Cool "Side Effects" of Weight Loss

Besides the obvious "side effects" of weight loss, I thought it might be a good idea to share the unusual or looked over effects of weight loss. So here is your chance to list the small things that maybe only you have noticed and might even feel silly about noticing.

I'll start:

I've noticed that as my fingers shrink the diamond in my engagement ring is getting larger! I like that! (Any other married or engaged ladies seeing the same results?)

This is the most inspirational topic I've come across, it's great hearing people's stories.

I lost my second dimple, now I only have the one on the left side from when I was a kid.

Can easily chat with my husband without panting like a thirsty dog during our brisk walking sessions!

Pants are looser--bad thing is I keep pulling them forward to feel the gap and get excited.

Face looks thinner, cheek bones are more prominent.  I have always hated a chubby/well-rounded cheeks.

The good: 

• I can cross my legs!
• I can see my collarbones.
• I can go into a clothing store and not worry about if there will be clothes large enough for me. 
• I can run up stairs and not get winded.
• People have noticed!
• My clothes take up a lot less room in a suitcase.
• There are a lot more clothing patterns available -- and I need less fabric!
• I can buy items based on my bust size and not worry about if they will fit at the waist.
• I don't have to worry about fitting in a chair.
• I get full a lot sooner when eating.

The bad:

• My wardrobe is very very small.
• It hurts to sit for any length of time.  (the harder the chair, the shorter the time)
• I get colder more easily
• I have specific articles of clothing that I miss.

this is a weird one...

I just noticed this morning - when I shave the inside of my thighs, I don't have to pull the skin tight. It is tight enough now just to run the razor across it. I did a little happy dance in the shower this morning :)

Like I said, weird, but totally great!! :)

Odd.   It's more related to our world's social environment.  Having been overweight, people waited for me to act before they interacted with me.  Everyone saw I was "pretty on the inside". 

Now, people, in general (both men and women) have smiled first and more, started conversation before me and in general just nicer to me before I had to act.  It feels like now, people see the "pretty" on the outside and inside, as we interact.

On the physical side, well, I have one chin. I have collar bones.  My fingers are so small, I have lost a ring -bummer- and ready to size down the engagement ring.  My feet are actually smaller -?  I don't need the "wide" width shoes. While looking for petite (haha) and short lengths, always had to compromise on the butt fit to accomodate height and waist. Clothes I actually fit in and they fit like a glove (perfect) and I look and feel good in.  Being a shorty, clothes were always difficult.  Not anymore !!!

*I feel sexy with my body and well, like someone else said earlier, sex is so much better ; )

While have been expensive with having lost weight and transitioning, my improved overall health and the experiences are priceless.

Thank you for this inspiring thread : )

*edit

The good:

I'm healthier.

I breathe better.

I can cross my legs.

I enjoy shopping again.

I have confidence for the first time in my life.

Strangers offer to help me get things off top shelves, stop the car and let me cross the street, hold doors open, etc.  Doesn't sound like much but for someone who has never had that treatment it's nice.

Occassionally a man flirts with me.  And I have enough confidence now to recognize it.

The bad:

I'm discovering that some of the things I blamed on my weight are not necessarily about my weight, but about me.  Tough blow.

Increased libido.  This would be a good side effect..'cept I'm single.

I'm cold all the time.

Not enough clothes.. and don't want to buy alot of clothes because I still have 50lbs. to go.

I can wear my teenage daughter's clothes

I'm mistaken for a teenager alot now

Not only can I take off my shoes without untying them; I can take off my "used to be skinny" jeans without unbuttoning the them 

 

gringal, you reminded me of the most important thing ....

.... I look younger and people tell me I look younger and that I look to young to have children as old !!!  Youth, recaptured : )

Someone told me I'm taller.  Of course I'm not, but thinner looks taller, I guess.
What i like most is knowing that i've matured at the same time people tell me i look younger.
the other great side effect: knowing i'm doing the best i can.

I thought of another :)

I take better care of myself in general. I started caring what I look like, so I'm dressing better and wearing makeup again. Makes me feel good :)

I love this posting!  I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that got excited about crossing my legs again.

I get alot of compliments now...  from people who I never thought would notice, especially my husband.  He told me the other day... "I'm proud of you"  That meant alot to me.

but my favorite... intimate relations with my husband are better!  It's like places aren't as "padded" and I don't get tired.

Hey, I actually started a very similar thread in Weight Loss a couple months - here's the link:

http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/5323 0.html

I love reading these!!!

I actually need something for my Bday, such as smaller clothes.  Now I don't have to return everything.

This is such a good place to remind yourself why you are working so hard at being healthy and losing weight!*I don't dread having pictures taken of me* I don't mind seeing people that I haven't seen in years-I am no longer the girl who got fat after high school*I can actually see the muscles I've been working on-less fat covering them*My face doesn't get red and hot *I can run up a flight of stairs or take a fast walk on talk at the same time
Not so great-Now that I feel the benefits of weight loss, I am just so much more paranoid about what I eat and how much I exercise. I don't want to feel so anxious or be obsessive about what I eat just because I am so scared of gaining it back.

The funniest thing I noticed recently is that i can now where a skirt with pantyhose and not have to wear spandex shorts.  Before I would have to wear shorts so that I did not rub my thighs raw. 

Stupid but a big deal for me.... Cynthia :0)

Somehow Ive worked my way down to a size Youth XL, which would be great if I wasn't 28 years old. As much as I appreciate having entire new sections of stores to shop in, its kind of embarrassing actually buying these size clothes for myself. Although there usually is a price savings between Adult Small/Medium and Youth XL, so I can't complain too much.

For me, being able to chase my kids and not feel out of shape is wonderful.  I also seem to get a lot more 'looks' from guys.  Even though I'm happily married, I have to admit, it's nice to be noticed:)

foreverambie - I can't believe I didn't consider my MOST favorite thing is not dreading pictures! My grandmom loves to take candid pics all the time. If I saw her from the corner of my eye, I'd tense up knowing that I'm going to look terrible! Now it's like, go ahead, I look great today :)