I'm not fat (on the outside) any more! I'm not skinny by any means, but I'm not fat. I weigh 157 pounds which is still far too much for my 5.3 frame, but I wear size medium tops and size 8 pants, which is officially smaller than the average American woman.

I am no longer shopping in the women's section.

I am no longer wearing the largest size in the ladies' department.

I pick up clothes in consignment shops and often have to reject them for being too big. ( WTF?!?!?!)

I fit in bathroom stalls and dressing rooms with room to spare.

I can walk through turnstiles/bus aisles/theatre rows front ways instead of turning sideways and sucking it in.

I no longer stress when some jackhole parks too close to my minivan when I can barely open my car door to squeeze in.

Every seatbelt fits.

I can put my handbag in my seat with me instead of on a different chair.

I can sit in a booth without my tummy and/or boobs smooshing up against the table.

People don't mind sitting next to me at the movies or in tight restaurants.

More people make eye contact/open doors/smile/initiate conversation with me than ever before.

I am no longer looking around to see if I am the biggest person in the room because I'm not. Ever. Not even in Zumba.

I can wear my leggings home from the gym and stop at the store without caring if I run I to anyone I know.

I could go on forever. I'm still a fat girl on the inside so this whole thing is very surreal. It's just finally starting to set in that after 20 years of being obese, I'm now just a regular sized fit mom (with some loose skin) who can do anything I fracking want to do because I gifted myself with the least easy "easy way out" I could have ever chosen to do.

Love love love. Love.

I love that!!!

I'm looking so forward to all those things you just listed. Things I can do, not things I can no longer due because of the excess weight. Congratulations to you.

I'm not fat (on the outside) any more! I'm not skinny by any means, but I'm not fat. I weigh 157 pounds which is still far too much for my 5.3 frame, but I wear size medium tops and size 8 pants, which is officially smaller than the average American woman. I am no longer shopping in the women's section. I am no longer wearing the largest size in the ladies' department. I pick up clothes in consignment shops and often have to reject them for being too big. ( WTF?!?!?!) I fit in bathroom stalls and dressing rooms with room to spare. I can walk through turnstiles/bus aisles/theatre rows front ways instead of turning sideways and sucking it in. I no longer stress when some jackhole parks too close to my minivan when I can barely open my car door to squeeze in. Every seatbelt fits. I can put my handbag in my seat with me instead of on a different chair. I can sit in a booth without my tummy and/or boobs smooshing up against the table. People don't mind sitting next to me at the movies or in tight restaurants. More people make eye contact/open doors/smile/initiate conversation with me than ever before. I am no longer looking around to see if I am the biggest person in the room because I'm not. Ever. Not even in Zumba. I can wear my leggings home from the gym and stop at the store without caring if I run I to anyone I know. I could go on forever. I'm still a fat girl on the inside so this whole thing is very surreal. It's just finally starting to set in that after 20 years of being obese, I'm now just a regular sized fit mom (with some loose skin) who can do anything I fracking want to do because I gifted myself with the least easy "easy way out" I could have ever chosen to do. Love love love. Love.

I love reading this and I'm gonna read it every, freaking day! Love, love, love it!!!!

Such a great post and a hopeful glimpse into my future. So happy for you that after 20 years of obesity you now should have atleast 50 more at a healthy weight! That's what I keep telling myself too!

I totally feel you. It's so awesome and I'm so greatful. I feel normal, at least I feel like I look normal, and it's something I haven't felt in a long time. Congratulations to all of us!

LOVE this post, LL! So fun and encouraging!

What a great post. So many positive observations about yourself! I am one week post op and down 15lbs. Only 85 to go! Yes. 85 seems like a lot, but now that I have my trusty sleeve as my main tool, I know I can do it. I'm excited to have these epiphanies of my own in the next year!

Congratulations! What a great list -- thanks so much for posting.

Thanks for the happy post!

What a great post !!! I could identify with almost every one of those "statements". I especiallyliked the one about not being the biggest one in the room (especially in Zumba). Last week I glanced at my reflection in a store window and didn't recognize myself. I'm 13 pounds from goal, and the last to go are definitely the hardest.

LL you made my day with this post. As a newly sleeved one I can't wait to get to where these are my truths too. I know it won't be without a lot of hard work but I'm ready to put the time in. Thanks for being such an inspiration.

I'm not fat (on the outside) any more! I'm not skinny by any means, but I'm not fat. I weigh 157 pounds which is still far too much for my 5.3 frame, but I wear size medium tops and size 8 pants, which is officially smaller than the average American woman.

I am no longer shopping in the women's section.

I am no longer wearing the largest size in the ladies' department.

I pick up clothes in consignment shops and often have to reject them for being too big. ( WTF?!?!?!)

I fit in bathroom stalls and dressing rooms with room to spare.

I can walk through turnstiles/bus aisles/theatre rows front ways instead of turning sideways and sucking it in.

I no longer stress when some jackhole parks too close to my minivan when I can barely open my car door to squeeze in.

Every seatbelt fits.

I can put my handbag in my seat with me instead of on a different chair.

I can sit in a booth without my tummy and/or boobs smooshing up against the table.

People don't mind sitting next to me at the movies or in tight restaurants.

More people make eye contact/open doors/smile/initiate conversation with me than ever before.

I am no longer looking around to see if I am the biggest person in the room because I'm not. Ever. Not even in Zumba.

I can wear my leggings home from the gym and stop at the store without caring if I run I to anyone I know.

I could go on forever. I'm still a fat girl on the inside so this whole thing is very surreal. It's just finally starting to set in that after 20 years of being obese, I'm now just a regular sized fit mom (with some loose skin) who can do anything I fracking want to do because I gifted myself with the least easy "easy way out" I could have ever chosen to do.

Love love love. Love.

I love it! I love reading what you put up. You are auch an inspiration to so many on here & may god continue to bless you & your journey & may you continue to come on & give your wonderful insightful advice & thoughts!!! You Rock!!!

I love this post! I gives me a glimpse into my near future!! Thank you for posting it and making me smile today!!

This is so uplifting. Your list of "non-scale victories" so to speak is so highly relevant, I think I will print it out. It really is all of these small things which add up to contribute to the experience of the 'fat life.'

I look forward to reaping some of the benefits you describe!! : )

Well said, LL!

I just booked a flight for my son and I to go abroad - and I booked a middle seat. I have never willingly sat in the middle but come June, I will. Why?

Because I fit in the seat. Inside it. I am nowhere near the sides. Even my arms are within the seat. No one who comes to sit next to me will look disappointed or disgusted at sitting next to me. I won't get all sweaty and hot from sitting with my arms pressed as close to my body as I can get them (which usually meant squeezing my boobs too!)

Woo hoo, go sleeve!