Things that (perhaps foolishly) surprised you with weight loss?

Clothes shrinking is so hard! I do love that previously I could only ever buy clothes from places that specialize in clothes for plus sized women, but now I can pretty much buy things from anywhere, even thrift stores now.

There was a period of time during soft foods and shortly after where I mourned salad and couldn't wait to get back to it. But, now at 10 months, I don't miss it anymore and I still haven't eaten one. I have ordered a salad to eat the protein during a couple different business dinners though.

Your food demons will wake up, so stay vigilant. It took many months for mine, but by the time they did wake up I had lost so much weight that I felt like I had something worth fighting for. So, here we are! I hope I can say the same in a few years.

I was suprised that I actually feel relieved not to be able to eat for a family of 4 anymore. It was a shameful "secret" part of my life and while I missed it the first few weeks, feeling like I've had enough after a small portion is such a blessing. I thought I'd miss gorge-sized portions. I totally don't.

I naively though that my body would look like it did after I lost to the same weight 4 years ago via diet and exercise. I'm sure part of it is being 4 years older, but my body looks much more deflated and haggard this time. My thighs looked great last time. They look like empty wrinkled bags now. WLS related weight loss is rapid and can be hard on your skin and muscles even with lots of protein. I'm hoping with time and some strength training there will be some improvement, but I have no doubts that plastic surgery is in my future.

I didn't think I could feel so good and have so much energy on so few calories. It's so counter to all the standard weight loss advice out there that I really fought the notion of eating so little. Hearing from so many successful folks on OH who were taking same low number of calories helped change my mind.

I'm surprised how many people say I look taller now.

Taller...

It is also possible that you are now carrying yourself differently. Your probably appear more confident and carry yourself with more pride in how you look and it makes you appear taller.

I know that as "fat" persons, we sometime try to "disappear" when in public.

I think that's probably a big part of it!

I've been to goal since July and my skin has tightened up considerably on my thighs and arms.

I've had a couple of people tell me I look taller now, too!

1 - The amount of energy I have now to do things - I had this much energy once in my life, but never expected that now, at 56.

2 - Just how much better my knees feel. I'm still going to have to have replacements (I'm bone on bone) but I was in such pain that I took 1-2 Vicodin a day plus anti inflammatories. I can count on one hand the number of times I've used Vicodin since surgery.

3 - That I've become a competitive athlete again and taken up a new sport. I took up fencing 6 months ago and now compete on the Veteran circuit (40+). Crazy. Like I plan travel around where there are tournaments.

4 - The amount of money I have had to spend on clothes - I figured I still had plenty of "older" stuff in my closet I had outgrown that would fit. Nope. Not nearly as much as I thought.

5 - How good my butt looks. Seriously - never thought my backside would look this good again.

6 - That I'm actually considering plastics because the excess skin is more than just a cosmetic problem and interferes with my fencing. (see number 3).

I was prepared for the excess skin, and having to invest in new clothes, etc. But there are a few things I did not anticipate:

1. Normal sized people can feel their bones! Someone mentioned the tailbone, yes, very weird to feel it and sit down on it and no padding...ouch. I keep finding bones that I knew in my head were there, but had no idea everyone else actually felt them and stuff. Hip bones, collar bones, and my sternum still weirds me out. I keep stumbling on more bones I sometimes have to look up to figure out what they are. Fascinatingly bizarre lol

2. I have discovered that I am lonely. I lived so much of my life hiding away from the world, and focused my energies on food and my world revolved around food, so sitting at home alone watching TV and eating was my life, when I wasn't working. Now, however, I find since I have the energy and the desire to get out and do things, I have nobody to do things with. My closest friends live 30 miles away and have families and time limitations. My sister who lives here in town travels for their business and is only home on weekends, when they want to just spend time together, understandably. I've been off work for 10 days with my hysterectomy surgery recovery, and I'm stir crazy. All the things that used to keep me entertained are boring, and without food to fill my time and energies, I am at loose ends. It will be better when I go back to work next week, for sure. I guess I might have to look at local activities and clubs and groups to find things to do.

It's definitely a whole new life, and with it comes its own set of new issues, but I know I will figure it out!

ETA: I'm sure the instant menopause and hormones and emotions aren't helping either lol

I'm 34 and I just in the last few months discovered that one of my bottom ribs sticks out WAY more than the other one. Like, I must have some genetic defect that I never knew about.