Question:
Why does weight loss happen on one place on your body and not another?

I have now lost 93 pounds and I feel like its all happened in my head area, hips, stomach and thighs. My bust and calves are the same size. I am getting really depressed about my calves. I can't get pants that fit correctly because I have to get two sizes bigger to fit my calves. I am not someone to wear dresses (because of my tree stump calves!) so that's not an option. I was told not to over exercise the calves because muscle will only grow on top of the fat. Anyone have this kind of problem or have any suggestions?    — Lori W. (posted on December 27, 2001)

December 27, 2001
You sound like me--except opposite! I've lost between 90 and 94 lbs and I've lost all over--especially my legs. My arms are the big problem--along with my stomach. But, I can cover that up. I have to buy shirts way to big, just to fit my arms! I would assume (or hope *fingers crossed*) that our body rids the area that our bodies need to, first! Then, the other areas come second. Hey, look at it this way--tummy tucks, breast lifts, brachioplasty, butt lifts, leg lifts, etc. wouldn't be so needed if those areas stayed BIG forever. Good Luck to you and I'm sure you'll start seeing the areas shrink soon :o)
   — Kristin R.

December 27, 2001
I also have big calves. I think it was from carrying around that extra 100 pounds for all those years. I do not have to get a bigger size though. I am wondering how big in fact your could be??? On a positive note, all the men in my life think that my large calves are sexy. I can't even buy a pair of knee high boots that will zipper. Who ever told you not to exercise those muscles was right though. You don't want to build more muscle there. It may already be muscle, not fat; in which case you will probably have it for good like me. Regarding losing in certain areas: With me and my sis, it seemed that we both lost it in the concentrated areas first. For instance, I was big in the belly area and that seemed to go last. She was big in the butt area. She still has a few pounds to lose and they're all in the butt... Another thing, we tend to lose from the top first; breast, face, neck. Then belly, butt & legs. So, I guess that your claves and ankles will be the last to go. Good luck.
   — Jeannet

December 27, 2001
I don't know if this is the "norm", but I too had very large calves. Mine were very muscular- carrying around all that weight! Could not find socks that would stay up over them and I would have a really hard time having clothes fit in that area. I have noticed now that I am almost 1 yr post op (down 135lbs) that my calves are finally getting smaller. I do walk alot and need to start more strenuous exercises, but they are finally getting smaller. So don't give up hope yet! Good luck.
   — Cindy K.

December 27, 2001
Hi Lori, I too have huge calves! I always have, and when the weight started coming off I was so upset that my calves weren't changing. All I have ever wanted was to be able to wear a knee high boot with a skirt. Since about September I have been going to the shoe stores and trying on these types of boots, still my huge calves wouldn't squeeze in. Getting a wide width wasn't an option because my foot has actually shrunk down a size and is on the narrow side now (I have lost 100 pounds since 5/25/01). Anyway, there is hope! I just last weekend went to the shoe store yet again, knowing that there was no way my tree stumps would fit in those boots, and lo and behold they did!!!! I mean, this may have been better than getting into a size 6 pants! On Christmas eve I was able to wear a cute sude skirt with my new boots, and it felt great. Don't give up hope, if my calves finally shrunk, I know yours will...Happy New Year!
   — Vicki K.

December 27, 2001
You are obviously not alone here although I though so until I read all these posts. I thought it was just me. I am in a size 5, went from 280 to 120 3 years ago and still can't fit into any boots. My calves are the same size as my thighs. I am sure that the others were right and it must have to do with carrying around all that weight for so many years. I lost everywhere else except my calves. They are total muscle now and I am sure that there is no way to lose this at this point. Just wanted to put in my 2 cents here.
   — Barbara H.

December 27, 2001
THAT, my friend, is the $$million dollar$$ question. I've lost 120lbs, mostly from my stomach and the top half of my body. I'm a 16 on the top and a 20 on the bottom. The fat on my thighs and butt just won't budge! I'm still 30lbs. short of my goal and I'm a bit worried because each additional pound I lose comes off my top half and I truly don't want to end up with freakish proportions. I suppose lipo is an anwswer...but....I really can't afford it.
   — [Anonymous]

December 28, 2001
I, too, have big calves and always have even when I was younger and didn't weigh as much. I have never been able to fit in boots--even ankle highs. I am finally seeing small decreases in the measurements of my calves, but I still look like I am stuffed into the boots I can even zip. Unfortunately, I understand that having big calves is hereditary and exercising only makes them bigger. *sigh*
   — ctyst

December 28, 2001
I wish I could answer that for you!!! I have lost approximately 70 pounds and I am 4 1/2 months post op. Mine has ALL come off of the thighs, hips and butt!!! I am the opposite of one who posted before me... I wear a size lL - XL from the waist down and a 1X or 2X from the waist up. It would be nice if you lost it all proportionately, but from the sounds of it, nobody does this. Good luck!!!
   — Kellie Jo B.