I have been thinking and really while the weight loss is great, I think it is the little things that mean the most to me! Let's start a list of all those things we did (or didn't) know we missed!

Mine:

1. My kids being able to hug me all the way with their arms wrapped around me.

2. Getting an airplane seat belt to fit without the extender and lots of room to spare.

3. Not having to try to see if something comes in a BIG enough size or trying to squeeze into a 3x because they don't make it any bigger...

4. Fitting in a movie seat comfortably and plenty of room!

5. Having other people never know a fat chick still lives in my head! :cool:

Brandy, your pictures show amazing progress. Fortunatley, I was never over 200 pounds, so I never had issues with seat belts or 3x clothes. I was however heavy enough for it to cause me alot of pain. I have severe rhumatoid arthritus so any additional weight was a burden. I do understand " Having other people never know a fat chick still lives in my head!" and would like to know how to get past that. I look at jeans that would fit me now and probably be to big even, and put them back because I imagine myself back in the size I was when I started. Does this feeling ever go away?

That is the answer I would like to know! I still see the fat girl, so I just don't know when she will go away!

Has your arthiritus gotten better?

#1 People NOT watching me as I eat (or at least being less self conscious about eating in public)

#2 My stomach not touching the steering wheel in the car.

#3 Running.

#4 Paying less for my clothes (plus sizes being twice the price of "normal" clothes)

#4 Not having to think about if the chair I am about to sit on will carry my weight, or if I will fit.

#5 Being able to sit like a lady.

#6 My husband being able to pick me up, and sweep me off my feet (I love that one)

#7 Being able to wear really high, thin heels.

#8 Being able to shop just abut anywhere I want (and being able to buy designer samples, and runway stock is a HUGE bonus)

I'm amazed at how many fewer loads of laundry I have now. It used to be about 4-5 pair of my fat jeans was an entire load. Now I have REAL loads of laundry! Double the clothes fits in the washing machine.

I still pull the stuff out of the dryer and think I am out of my mind to think I'll fit in them even though I may have just worn them yesterday.

I like shopping in the better stores with regular size clothes.

I like not wearing tents anymore for shirts.

But I do get embarrassed if anyone mentions my weight loss. I'd rather it just not be discussed.

Oh, trying on a dress the other day (and buying it) and having to model it for all the ladies in the store because it was new in and they hadnt seen it on anyone. The lady said, no, surely you dont need a 14, you'll need the 12 (which I did, lol) and then they're all sighing and saying Oh, I wish I was as tall and thin as you to be able to wear something like that!

That was awesome.

And the freaking thing was only $99. Its true, you pay soooooo much more when you have to buy plus sizes. And when it comes to evening wear everythings disgusting nanna clothes anyway.

And yes, I bought a pair of high, thin heels to go with it. I know they wont bend under my weight, lol.

Well, it isn't a little thing, it is a big thing, I am TOTALLY thrilled with not wearing fat clothes anymore. I am STINKING excited to go to Vancouver this weekend to the Tall Girl to buy myself some jeans, some dress pants, some tall leather boots to the knee.

My winter wardrobe does not exist so I am adding a bit, or a lot. I still have about 20 pounds to go, but I need clothes, deperately.

I am thrilled that I WANT to dress nicely, no more hiding under ugly oversized clothes.

Yea us.....:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

I'm amazed at how many fewer loads of laundry I have now. It used to be about 4-5 pair of my fat jeans was an entire load. Now I have REAL loads of laundry! Double the clothes fits in the washing machine.

I still pull the stuff out of the dryer and think I am out of my mind to think I'll fit in them even though I may have just worn them yesterday.

.

You are absolutely right there how much more laundry you get now in the washer...it is amazing. I too think my clothes have shrunk in the washer everytime I see them....

"Being able to wear really high, thin heels"

Wow you look amazingly cool Chickie!! What a transformation...congrats to you. I this one would be really nice ...the heals just don't work at this weight!~ enjoy!

MJ

my halloween costume is totally sexy. i love that i can wear a skimpy costume and look good...........its been a while.....

My favorite moment has been in the dressing room when I grabed a size 16 jeans and they fell off so I get a 14 and they are still to big! I ended up walking out with a size 11 and it will not be long until I have to downsize again!!!

wooo hooo Nurse Amy!! you look amazing!

wooo hooo Nurse Amy!! you look amazing!

Thank You:D

I was just banded yesterday, so all of your celebrations are a great motivation for me to work through the healing from band surgery. I do believe I made the right choice, I just don't feel very confident in my ability to make the transition to eating differently. Tonight's dinner was a bowl of soup and some sorbet, which caused me so much pain I could hardly stand it. See? I've already pushed myself too far. But it was a huge lesson to learn, and I've been awake all night thinking about how I must own this and make up my mind to celebrate my band as a means to a new life, even with all that entails. I'm scared and hopeful at the same time, and that feels very weird. I'm looking forward to being at home and feeling snug in my own bed again.

DrPhil, this is all too new to you, but believe me you will get used to this and you will come to love your band and the new you!!!!

good luck on your journey!!!!!

My boyfriend can now wrap his arms around my waist and each hand can easily grasp the opposite elbow. That's an awesome feeling.

Just love those little NSVs.