I can't believe it's already been over a year since my "birthday"!
It's been a great ride, 90 lbs. gone! It's been a totally exhilarating shopping for smaller clothes. To sit in a movie theater seat and have room to move around. To go to a rest room and not have to use the disabled stall because it's bigger. Not getting winded just going up a flight of stairs. People looking away or pointing at me because I was so big. People treating me like a human when I'm out shopping and stuff. Not having to hear the bed creak under my weight. Not sweating like a stuck pig just from taking a shower. Not feeling totally exhausted at the end of the day carrying all that excess weight.
My beginning BMI was 48.1, and is currently 32.6. I've gone from a 46" waist to a 38" (depending on the maker, I can wear a 36" comfortably). I went from a XXL to a large. My diabetes is gone. I had the beginnings of sleep apnea and that is gone as well, same with my high blood pressure.
I can eat pretty much anything I want (I've since discovered I am not sugar intolerant – in small amounts). I can have regular french vanilla creamer in my coffee with no problem (gotta have that!), and have been known to nibble on a cookie or cake (but not a whole slice.) I have taken sips of soda, but otherwise have eliminated them from my diet and drink water and crystal lite. Since being laid-off, I have developed a very nasty starrbucks mocha frapicino habit.
I do make much better food choices. It's become more of a habit that I don't have to really think about it. Of course, there are times/places where I don't have many choices but I try to pick the lesser of the evils. It's still hard to get in all the water I need to drink, and that's an issue for everyone, so I just do the best I can.
I've stayed put at around 190 lbs. I go up 3-5 lbs., but then goes back down. I know a lot of it is stress with all the drama in my life lately. I feel like a shar-pei at times, I'm sagging in places where a man should NEVER sag! Be that as it may, I feel great, and honestly, I look great (with clothes on!) I still have dreams that I'm back at my old weight, and yes, it scares me, but I think that's a good thing. I mean, it keeps me in check. It's nice to be able to dress up and actually tuck my shirt in knowing my gut isn't going to be the center of attention. I need to get into an exercise routine and firm up the sagging parts, and that will come once I'm back to a normal routine.
Okay, now this sounds silly, but being able to look straight down (without sucking in my stomach), and not only see my feet, but my manhood as well, is a feeling of satisfaction way more than food can ever give me. (Note to gentlemen, yes, it does come out from it's hiding place as you lose weight, giving "him" the appearance of being bigger!)
There are times I "feel fat". I can't explain the feeling, but when I put my clothes on, and tuck in my shirt, the feeling goes away.
I love the way I look.
Would I do it again? HELL YES!
Do I regret not eating certain things? HELL NO!
I want to lose another 10 lbs. or so, and that will come in time. I'm in no hurry.
Most of all, I couldn't have made it not only without this forum, but with all the good friends I've made here. Please know you mean so very much to me, your all in my heart. I love you all!
It's been over a year already?!
I'm happy for you.
Deborah 
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