How has losing a significant amount of weight made you more brave?

[jzend001]

First, I will admit that I am one of those people who has let my weight hold me back. Second, I will say that I dont despise myself or anything like that. I know I'm smart and nice and an all around good person. My biggest problem is that I've always felt uncomfortable "presenting" myself to the world. I weighed around 200lbs when I was 10 years old so I've always been significantly bigger than people my age. Now, at 20 years old, I am still significantly bigger than most people my age. I have pretty much spent my whole life walking into every situation with my biggest flaw out in the open, and I havent developed the normal amount of confidence that I probably should have. Obviously getting and being healthy makes you more confident and proud of yourself, so I wanted to ask (anyone who doesnt mind typing it up :) ) to hear some stories about how losing a significant amount of weight has made you embrace life more. Thanks in advance. :wave:

[Pisces123]

Jzend001,

I've had issues "presenting" myself as well. I have always been shy and stand-offish since I was little. At 5'9, in junior high and high school I was always taller and fell into the trap of thinking I had to be a size 0 like all the other petite girls. I got pregnant at 17 and would be a single mom. During pregnancy I ate ALOT. I wasn't knowledgeable in how to take care of my body while pregnant and thought that eating alot would be good. Needless to say, I ended up at over 200 pounds. After I had my daughter, I was so distraught over the havoc pregnacy played on my body that I gave up thinking I would never had my flat stomach back and the stretch marks would never go away. (which they haven't of course lol) Over the course of 6 years, I gained to my highest of 255 lbs. I was a very depressed and anxious person. Maybe I'll get into that one day, but I don't guess it pertains to your question. I began low carbing at 245 pounds and now weigh 186. I let my weight and self-image issues hold me down my entire life. I can honestly say that it isn't my lower weight now that I allow myself to get out and experience life. IT WAS THE FACT THAT I DID IT! For myself, by myself. I've set and accomplished more goals since beginning this WOL than I ever have before. I still deal with issues and am still shy BUT I do more and don't let self-loathing or any "little ole' fear" hold me back! I just want to say as well, that you are doing a great job. 28 pounds gone! :thup: :thup:

[3shewolf8]

I was always the "fat friend" the girl other girls invited to parties because I wasn't a threat to them. I almost wasn't given a job because I didn't have the "right look" which I later found out was my size. I lost weight, gained confidence, am having a great time. The male attention is so much fun (I am married, but I didn't say I take advantage of anything) I actually was walking by a guy at work who was pulling a pallet jack, he turned his head to look at me and walked into a post in the middle of the aisle! I have a great job and feel that I can do anything I put my mind to. I have been asked to do presentations at work and step up gladly to do so. I like having my picture taken and will walk around naked in front of my husband without shame. All of those things come from the self confidence of feeling great about myself. You will get these feelings soon too! Since I lost the weight I have a lower back tattoo and my belly button pierced. These things are not really out of the ordinary except for the fact that I am in my early 40's. I feel great!!

[kasstout]

i have felt a great deal of confidence lately and i havent even lost a dramatic amount of weight yet. I feel more confident going out with my skinny friends and have noticed people looking at me differently when out in public (i like to think its because of my weight loss, not b/c i have toilet paper on my shoe or something!!). I feel better by not having to constantly adjust my clothes everytime i sit down or stand up, and i am really loving not having to go directly to the plus size section of every store i go into. I think everybody that has the will power and has found new strength in this woe should feel more confident and powerfull. (Id like to thank the academy....)

[jzend001]

thanks guys.

[Voo36]

It was almost as if "Hey.. I finally found a diet that I actually have lost weight, and can still find enjoyment in food - Maybe I can find enjoyment in other areas of my life too! "

So, I got out of a miserable 14 year marriage. Changed careers into something more stable and fulfilling, and have been dating a great guy for nearly 2 years now.

[HalfPass]

I definitely have 110% more confidence that I did during the years I have heavy(that would be most of my adult life). I have actually said to my good friend in reference to "bad" work meetings.."I don't think I could have faced those people if I was fat". I have horses and being fat was always in the front of my mind when I did horse things..I knew that no one took me seriously. It is so wonderful not to have the weight holding me back anymore.

[addict1000]

I don't think it is weight loss that is making me more confident, but instead the process of weight loss. I am having to make my own choices and often times go against what my social group is doing. I am having to stand up and say "no" to bad foods people offer me over and over and over (my husband)

The repetition of these small decisions that benefit me have spilled over a bit into other areas. I am being more firm with the "no's" that I have given to people in other areas. I am making more decisions that put my personal well being first.