Worried losing weight would change me...

Tone_998

Tone_998

Member
I'm sharing a before and after, but it's more than just appearances. A big worry for me starting this journey was that altering my physique would alter my heart. I feared I'd morph into someone who sneered at their former self, or judged those still carrying extra weight.

I got this fear from a show I saw. A contestant had shed a significant amount of weight, then pretended to be his heavier self. He spoke so cruelly about that version of himself. It really stuck in my head, the idea that self-improvement might turn me into someone unrecognizable, maybe even unkind.

Well, I'm now down about 90 pounds, thanks to semaglutide, some lifestyle adjustments, and persistence. And I can honestly say that fear was unfounded.

Looking at old photos, I don't feel disgust. I see someone who was doing the best they could at that time. And when I'm at the gym and see others who are overweight or just starting out, I don't judge them. I feel empathy, sometimes even a sense of vicarious pride.

Weight loss didn't make me cruel. It's made me more understanding, both towards myself and others.

I wanted to share this for anyone else who worries that growth means rejecting who you once were. For me, it's meant a deeper understanding of myself.
 
This resonates so much with me. The person in my old pics lived a great life, with lots of wins, and shouldn't be judged for not being skinny. I feel the connection – she's still me, not some random new person.
 
Congrats, you look amazing!

I feel similar. Luckily, people say my face doesn't look too different after losing weight - seems to have retained a nice jawline. But I've got some loose skin around my belly (though core work is helping a bit).

I see that loose skin as a sort of 'badge of honor'. It reminds me of where I began and how far I've travelled. I'm not big on tattoos, but it's like having an old tattoo you wouldn't get today, but that's now part of your story.
 
Congrats on the weight loss. Semaglutide really showed me that my weight was a genuine medical issue. I couldn't figure out why I was struggling so much with weight, yet other people seemed fine, and now I get how they feel. No crazy inflammation, no constant food cravings, and feeling full before my stomach hurts. It's mind-blowing that this is what it should feel like.
 
I appreciate people encouraging at the gym. I was worried about that when I was starting out. People who understand that everyone in the gym is making an effort, no matter their level, and who are encouraging are fantastic.
 
Someone unkind after losing weight was probably already unkind. I've dropped around 75 pounds and get more attention from others. But I'm still the same understanding person I was before. Many never forget how it felt when they carried extra weight.
 
Started at 1 mg, no change yet, holding steady there. Drinking 160-180 oz of water daily, adding electrolytes once or twice. Trying to bump up carbs a bit since protein and fat are basically on target, just slightly under. The cramping in one spot is weird to me.
 
It's been interesting how much more understanding I am of my 'old self' and how much more I accept my former appearance. The feeling you described, of seeing a body that was trying so hard and asking for better care. It's amazing, and my shame has gone.
 
I owe everything to the woman I used to be: the courage, the resolve, and always trying. If I encountered her now, I'd reassure her that there is a solution, and if she commits, like she always has, everything will be ok. I feel nothing but love and understanding for that woman. I’m here now because of her desire to change.
 
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