I'm trying to come to terms with the idea that...

[LipstickLady 25,682]

I'm not fat (on the outside) any more! I'm not skinny by any means, but I'm not fat. I weigh 157 pounds which is still far too much for my 5.3 frame, but I wear size medium tops and size 8 pants, which is officially smaller than the average American woman.

I am no longer shopping in the women's section.

I am no longer wearing the largest size in the ladies' department.

I pick up clothes in consignment shops and often have to reject them for being too big. ( WTF?!?!?!)

I fit in bathroom stalls and dressing rooms with room to spare.

I can walk through turnstiles/bus aisles/theatre rows front ways instead of turning sideways and sucking it in.

I no longer stress when some jackhole parks too close to my minivan when I can barely open my car door to squeeze in.

Every seatbelt fits.

I can put my handbag in my seat with me instead of on a different chair.

I can sit in a booth without my tummy and/or boobs smooshing up against the table.

People don't mind sitting next to me at the movies or in tight restaurants.

More people make eye contact/open doors/smile/initiate conversation with me than ever before.

I am no longer looking around to see if I am the biggest person in the room because I'm not. Ever. Not even in Zumba.

I can wear my leggings home from the gym and stop at the store without caring if I run I to anyone I know.

I could go on forever. I'm still a fat girl on the inside so this whole thing is very surreal. It's just finally starting to set in that after 20 years of being obese, I'm now just a regular sized fit mom (with some loose skin) who can do anything I fracking want to do because I gifted myself with the least easy "easy way out" I could have ever chosen to do.

Love love love. Love.

[SuNMooNStaRS816 423]

I love that!!!

[SugarFreeMe 293]

I'm looking so forward to all those things you just listed. Things I can do, not things I can no longer due because of the excess weight. Congratulations to you.

[CrazyJaney 775]

I'm not fat (on the outside) any more! I'm not skinny by any means, but I'm not fat. I weigh 157 pounds which is still far too much for my 5.3 frame, but I wear size medium tops and size 8 pants, which is officially smaller than the average American woman. I am no longer shopping in the women's section. I am no longer wearing the largest size in the ladies' department. I pick up clothes in consignment shops and often have to reject them for being too big. ( WTF?!?!?!) I fit in bathroom stalls and dressing rooms with room to spare. I can walk through turnstiles/bus aisles/theatre rows front ways instead of turning sideways and sucking it in. I no longer stress when some jackhole parks too close to my minivan when I can barely open my car door to squeeze in. Every seatbelt fits. I can put my handbag in my seat with me instead of on a different chair. I can sit in a booth without my tummy and/or boobs smooshing up against the table. People don't mind sitting next to me at the movies or in tight restaurants. More people make eye contact/open doors/smile/initiate conversation with me than ever before. I am no longer looking around to see if I am the biggest person in the room because I'm not. Ever. Not even in Zumba. I can wear my leggings home from the gym and stop at the store without caring if I run I to anyone I know. I could go on forever. I'm still a fat girl on the inside so this whole thing is very surreal. It's just finally starting to set in that after 20 years of being obese, I'm now just a regular sized fit mom (with some loose skin) who can do anything I fracking want to do because I gifted myself with the least easy "easy way out" I could have ever chosen to do. Love love love. Love.

I love reading this and I'm gonna read it every, freaking day! Love, love, love it!!!!

[Branmuffin 190]

Such a great post and a hopeful glimpse into my future. So happy for you that after 20 years of obesity you now should have atleast 50 more at a healthy weight! That's what I keep telling myself too!

[Seela 1,187]

I totally feel you. It's so awesome and I'm so greatful. I feel normal, at least I feel like I look normal, and it's something I haven't felt in a long time. Congratulations to all of us!

[VSG AJH 499]

LOVE this post, LL! So fun and encouraging!

[Jencovi 261]

What a great post. So many positive observations about yourself! I am one week post op and down 15lbs. Only 85 to go! Yes. 85 seems like a lot, but now that I have my trusty sleeve as my main tool, I know I can do it. I'm excited to have these epiphanies of my own in the next year!

[Bandista 7,466]

Congratulations! What a great list -- thanks so much for posting.

[2Big2Skate 328]

Thanks for the happy post!

[AmyInOrlando 348]

What a great post !!! I could identify with almost every one of those "statements". I especiallyliked the one about not being the biggest one in the room (especially in Zumba). Last week I glanced at my reflection in a store window and didn't recognize myself. I'm 13 pounds from goal, and the last to go are definitely the hardest.

[chris1142 148]

LL you made my day with this post. As a newly sleeved one I can't wait to get to where these are my truths too. I know it won't be without a lot of hard work but I'm ready to put the time in. Thanks for being such an inspiration.

[cherbear33 288]

I'm not fat (on the outside) any more! I'm not skinny by any means, but I'm not fat. I weigh 157 pounds which is still far too much for my 5.3 frame, but I wear size medium tops and size 8 pants, which is officially smaller than the average American woman.

I am no longer shopping in the women's section.

I am no longer wearing the largest size in the ladies' department.

I pick up clothes in consignment shops and often have to reject them for being too big. ( WTF?!?!?!)

I fit in bathroom stalls and dressing rooms with room to spare.

I can walk through turnstiles/bus aisles/theatre rows front ways instead of turning sideways and sucking it in.

I no longer stress when some jackhole parks too close to my minivan when I can barely open my car door to squeeze in.

Every seatbelt fits.

I can put my handbag in my seat with me instead of on a different chair.

I can sit in a booth without my tummy and/or boobs smooshing up against the table.

People don't mind sitting next to me at the movies or in tight restaurants.

More people make eye contact/open doors/smile/initiate conversation with me than ever before.

I am no longer looking around to see if I am the biggest person in the room because I'm not. Ever. Not even in Zumba.

I can wear my leggings home from the gym and stop at the store without caring if I run I to anyone I know.

I could go on forever. I'm still a fat girl on the inside so this whole thing is very surreal. It's just finally starting to set in that after 20 years of being obese, I'm now just a regular sized fit mom (with some loose skin) who can do anything I fracking want to do because I gifted myself with the least easy "easy way out" I could have ever chosen to do.

Love love love. Love.

I love it! I love reading what you put up. You are auch an inspiration to so many on here & may god continue to bless you & your journey & may you continue to come on & give your wonderful insightful advice & thoughts!!! You Rock!!!

[kespy74 103]

I love this post! I gives me a glimpse into my near future!! Thank you for posting it and making me smile today!!

[HumanMerelyBeing 287]

This is so uplifting. Your list of "non-scale victories" so to speak is so highly relevant, I think I will print it out. It really is all of these small things which add up to contribute to the experience of the 'fat life.'

I look forward to reaping some of the benefits you describe!! : )