shirfleur 1's Journal, 14 Nov 19

First of all thank you all for your kindness and support. I want to apologize for my comment where I stated that the only people who know I'm on this journey are my two sons, as, of course, that is not true, because all of you know and you lift me up as we travel down this path together. Thank you Bella, Gail, Chestnut, Kat, Princess, Anna, Coco, Jessi, Poohie, Tom, Medina, Carol, Jc, Girly, CMC, gz, JL, mbd, and gran; you're the BEST!! 💚💛💜 

Fritzy, I think you're correct. Also, in my case, as I said to my son, I don't think people really look at you when you're old. When a younger person enters a room, people tend to look at them, the c!othes, the hair, the shoes, and, let's face it, the body. When an old person enters the room, who cares about what they're wearing or their geriatric shoes or their thinning hair and thickening waist ( I know that isn't true of everyone, I'm generalizing).  

I know nobody really noticed until I hit 30lbs lost but could be because I started wearing clothes that fit instead of comfy clothes 😂 

I don't think it is an age thing at all! I am 60 and when I cut my hair and as I have been losing weight people have always noticed and complimented me. I am not a flashy dresser or anything but I certainly feel 'seen'. I do live in a very rural location and I know my mother commented that when she moved to the city people just really didn't look at people - little eye contact but when she is in a rural town people really look at you as they are trying to figure out if they know you and should be greeting you! Maybe location and not age? 

I see my recovery family every day. the ones who notice say Clair you are getting so skinny. I crack up cause I don't see it. I make it a point to ask my son when he gets here on Sundays to say Jay do I look any thinner and he always says yes. he worries that I'm not doing it the right way. but I continue to affirm my meals and exercise plans to him. I think he is afraid of me kicking the bucket. lol I'm good I tell him just eating healthy 

I suck at noticing gains and losses. I just do. And if you aren't wearing something that isn't flowy, it makes it harder, I'm sure. However, seeing your face when you put your pics up against each other is a huge difference! You have made great strides!  

I don't think it's age. Not for people who know you and would notice your loss. I really think people just don't look or pay much attention if they see you all the time. Some people I know, knew I was trying to lose weight and they would support me all the way down. Others wouldn't say a thing, maybe thought I'd be embarrassed. Just know for you what an accomplishment your weight loss is and how impressed and inspired many of us at FS are! 

I think you're all correct. Carol, you're not old, I'm 76 and that is old no matter how much some might protest, three quarters of a century is a long time. When I said people haven't noticed, I'm talking about family and close friends who most definitely will comment when they do notice. I have not yo-yo dieted, just gradually gained over the years. I'm not upset, because I'm not doing this for anyone but me. But I am rather amused and really curious about how long it will take. Maybe I'll post a picture of how I dress so you can see why it might be difficult to notice my weight loss. Have a fantastic day! 💜💛💚 

Shir - if you're wearing loose clothing, and it's so loose it was the clothing you were wearing when you started, it will be harder to notice. A fresh outfit does illicit a response.  

Rockstar, I have to make a second vote for thrift stores (used to volunteer in one). When I was between sizes 10 years ago, I found really nice clothes that still had the tag on it! I felt fine spending $4 on a pretty blouse or $8 on a dress that still had the tag. Celebrate yourself and buy a couple of things...just to get used to the new fit! You deserve it. XOXO 

Me also 50 pounds lighter and one of my friends said..."I think you lost some weight, "it shows in your face"... 55 pounds in my face? Should make a difference indeed!!! Made me think I must have looked like an air balloon before🤣 

Aliana, "shows in your face" is surely not all 55 pounds, LOL!!! 🌈🌈🌈 

Definitely count this NSV! It happens to me, too, because I'm tall as well as heavy. They say that 10 pounds equals one size, but I can lose 25 pounds and wear the same clothes! 

Mira, you're right, there are so many factors involved, it's different for each of us. I'm very pleased with my progress, as I'm sure you are with yours, and that's the main thing, isn't it. 💛💚💜