss?? Just wondered since I have 138 pounds left to lose . I want to feel that first real burning weight loss feeling ! I have lost 12 lbs but can't wait to finally feel it...Do you recall how much weight you had to lose to theh finally "feel" it??

I suppose the first thing I did for myself (and you have to do for yourself) is be kind. That's right. A lot of conditioning (emotional and cultural) is at the heart of our becoming fat. Forgive yourself. You are on the right track now.

It took me 17 years to put the excess weight on. I mostly "excused" my yearly increases (grief, I quit smoking, depression, age, etc.) or lived in denial of what a health risk I was! Then, in preparation for a minor surgery last August, I had to go off my Arthritis meds. I could not believe how crippled I became. I realized that if I did not lose the excess baggage I would be carting it around in a wheel chair before too long. So when you ask if I "remember" what it was like to be obese my answer would have to be YES! And I hope for my sake I always remember. That will be my biggest safeguard against gaining the weight back! Mostly I remember those things I could not do--things I can do quite easily now. This journey has been a liberating experience--I have a newfound freedom from the obesity that once enslaved me.

When did I first feel the weight loss? I'd agree with others who've posted here. It was at about 20#. Actually, I just checked my log and it was at 17# But interestingly enough, even though I felt it, no one seemed to see it or comment on it. I once read that you have to lose 10% of your body weight before it is noticable. It was actually more for me. But you know, my losing weight was NOT about other people--when they would notice or what they might think. I did this for ME! So when I began to feel the pounds melting off it did not matter to me if anyone else commented or not!

Each of us is different and our bodies respond differently. So be gentle with yourself. Realize that you are doing something wonderful for yourself. The weight did not get there overnight and it won't leave that fast either. I committed to it taking a year for me (and I was pretty close). Then I took one day at a time. I took pride in each 10# club I earned, each smaller size I could wear, every inch that melted away and every thing I could do more easily than before. Celebrate the little successes--you earned it! And then... one day ... your future goal will be today's reality. I promise.

[MerryMary]

Hi MM,

I haven't stopped by for awhile, I see you are doing fantastic! 100 lbs! Now THAT is impressive! Size 22 to a 6/8...even more impressive!

Thanks, Mickey! That's very nice of you to say! But ... I was in a size 24 not a 22

I am sort of a less is more kind of gal too. I love to shop (because it is actually fun now) but I don't typically buy that much. First of all I am waiting for my final size and also I have a pretty simple lifestyle..

Yeah, I've kept a simple lifestyle since my husband died. That event put lots of things into proper perspective for me. I downsized in stages and it felt good! Same thing was true when I lost weight. I gave my clothes to charity and my closet was pretty bare. During the spring I had two dresses, 3 pairs of capris, 2 pair of skorts and about 6 tee-shirts! I did laundry more often but I could not waste the money on clothes I would wear only a short while. If folks got tired of seeing me in the same clothes--well, I figured that was THEIR problem, not mine! Now I am coordinating my wardrobe so there are several options to get the most wear out of things. One thing I know for sure ... I don't need a fancy (or immense) wardrobe to identify who I am. I can do more than "walk into" my walk-in closet. I can do a dance in there!

I couldn't agree more with the whole boundaries thing. Some people think it is easy for me because I don't have kids, but I still have a life! I have to be really careful, people think that since I am currently not working AND I don't have kids, I am the the person that has all the time in the world to do extra things! This whole weight loss journey has been such an experience in learning to love myself again, which includes my personal space! You always have such great insight.

I find that having good boundaries not only helps maintain my sense of peace, it keeps me from being a "needy" person. Needy persons can suck the life out of you if you let them! When we are content with ourselves and our lives we don't need to be the center of attraction, so to speak. We don't "need" constant attention or competition. We are happy in fulfilling the destiny before us.

Thanks again for the affirmation and for sharing. It's nice to know we have these things in common!

[nickieluv]

I very much enjoyed reading your last posts. Congratulation on all you have accomplished - and I can't wait for the goal-reaching party that is sure to happen soon!

[MerryMary]

I very much enjoyed reading your last posts. Congratulation on all you have accomplished - and I can't wait for the goal-reaching party that is sure to happen soon!

Thanks, Nickie. It's very kind of you to say that. I was just writing from my heart--in the wee hours of the morning!

[Lizabette]

Great posts, MARY. And congratulations on the 100# Club. Don't know where I was when it happened, but better late than never!
Just a couple more pounds to goal, looks like.
You are and have been an inspiration to us all...
MARY, is there a before and during (and soon after) picture that we can admire?
If so, I missed that too. Give me the link, please...I beg of you...:-P

[MerryMary]

Great posts, MARY. And congratulations on the 100# Club. Don't know where I was when it happened, but better late than never!
Just a couple more pounds to goal, looks like.
You are and have been an inspiration to us all...
MARY, is there a before and during (and soon after) picture that we can admire?
If so, I missed that too. Give me the link, please...I beg of you...:-P

Thank you Lizabette! You are so sweet and a real inspiration on this board! It was very nice of you to stop by my journal and I'm glad you liked the posts.

As far as pics ... <img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_12_6.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252Fnocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egif%253Fi%253D4%252F4_12_6/image.gif"> You and a couple others have begged the question and out of courtesy I'll respond.

Somewhere on these boards I've already admitted to not having the technology to provide pics. I did find an old digital pic that someone took of me in Rome some years ago that was used for an avatar at one time. It was not my highest weight ever but certainly more than I am now!

Keep in mind I am a very private person ... and as a chaplain privacy is an important issue. When my avatar was displayed I became very uncomfortable. This IS the internet, afterall. I also read about a member of these boards who was stalked because of the information she included in her journals, etc. That made me a little anxious so I removed the avatar.

With the help of my daughter I've shared a couple of before and during pics with my TSFL health advisor, Becky, Nancy's daughter. She even got to see a pic of my new convertible! However, I won't be posting pics in the forum ... <img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_2_8.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252Fnocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egif%253Fi%253D23%252F23_2_8/image.gif">
It's just not something I feel comfortable doing.

But thanks for asking ...

[Hopebaby]

Mary - I am very glad I visited your journal tonight. I thoroughly enjoyed reading those long posts. You have quite a head on your shoulders and I admire your thinking. You have come a long way and you have a lot to teach those of us who are still at the beginning of our journey. I hope you will continue to post and teach us. Thanks.

Linda

[MerryMary]

Mary - I am very glad I visited your journal tonight. I thoroughly enjoyed reading those long posts. You have quite a head on your shoulders and I admire your thinking. You have come a long way and you have a lot to teach those of us who are still at the beginning of our journey. I hope you will continue to post and teach us. Thanks.

Linda, you are very kind! And look at you ... you are approaching the 20# club! Good for you! I'm planning to stay around while in maintenance. It will be my time to "give back" after receiving the support and encouragement of wonderful folks like you!

[Sojourner]

I can do more than "walk into" my walk-in closet. I can do a dance in there!

I'm sure that's mostly because there's so much less of you!
Your closet is prolly like a dance hall to you now!!


<img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/26/26_21_9v.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252Fnocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egif%253Fi%253D26%252F26_21_9v/image.gif">

[MerryMary]

I can do more than "walk into" my walk-in closet. I can do a dance in there!

I'm sure that's mostly because there's so much less of you!
Your closet is prolly like a dance hall to you now!!


<img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/26/26_21_9v.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252Fnocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egif%253Fi%253D26%252F26_21_9v/image.gif">

[Lizabette]

As far as pics ... <img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_12_6.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252Fnocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egif%253Fi%253D4%252F4_12_6/image.gif"> You and a couple others have begged the question and out of courtesy I'll respond.
With the help of my daughter I've shared a couple of before and during pics with my TSFL health advisor, Becky, Nancy's daughter. She even got to see a pic of my new convertible! However, I won't be posting pics in the forum ... <img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_2_8.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252Fnocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egif%253Fi%253D23%252F23_2_8/image.gif">
It's just not something I feel comfortable doing.
But thanks for asking ...

Well OK, MARY. I accept your apology and explanation with regrets. It's just that it seems like I would know you better if....
However, I still appreciate you and what you give us on the boards.
So please just keep doing that, even after you have reached goal and are maintaining like the trooper you are!
From all appearances that won't be long!
Dancing in your walk-in closet. I can see it now!
Whoohoo for you.

[MerryMary]

Seeing the finish line just ahead is an amazing feeling. (There I go dancing again! ) I wish I could somehow share that feeling with each newbie and everyone who has an off day or whose weight stalls.

We tend to focus on the scale, which is good to an extent. But weight loss is not the only thing to celebrate. We are learning, changing and becoming more fully who we are intended to be and more able to fulfill that destiny. So when the scale fails to show a loss ... or your body decides to add a pound or two for no good reason, remember that our bodies are both amazing and mysterious. We are wonderfully created!

Stay true to yourself ... and you will see, in due time, the finish line!

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. ~Psalm 139:14

[nickieluv]

Mary, if you could bottle that 'goal' feeling you'd be a millionaire - but I'm afraid it would quickly become an addiction!

I did post this in my journal but you had asked about the book I'm reading - it's called 'Overcoming Binge Eating' by Dr. Christopher Fairburn. Copyright 1995 but still it's the most recent book on this subject I could get from our library.

Thanks for your kind comments on my 'revelations' lately!

[MerryMary]

I did post this in my journal but you had asked about the book I'm reading - it's called 'Overcoming Binge Eating' by Dr. Christopher Fairburn. Copyright 1995 but still it's the most recent book on this subject I could get from our library.

Thanks, Nickie! I looked up the book on Amazon and found another that may be worth checking out of the library. Also by Christopher Fairburn, Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Obesity: A Clinician's Guide has what appears to be a very good section on weight maintenance.