I have gone from 4X (26/28) to 3X (22/24) clothes. I have been able to start wearing clothes I had stored for "someday" and even those are starting to get loose. Getting ready for work is more fun and I have been keeping up my New Year's resolution to wear my earring, bracelets, etc. every day. It just makes me feel more polished and pulled together.
I have been lucky in finding work pants at Wal-Mart. I cannot fathom spending $50+ on a pair of slacks that I'm only going to be wearing for a month or so. $15 is a much better price and best of all, the Wal-Mart petites are the right length - no tailoring needed.
I have been following some great plus-size bloggers and Pinterest boards. Even at my goal weight of 180 I will still be considered 'plus-size', but there are a hell of a lot more choices at size 14 than 26.
People are really starting to notice the weight loss. It is so strange how every time I gain weight it accrues differently than the last and the same goes for the weight loss. Since I lost in the abdomen and waist first this time I am once again rocking a serious hourglass figure - even at 276 lbs.
My knee and ankle pain has all cleared up. I'm going to go back to belly dance in June. I'll tell you why June in a second. Why belly dance? Dance is the only form of exercise that I ever enjoyed, that I would do just for the fun, not because I need to rack up some Physical Activity (PA) points. In the meantime, I need to find a good beginner Yoga DVD to do at home to start regaining my flexibility, which has greatly diminished over the last 7 years since I stopped dancing.
I took the recommendation of some women in my class and have discovered the Clear American flavored waters (also at Wal-Mart). So tasty! I'm drinking them at home instead of soda, so I am down to one can of Diet Coke with Lime at lunchtimes.
Work is going great, and I can't help but feel that my increased ambition is partly spurred on by the weight loss. I just got a promotion (and serious raise!) and am going to apply for the next account manager position that opens up. This is a quantum leap in that it would be a complete change in my focus and responsibilities. I feel excited by the challenge and know that I could do a good job. It would definitely be a growth experience!
