(This is part of the “Ask me Anything” Series.)
Christi asked: “After reading the story of how you transformed your life and your body, I would be very interested in knowing the affects the weight loss has had on your body. I am also curious to know about loose/saggy skin. Do you have any that you wouldn’t attribute to age?”
LOOSE SKIN
Since I lost weight the slow way (it took almost 2 years) I didn’t have to worry about the loose skin that often happens when someone loses a lot of weight. I am very thankful for that.
The loose skin I do have, I’m currently working on with weight lifting. I’m seeing progress and I know if I continue that program I’ll tone up.
STRETCHMARKS
I have stretchmarks. I’ve tried every skin product out there to get rid of them, and finally just decided “oh well.” They are part of who I am. They remind me of where I used to be and how far I’ve come. They aren’t my favorite part of my body but I’ve gotten over the embarrassment.
TEMPERATURE
The first winter I experienced at a lighter weight–about 180 pounds–was FRIGID. Oh my god. I cannot describe how cold I was. The heat was on full blast in my apartment at all times, I was wearing sweaters and layers and GLOVES and I was still freezing. That was the beginning of my temperature change.
Not having that insulation anymore I found that I was cold all the time. Now at 145 pounds, I’m still cold. This summer I slept with my socks on because I was so cold.
OTHER CHANGES
Swimming changed my figure in ways that surprised me. I developed strong, broad shoulders and a muscular back. I also saw my waist shrinking. The typical swimmer’s body is the “V”…broad shoulders, narrow waist.
Running continued to change my body. It developed my legs into strong, muscular vehicles that propel me when I run. My calves became defined.
Cycling improved my legs even more than running. When I was training for Reach the Beach my quads got so strong! When I went back to running I was faster!
The changes were small at first. One by one, the extra chins disappeared…the face narrowed, my rings stopped fitting. Then I could see muscle definition and I had a collarbone! That was the coolest feeling.
Seeing the changes motivated me to keep trying. Even now, when I lose a few pounds it’s noticeable.
QUESTION: What changes have you seen in your body when you lost weight?
steff (steffsays)
i just started swimming again after a couple years without access to a pool. its only been about a month of 1-2 sessions (30-60 mins each) in the pool and i am already noticing changes!
running and cycling have given me toned legs, and yoga has toned my arms, but i am totally seeing what you mentioned about swimming toning the midsection and defining the waist. i was NOT expecting that and am pleasantly suprised! 😀
your journey is an inspiration.
Lisa Eirene
That’s great Steff! I love hearing that people are swimming. 🙂
Diana P.
I’ve lost 33 pounds so far (since June). The things I’ve noticed the most so far is my waist— I actually a starting to get an hourglass figure again….my husband loves it :). Also, my face has changed drastically. I didn’t notice it on a day to day basis, but then I took some pictures, and WOW—the whole shape has slimmed down! Also, every thing is more toned. I can’t wait til the rest of this fat is gone so I can actually see my strong muscles! 🙂
I just started following your blog, and it’s really inspirational. I’m pretty much following in your footsteps — starting at 5’5″, 240 lbs, trying to lose 100 lbs. Right now I’m on target to lose it in about 16 months! Thanks for your encouragement and sharing your story!
Lisa Eirene
Thanks for reading, Diana! I’m impressed with your 33 pound lost! Keep at it.
Allison
Congrats on such an amazing, positive change! I also love swimming. I usually swim 3 times an week. I love it because swimming definitely changes your body shape!
Lisa (bakebikeblog)
I had never thought about the ‘feeling cold’ aspect of weight loss!! Makes sense really
Lori (Finding Radiance)
I have loose skin, but you can’t really see it too much unless I am nekkid – and only 1 person sees me that way now LOL.
Strength training did not help the loose skin itself, but it does ‘drape’ better over strong muscles.
I love the muscles that I can see now that aren’t covered in fat and also some of the bones I never felt before.
Lisa Eirene
I keep hoping the weight lifting will do it’s magic! Especially with my lunch lady arms. 😉
Carbzilla
I HATE being cold. I posted about it, but I’m too cheap to turn the heat up past 68 so I have heat lamps and an electric pad on my bed. I almost always have to sleep with socks.
When I was living in LA, I used to have to wear gloves almost all the time. Even indoors when I was surfing the web. Dorky!
It’s a side effect, for sure!
(PS Taking thyroid did help me get my temp back closer to normal)
blackhuff
The paragraph in which you describe in, where you lost so much weight and experienced the cold of winter, that makes me feel scared. For all my life, I have been used to the fact that I was never as cold as many others, during winter. So I’m pretty scared of how I am going to feel when I lost my weight.
Lisa Eirene
Everyone is different, so maybe you won’t experience that!
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
To be honest, the one thing I can’t relate to here is hte temperature thing! I always was and still am hot – sweat all the time! I thought losing weight would change that for sure.
But, even though I have stretch marks/some loose skin, I like my body SO much more than I did at 250 pounds.
Lisa Eirene
Yep! I love my body now so I don’t mind the stretch marks.