77 pounds. Can you believe this? ????
Hmmm. So…..
There are downsides of weight loss that no one ever tells you about. Now, I don’t want to sound like an ungrateful ass**** because I’m thrilled and overjoyed. But as the weight is coming off, there are a few things that are causing an adjustment period.
Clothes. As much as I love the fact they are starting to fall off, it can be a pain in the rear. I don’t have any coats that fit anymore, and there have been some chilly days. Nipply. There’s nothing worse than shoes getting too big because they are causing blisters on my ankles where they are loose rubbing. Bras… hello? These are 30-70 bucks a pop. It’s getting a bit expensive, and the trouble is, more replacements will be coming. It’s amazing because I love it when I can fill up BAGS of stuff to take to the goodwill, but soon I’m going to be naked. I’m not sure that would be a pretty sight just yet.
Get ready for some interesting compliments. The weight loss is becoming more noticeable, and people have started dropping “compliments.” Now, don’t get me wrong because I love them and nothing feels better than being recognized for my hard work. But… I was a bit surprised when I heard this one, “OMG, Athena you look sooooo much better, I didn’t want to say anything earlier……”. *scratching head smiling*….. people mean well {laugh}.
It’s easy to get obsessive. Initially, the weight loss happened because I simply changed what I was putting in my body. I listened and tried to understand the full and hunger signals carefully; in fact, I had to be extremely conscious of it. Well, it worked because the pounds started coming off. Weeks later, I hit a plateau, and I started getting a bit obsessive so I could break through that damn number. That’s when I started feeling anxious instead. It created an anxiety level I wasn’t prepared for. I have lived in a heavy body most of my life, and if I could, I would walk out into the garage and chisel ALL of this off. I wish it were that easy. I have learned I need to keep myself in check.
Life-changers. I spent the last six years thinking that once I hit some magic goal numbers that people would like me more, I would be more confident, beautiful and successful. When I hit my first milestone at 75 pounds, confetti didn’t rain down from the ceiling, and inner peace didn’t instantly wash over my body. I was proud but still suffered from the same insecurities as before. The lesson I’m learning is that this process is exposing me to the “perfect life fallacy.” Losing weight doesn’t fix all of your problems, and it doesn’t make you love yourself. That great emotional work takes place at a much deeper level, and I work on that daily.
The upsides of weight loss nobody tells you about:
Feeling alive.
Lovingly, Bean
Your honesty about your journey is part of what makes you inspiring to me. I hope the replies you’re getting on here are encouraging your along as well.
We are all in this together. (Hug)
Thank you… <3 <3
Can you tell me though, what strategies did you use to get through that initial period when you started and cravings are high? This has been my main challenge. I crash so hard emotionally that its really hard not to give in…
Thx,
S.
I wish I could say there was an easy answer. Not to sound brutal but it boils down to conscious choices. You can give in or stick to your guns. It’s really up to you. Change is hard but how bad do you want it? When you want it bad enough – those choices become easy. Its as simple as that.
Your journey is life changing, not only for you, but those around you. It shows that nothing is push button. Real life is one step, and every decision that trods the path to who you really are and live the life you want to live.
You couldn’t have said it better. Thank you for your words, your encouragement. I appreciate it more than I can possibly express.