"Being caught with your britches down" has a whole new meaning when losing weight.
As this week's title suggests, I have lost enough weight that my clothes are starting to sag.
It's a rather new feeling for me. Only once in my life have I decreased my clothing sizes. That happened in the summer of 2007.
Earlier that year, a doctor diagnosed me with severe sleep apnea. Shortly afterwards, he ordered me to use a CPAP machine, a mechanical terror hell-bent on robbing me of precious sleep. Ironic, right?
After struggling with the machine, my doctor suggested I have surgery to try to correct the condition.
Five surgeries later (all happened at the same time), I began to drop the pounds. At one point, I dropped 60 pounds. My mom, along with my girlfriend (who is now my wife), decided it was time to buy some new clothes. As much as I hated to go through with it, I did.
One year later, I could no longer fit into those clothes. I folded them and tucked them away.
Fast-forward to the present...
I normally wear 50/30 jeans or khakis and 4X shirts. Because of my weight loss, those clothes are no longer fitting properly. Even with a belt, I am constantly pulling my pants up. However, we've temporarily solved that issue.
My wife graciously put two extra holes in my belt. The item is still of use and I see no purpose in leaving it unused.
We've had some preliminary discussions about buying new clothes. I have remained insistent that we not buy any new clothing until I feel comfortable enough to do so.
My biggest fear is that, after buying those items, my weight loss would fail and I would regain my poundage. Wasted money and sad faces would dominate my life after that.
So, I will stick to my current fashion collection.
That said, my wife and I allowed curiosity to get the better of us.
You see, I still own some of those smaller clothes I told you about earlier. The rest, I've donated to Goodwill and St. Vincent de Paul stores.
We pulled out a pair of jeans (46/30) and they fit. I admit, they were a bit snug but I ended up wearing them all day. Another small victory.
CURRENT WEIGHT: 362 lbs.
POUNDS LOST SO FAR: 32 lbs.
NOTES: I have two notes to pass along this week.
Firstly, a different perspective. In last week's post, I noted that the treadmill was gloating about its victory over me. My wife reads my blog posts along with everyone else. She typically doesn't read them before I post them. After discussing last week's entry with her, she offered me a different perspective on the treadmill incident. She said the treadmill lost, not won. The reason: I got back on the device and finished my routine for the day. She said that made me the clear winner. A wise woman my wife is.
Secondly, I've set a goal. Initially, I decided against doing this. My plan was to lose as much as I could. That has changed. I want to drop 200 pounds. I know that's a lot but I believe I can do it. If I am successful, that will put me around the 194 mark. Now understand, this is a goal but my perception of my success does not hinge on achieving it. Once I find a comfortable weight, that's where I will stop. I will change my approach from losing to maintaining.
Now for this week's quote. A lot of people have expressed their support for my endeavor. Many have offered advice and guidance. One of those people is a woman I consider a friend and, like my wife, she is very wise. A statement she said to me struck me in such a profound way, I have spent some time thinking about it and believe it is something everyone should hear.
"You never know who you might inspire, in big or small ways, just by doing something important for yourself." ~Ashley Stone~
It's a rather new feeling for me. Only once in my life have I decreased my clothing sizes. That happened in the summer of 2007.
Earlier that year, a doctor diagnosed me with severe sleep apnea. Shortly afterwards, he ordered me to use a CPAP machine, a mechanical terror hell-bent on robbing me of precious sleep. Ironic, right?
After struggling with the machine, my doctor suggested I have surgery to try to correct the condition.
Five surgeries later (all happened at the same time), I began to drop the pounds. At one point, I dropped 60 pounds. My mom, along with my girlfriend (who is now my wife), decided it was time to buy some new clothes. As much as I hated to go through with it, I did.
One year later, I could no longer fit into those clothes. I folded them and tucked them away.
Fast-forward to the present...
I normally wear 50/30 jeans or khakis and 4X shirts. Because of my weight loss, those clothes are no longer fitting properly. Even with a belt, I am constantly pulling my pants up. However, we've temporarily solved that issue.
My wife graciously put two extra holes in my belt. The item is still of use and I see no purpose in leaving it unused.
We've had some preliminary discussions about buying new clothes. I have remained insistent that we not buy any new clothing until I feel comfortable enough to do so.
My biggest fear is that, after buying those items, my weight loss would fail and I would regain my poundage. Wasted money and sad faces would dominate my life after that.
So, I will stick to my current fashion collection.
That said, my wife and I allowed curiosity to get the better of us.
You see, I still own some of those smaller clothes I told you about earlier. The rest, I've donated to Goodwill and St. Vincent de Paul stores.
We pulled out a pair of jeans (46/30) and they fit. I admit, they were a bit snug but I ended up wearing them all day. Another small victory.
CURRENT WEIGHT: 362 lbs.
POUNDS LOST SO FAR: 32 lbs.
NOTES: I have two notes to pass along this week.
Firstly, a different perspective. In last week's post, I noted that the treadmill was gloating about its victory over me. My wife reads my blog posts along with everyone else. She typically doesn't read them before I post them. After discussing last week's entry with her, she offered me a different perspective on the treadmill incident. She said the treadmill lost, not won. The reason: I got back on the device and finished my routine for the day. She said that made me the clear winner. A wise woman my wife is.
Secondly, I've set a goal. Initially, I decided against doing this. My plan was to lose as much as I could. That has changed. I want to drop 200 pounds. I know that's a lot but I believe I can do it. If I am successful, that will put me around the 194 mark. Now understand, this is a goal but my perception of my success does not hinge on achieving it. Once I find a comfortable weight, that's where I will stop. I will change my approach from losing to maintaining.
Now for this week's quote. A lot of people have expressed their support for my endeavor. Many have offered advice and guidance. One of those people is a woman I consider a friend and, like my wife, she is very wise. A statement she said to me struck me in such a profound way, I have spent some time thinking about it and believe it is something everyone should hear.
"You never know who you might inspire, in big or small ways, just by doing something important for yourself." ~Ashley Stone~
Mason! I just read some of your blog today. I am so excited for you! Although it is not the same, I, myself, also started a little fitness challenge of my own this year. There are definitely days I feel defeated as well, but it also makes me mad enough and determined enough to make the next day that much better! So, best of luck to you Mason!!! I know you are gonna do great with this!
ReplyDeleteAND, when it gets nice outside and our schedules coincide, let's go for a walk or something together to catch up. :)
Kara! Thanks for your comments. Best of luck to you as well.
ReplyDeleteAs for taking a walk/exercising with you, I think that's a great idea. Hopefully, I won't be too out of breath to actually talk back. ;-) Hope all is well. Take care.