I've posted before about this, but with new folks on the forum all the time, I thought I'd mention it again. I'm not thin...I'm not slender. I wear a size 12/14 pant and mostly L (sometimes XL or M) tops. I'm still overweight per my BMI. But...what I am and how I feel is summed up in one word. NORMAL. I'm normal. I look like everyone else...I'm invisible but now in a good way.

This is still new for me and I'm always amazed by the things so many people totally take for granted. I not only had all the room in the world sitting in an airplane seat recently, I even crossed my legs. OMG! I crossed my legs in an airplane seat. Amazing. People sit next to me now on the bus or train because they can. I don't spill over into the next seat. Heck...one day I even said to a woman standing in front of me to sit down...I knew it would be tight but I also knew it would be OK...and it was.

I still have the cane...for support while I continue to heal from the hip surgery but people are kinder now. I wish that wasn't so but it is. They don't think I did this to myself because I'm overweight...they think I'm recuperating from surgery or maybe have something congenital. And truthfully...I'm not ashamed to use the cane any more for those very reasons. I can't wait to get rid of it though...

I don't have to shop in Avenue or Lane Bryant. I can go anywhere as long as they have a misses department. I forgot how much prettier smaller sized clothes are.

I'm not self conscious when I eat out. I know that no one is judging me..looking at me...and wondering or even knowing if I'm aware that the crap and amount of crap on my plate is the reason I'm fat.

Now I still have a ways to go in that my head has not always caught up to my body. I still feel like the biggest person in the room. I still think I won't fit into the restaurant booth or that awful gown you have to wear when you're at the doctor for a checkup. I still say sorry when I think I'm invading someone else's space...another hold over I guess.

Anyway...this post is long enough. I just want people to know even if they are not there yet...this too can be your story one day. Have a great Sunday everyone!

I love NORMAL too. I always told my sister, who has always been a normal weight and size, that I couldn't wait to be NORMAL too. I couldn't give her enough examples of the things she takes for granted that I am just now experiencing. Yeah for NORMALCY !

you are far from normal my darling friend...to me your everything.

I've posted before about this, but with new folks on the forum all the time, I thought I'd mention it again. I'm not thin...I'm not slender. I wear a size 12/14 pant and mostly L (sometimes XL or M) tops. I'm still overweight per my BMI. But...what I am and how I feel is summed up in one word. NORMAL. I'm normal. I look like everyone else...I'm invisible but now in a good way.

This is still new for me and I'm always amazed by the things so many people totally take for granted. I not only had all the room in the world sitting in an airplane seat recently, I even crossed my legs. OMG! I crossed my legs in an airplane seat. Amazing. People sit next to me now on the bus or train because they can. I don't spill over into the next seat. Heck...one day I even said to a woman standing in front of me to sit down...I knew it would be tight but I also knew it would be OK...and it was.

I still have the cane...for support while I continue to heal from the hip surgery but people are kinder now. I wish that wasn't so but it is. They don't think I did this to myself because I'm overweight...they think I'm recuperating from surgery or maybe have something congenital. And truthfully...I'm not ashamed to use the cane any more for those very reasons. I can't wait to get rid of it though...

I don't have to shop in Avenue or Lane Bryant. I can go anywhere as long as they have a misses department. I forgot how much prettier smaller sized clothes are.

I'm not self conscious when I eat out. I know that no one is judging me..looking at me...and wondering or even knowing if I'm aware that the crap and amount of crap on my plate is the reason I'm fat.

Now I still have a ways to go in that my head has not always caught up to my body. I still feel like the biggest person in the room. I still think I won't fit into the restaurant booth or that awful gown you have to wear when you're at the doctor for a checkup. I still say sorry when I think I'm invading someone else's space...another hold over I guess.

Anyway...this post is long enough. I just want people to know even if they are not there yet...this too can be your story one day. Have a great Sunday everyone!

I'll be banded Tues. My story is just beginning but your story is just how I hope mine will go. I long to be invisible in a good way, with no assumptions either way. Thank you for sharing, can't wait to read the next chapter.

YEAHHHHHH Way to go Girls.Bless u

thank you for sharing "normal".

It is definitely a great feeling. Congrats!

Reading your post about feeling "normal," finally, inspires me to keep working to get myself there, as the "baby" in a family of 6, including 2 beautiful, "normal" sisters, & an equally beautiful "normal" mother, I, the only abnormal, aka fat one, have never thought the day would come when I don't feel ashamed, self-conscious, or down right ugly in comparison to them. Even now, when my sisters, who with age have gained a little girth, I cringe when they bring up how "fat" they've become in front of me...I would be more than happy & proud to look as normal as either one of them....maybe one day...thanks for reminding me it's a tangible goal ; )

Yeah for being "normal"! Karen..aka..kll724

I love this post, go walking. Enjoy each and every one of the fruits of your efforts. "Normal" is the new black, and you rock it!

Oh I'm so glad this post resonated with so many of you vets and newbies alike. I'm really coming to understand that it's a continuing journey with ups and downs even if we've met our weight goals. I also think it's good to have realistic expectations...which doesn't mean they are any less important than wanting to look like a Victoria's Secret model. Most of us will never look that way, but it doesn't mean we aren't beautiful in our own individual ways.

Wonderful testimonial. Thanks for sharing.

I'll be banded Tues. My story is just beginning but your story is just how I hope mine will go. I long to be invisible in a good way, with no assumptions either way. Thank you for sharing, can't wait to read the next chapter.

So nice......please pm me and let me know how you are doing. I will be banded in April. I need time to psychologically prepare myself. But I am so happy that this site is there for support.

Edited February 11, 201412 yr by prolife2014

I love reading all these storys! my consult is on the 25th, Thanks to everyone for all the inspiration! we are all winners!!

Edited February 12, 201412 yr by joaniet