Funny realization.

When I started this journey, the realization that i should lose over 200 pounds was completely overwhelming, so I choose to ignore it and focus only on my short and medium goals , for the most part.

Today I was just looking at my progress on my fitness pal. I don't know if this makes sense, but I realized that no matter what final goal I set, there's way less than 200 to go now. Less than 100 to get me to onerderland, actually. 

I still have a long, long way to go, but now it's starting to feel a little bit possible. Those of us with higher starting BMI have a bit of a different route to take, and I figure if anyone can relate to my weird math it's you guys haha.

now, back to putting my head down and just focus on getting to 278!

I had a visit with my ex husband and his mom last night. We have been divorced for almost 4 years but have remained good friends and see each other every couple months so I have lost about 50 lbs since I saw them last. They were both very complimentary (which of course felt great to hear) but when they started asking about numbers/goals etc. I got my first taste of "No don't lose that much"... really?!? I was close to 400 lbs when I started, so is wanting to lose 200 lbs all that nuts? When I said that I was getting closer to my goal of 100 lbs lost this year and planned to do the same next year they both thought I was crazy and the stories started about "this guy I know lost X lbs and he looked terrible... do you remember X from the cottage he had that surgery and he lost too much weight, he looks unhealthy and 20 years older". I know they love me and it comes from a good place but I surprised to hear those kind of things this soon. 

As I was sitting there discussing the numbers with them I had the realization that 100 lbs from now I will reach my goal of being half of my original starting weight. It was funny to think that depending on which way I looked at it that goal it either seemed completely doable or like a dare to dream long shot. On the one hand thinking about losing 100 lbs over the course of the next year seems like an attainable goal but if I just look at the number 193 lbs it seems like such a long shot. Same brain, two very different approaches. So yes, I totally get the weird math. Lol

I'd say we're both off to a great start 

Have a Merry Christmas!!

That is why I never talked numbers with anyone when I was losing. When people asked how much I lost I usually said "A lot" and changed the subject. Or when they would tell me not to lose anymore, I would tell them my doctor was keeping a close eye on me and change the subject.

The comments bothered me, but thankfully people stop saying them once you get to goal and stay there. And quite honestly it is a big factor in keeping me at goal. I do not want to give people room to make comments about regain. Heck no, not opening that door!! 

"I do not want to give people room to make comments about regain."

Got some of that too! Shortly before we divorced I reached my lowest adult weight of 220, down from 400+ after a couple years of working at it. A comment was made about how fast I regained and while not untrue it was an ouch moment. I've had a couple of those over the past few months. My weight was never something that my family or friends ever mentioned, no one lectured me to lose or really said anything at all. In some ways I felt like maybe if they had I would have done something sooner but who  really knows it could have had the complete opposite effect too. Anyways, I decided to be completely open about it this time and while I have no regrets and still think that is the best decision for me going forward, it has opened the door to a few comments that while completely true have caused a little sting. Nothing malicious or intentionally hurtful just hearing how others have felt but not verbalized has had a few tugs on my heart. To put a positive spin on it though it has strengthened my determination to make this time different. I do not want to give people room to make comments about regain.  

I'm glad this is working for you. Just remember that you can change your mind at any time about sharing if it gets too overwhelming. I save my weight loss talk for this site and spare everyone else 

My mind is already changing, I will be open but I'm going to stick with vague answers for most people. I'm already finding that people looking at me is a little uncomfortable. You spend years trying to blend in and being suddenly thrown into the spotlight is unnerving. 

I don't discuss #'s with people either. I tell them a lot. Most leave it alone- some will persist. 'Over a hundred' is the most I'll say. 

Yeah. I hated being the center of attention when I was losing so I always changed the subject. Part of me was also pissed off that everyone acted like my weight loss defined me. It doesn't. It is only a small piece of my story. And inside I am still the same person. It took years, but I am thankful people are used to me at this weight and I am just "me" again.

"over a hundred" is my standard answer as well.  No way do i want them to know it's been over 200 - I don't want them calculating what must have been my highest weight.  Plus "over a hundred" sounds like a ton of weight to most people - esp those who've never had a weight problem.

I'm with Laura, I didnt talk numbers when I was losing, and still Rarely do. When people would ask I would say "alot" ....

Did I know for sure I would get here in the beginning? No. Mini goals and keep pushing forward, and I said from the beginning, it was my job....