I used to want to lose weight and look the same I did when I was in my 20s and had a hot body.

Now I want:

To see my clavicle, a rib or even a waistline again.

I used to want to lose weight and be able to turn guys' heads again.

Now I want:

To be able to tie my shoes, walk upstairs, and (blush) have sex without difficulty.

I used to want to lose weight and look good in a bikini again.

Now I want:

To not be staring diabetes in the face, not worry about high blood pressure, not have my knees, hips, and feet ache, and not see this fat person staring back at me from the mirror -- when I catch a fleeting glance, of course.

I now simply want my health and quality of life back. I want to have pictures of me again (few taken in 15 years)! I want to shake the embarassment, the sadness, the self-contained lonliness because I don't want to (or can't) do some things with others. I used to want to look great again, but if my body looks halfway decent after my journey, I will take the blessing and look at it as icing on the cake. My vanity days are over. I just want my life back.

that was awsome!!!!!!!!!!!! I just wanna dry my eyes, because that hits home, you know i've been on this just brousing around and reading everything that everyone writes about the process, wants, and needs, but i was forced to register after reading those beautiful words, you realy inspired me to actually move on with this whole thing, recently i just had spinal surgery, not from an accident, but due to the weight issues, now i never thought i had any doubts in myself, or self esteem issues, but after reading this, all i wanna do is, take family pictures(havent since i grad. highschool) buy clothes at the mall(not a specialty store) play baseball again, and enjoy the rest of my life before its gone.....now im just 31 and i shouldnt be falling apart like i am, but this weight is killing me......! I am making an apt to see my dr this coming week and see if we can get the ball moving.

Thanks for the inspiring words.....i needed that!!!!

Oh wow, now you're making ME choke up!! I love your goals as well. I think they're very important to have and be realistic about.

The best of luck with your journey, Valley.

Great post. I have to buy a new wedding ring or get mine resized it fell off the other day. My fingers stayed thin, and now they are even thinner.

I also just want to be healthy and look "normal" again. Not the fat lady thing.

Hot body, hey those days are mostly gone. A lukewarm one is good LOL.