I started doing triathlons in late 2007. I think I weighed between 220-225 lbs at that time, and I’m now under 200 lbs. Less than a year before I started triathlons I was as heavy as 236 lbs, and that was absolutely no muscle. While losing almost 40 lbs has been a blessing in many ways, there are also some downsides that have come with it, as follows:
1. Many of my clothes are too big, and my belt loops around almost to my back.
2. My wedding ring just falls off my finger, so much so that I don’t wear it any more because I’m afraid of losing it.
3. People I haven’t seen for a few years don’t recognize me (sometimes this is a benefit if I don’t really want to talk to that person).
4. I am no longer drought and famine resistant.
5. People think I’m mean when I tell fat jokes, whereas before it was ok because they figured I was just making fun of myself. I still am, they just don’t think I am.
6. People aren’t as hesitant to ask me to perform physical tasks, like moving heavy boxes.
7. Fat people I used to think were my friends now reject me.
8. I apparently don’t have as much padding on my backside, because it seems to get sore more quickly when I’m sitting down, especially on hard surfaces.
9. If I sleep on my side, I have to put something between my knees because they’re all bony now and hurt each other.
10. I just realized this one while writing this–I don’t get belly button lint buildup anymore, and I kind of enjoyed that. It was always blue for some reason.
I think I had the exact same weight loss as you. From around the 230′s, down to about 180. Currently I’m at 185, but I drop a few more when I go over 6 hours/week tri-training.
I feel you on most of these. For number 2, I broke down and got my ring re-sized. But I don’t wear it on days I work out so unless I’ve worked out and can shower at home, i’m not wearing the ring that day.
Definitely appreciate #8.
I hadn’t thought of #4. That could be a drawback. Nahh…
Love this post.
I started losing weight when my wife was pregnant with our first daughter. Even though she told me I was a jerk for losing weight while she gained it (and I got dirty looks from every woman alive) I had to make a change.
I drank and ate whatever I wanted for 28 years but with 4 uncles in the ground from heart attacks before 60 I wanted to be around for my little girl.
I totally agree with your list! My problem is now I’m stuck bewteen two sizes! Medium shirts are a bit tight and Larges are baggy. Same thing with waist sizes. 34′s are too big and 32′s make me look like one of those Emo kids. . .
A small price to pay in the end!
Keep up the good work. I love the blog!