I have had two compliments recently that just make me feel like such a success with my weight loss.

One of my brothers told me that I just look "normal" I don't look like I was ever morbidly obese. If course, I still have some pounds to lose, but the drop from a 26W to a slim size 14 is such a shift in everything about how you look! I try on clothes and finally feel like they look good. I was cold and could borrow someone else's jacket - that was crazy, to fit in a normal looking jacket and not needing something from the big and wide section.

The other one was last night. I went to a "tryout" for a ladies equestrian drill team. It is fast paced riding and harder then you might think. The coach came up to me and told me I have a good horse and that I am a "good looking rider". I have been complimented on my horsemanship skills - how I handle my horses, but I have never ever ever had someone tell me that I look good doing it. Of course, what he meant was that i know how to ride and would fit in with the group.

You just have no idea how thrilling I find it to be just normal.... I don't need to be sexy, hot or any of that. Just normal is wonderful.

so, what compliments have you received that just really hit you as being so encouraging and heart warming?

I loved your story and "normal" is wonderful:). Congrats to you on all the weight loss, and I'm sure you'll also have great success in the equestrian world!

lol! my boyfriend of two years layed his arm across me last night and said "i can totally feel your ribs, that's a first" and then we both sat there and felt my ribs for like 2 minutes......CRAZINESS i say lol!! it was so stupid, yet it was freakin fabulous all at the same time....

but, the best one yet that i have received is from my grandpa(who has never-im not exaggerating either-complimented me on anything) he was standing in the kitchen and looked at me and asked how i was feeling...so we went throught the usual and then he turned and looked at me again and said "i think grandpas gonna have to get the shot gun out before too long!" it was priceless, and the first compliment that the man has ever given me....i'll never forget the feeling!

CONGRATS! I bet you can feel your collarbone too! Your Grandpa needs to tell you more often how wonderful you are and how proud he is of you! Keep Rockin that Sleeve!

Everyday is a good day since I move without huffing a puffing. So happy that you can "see" your accomplishments and know how to Celebrate.

Yeah Cowgirl Jane!

The coach came up to me and told me I have a good horse and that I am a "good looking rider". I have been complimented on my horsemanship skills - how I handle my horses, but I have never ever ever had someone tell me that I look good doing it. Of course, what he meant was that i know how to ride and would fit in with the group.

Love this part of your post! I've been short and round for over 20 years now and HATE how I look on my horse...I convinced myself because of my weight I needed a drafty horse, something that could handle my heaviness so I ride around on a 16.3 hand, 1500 lb tank, and even though he has no problems carrying me..I look awful! I can't stand seeing pictures of myself with my horse. Knowing how I look takes some of the enjoyment out of it for me. Getting thinner will not only let me ride better (more freedom of movement, better leg position) but I'm hoping I won't look like humpty dumpty setting on a wall anymore!

I was working out at the gym today with my husband and when I bent down to do some dips he touched my triceps and said I am starting to see them. When we went out to walk to the car, he said "you did a good job on the back workout today and you look really good, like hot". This is how I felt So happy. I said thanks hon, I have been working hard lately and I'm glad you noticed.

I am so thrilled for all of you and loving the compliments from my hubby as I'm slimming down. We are walking faster and harder, and I can't wait to start working out more together. My hubby's in the Army and very fit, so it feels good hearing it from him.

Even more then how you look - my riding has improved. I used to be so top heavy, I have always had a good balanced seat, but had this fear that if I started going over i wouldn't be strong enough to keep in the saddle. I don't even think about that anymore so I ride alot more assertively - just so fun! Even losing half your excess weight will make you feel like a million!

Love this part of your post! I've been short and round for over 20 years now and HATE how I look on my horse...I convinced myself because of my weight I needed a drafty horse, something that could handle my heaviness so I ride around on a 16.3 hand, 1500 lb tank, and even though he has no problems carrying me..I look awful! I can't stand seeing pictures of myself with my horse. Knowing how I look takes some of the enjoyment out of it for me. Getting thinner will not only let me ride better (more freedom of movement, better leg position) but I'm hoping I won't look like humpty dumpty setting on a wall anymore!

That's awesome! I love hearing about everyone's little victories and big ones. Actually they're all big.

I was talking to one of my coworker friends and she noticed my watch was hanging really low she said your watch is falling off Just one more thing that needs adjusting. I have a male coworker that approched me and asked for info for his wife. They have really started noticing my transformation. I like being a role model for others maybe we can start a club...lol

A girl at work saw me and said, "Everyone has been asking, 'Have you seen Jenn?' Because you have lost so much weight and they were right, you look great!". Only two people have said anything so it blew me away to know people are talking about me at work. I didn't think they noticed.

I agree normal is GREAT! ...congrats!

I love this thread!!! It puts a huge smile on my face

Simply wonderful!!!

I can't wait to have the normal feeling. I am a size 24 now. Surgery date is November 6th!

I am so excited for you! It is hard to express with words how much freer I feel - today I bought a size 14P no stretch jeans (short legs) - while that is far from tiny, it just feels so dang normal! I feel like I have found the secret code to how the rest of the people live and I am no longer the huge woman in the room wondering if i can fit, wondering if I can somehow hide that big gut. I am now, just normal, who knew I would find just being regular looking so exciting? It makes me smile to think of you feeling that same feeling!

I loved reading everyones stories - I am inspired!

I can't wait to have the normal feeling. I am a size 24 now. Surgery date is November 6th!