Aren’t I the photo ho this week? A friend took this last night before I left for the fundraising event for our local animal shelter. I’m on the Board and was also on the event committee. The only thing missing from my outfit is the beautiful sequinned mask adorned with peacock feathers that I wore for most of the night.
I first bought this dress for my nephew’s bar mitzvah 12 years ago. It fit me back then, but didn’t look this good. I’d shopped my closet some weeks back and decided that this dress would do for the event. I knew that I’d lost about ten pounds since trying it on but I really didn’t expect they would make much of a difference. See, to me, those pounds aren’t a lot. If someone weight 120, 130 or even 140 or more and loses ten pounds they really show. I still consider ten pounds a drop in the proverbial weight loss bucket. I also forgot that I’ve been doing Zumba twice a week for a few weeks and have increased the number of walks I take a week. The fitness regime is definitely carving off inches and reshaping my body.
Yesterday evening, I slipped the dress on over my head and realized that it was almost too big. I never anticipated that it would almost be too loose. Luckily the heavy beaded bodice made it hang really straight. If I’d been any smaller or the dress a tad bigger, it would have looked sloppy.
It’s good to remember that many things are happening with my body at this point. Even on weeks that I don’t see a big number reduction on the scale, I know that working out is reducing my measurements. I’m losing lots of my physical self allll over. My collar bones are pretty obvious in this shot. I might need to have my necklace shortened, too. There are a couple of rings that I usually wear each day that also need to be made smaller.
Last night was another great ego boost as I saw even more people who haven’t seen me in a while. I honestly loved their compliments and enthusiasm. Knowing that they’re seeing a big chunk of progress makes their reactions extra special. I do not in any way mean to lessen the impact of comments from people I see all of the time, but I truly know that there aren’t daily noticeable changes, so daily compliments tend to lose their oomph, even though I appreciate the support.
After taking in the attitudes and responses of everyone around me at the two events this weekend, I realized that I no longer think of myself as super obese. Medically, I guess I’m still considered morbidly obese, but that tag will eventually also melt away. It might sound weird to some, but I can think of myself as a big woman but not a grossly big one. It’s a subtle, but important improvement.
I talked to a few friends last night about their Pilates experience. I’m intrigued and thinking of scheduling a consultation. A good Pilates instructor can probably help me figure out my knee issues and help me do even more toning. I really hate the idea of going to a traditional gym. (Yes, I still wish someone would open another Curves in town. *le sigh*) I think that I’d be happier going to some private Pilates sessions to see if they are effective.
I would never have considered this before, because of the amount of extra weight I carried. Previously, I would have been too concerned that I’d break the equipment. Now I know I’ll be okay.
Have any of you done Pilates sessions? Do you mind sharing about your experiences and, hopefully, your successful endeavors?
I’ll keep you posted on the consult. Until then, remember that our losing game goes on pound by pound, inch by inch!
Weighty Matters 
The best part about that picture is your giant smile!!!
Thank you once more, Everyone. I figure I’ll put up the comparison shot again (where I was before surgery) and a new one in another couple of weeks. It’s really been an amazing journey.
Thanks for the Pilates info as well as all of the encouragement. I’ve been super swamped at work and haven’t had a chance to call yet for the consult. All in its time!
I haven’t been here in, um, a long time. And I just lurk. But damn, woman, you look good. I was sooo surprised because of the way you talk about yourself sometimes. -You – look – good -! Celebrate more! Be totally bragging on yourself! Have you put this photo up against the “old” you? And don’t forget, muscle weighs more than fat. Inches are more important than pounds. You are amazing, keep up the good work. You’ve got this.
About a year after my divorce, so about ten years ago, I started pilates at home. Just bought a video tape on a whim and tried it. I loved it. I lost weight during the divorce so the pilates toned up the loosened areas, but it also made me stand taller, feel stronger, and lessened the pain in my back (scoliosis) and knees. An instructor would be good to make sure you’re doing the moves correctly, but a good tape at home worked for me. Mine was Denise Austen, 22 minutes long and I did it 2 to 3 times a week. I need to find that on DVD and start doing them again. Life got in the way so I stopped but there’s really no excuse anymore.
You look marvelous btw. In all honesty, I don’t know what you looked like before, but you’re definitely a beautiful woman. Love the happy I can see on your face.
Mary, you look so healthy, happy, and lovely. I literally said “Wow” when I saw your pictures today. You are glowing.
Egads
Wow, you look awesome, Mary! Congratulations! You’ve inspired me to go back to Zumba.
Wow. You all are really good for my self-esteem and provide great, positive reinforcement for my efforts. Thank you so much!
Sorry I have not been around for a while, but then when i drop by, Holy Moly woman you look GREAT!
kudos!
Beautiful fabulousness!!
gorgeous dress, gorgeous smile. What everyone else has said, you look terrific.
Gorgeous!!! (Oh, yes, and the dress is too!)
;>
OMG look at you! Good job.
Wow, you are doing so well and you look terrific. I’m glad you are proud of your progress, even the “just toning” progress, and can appreciate the compliments people give you. You are a strong, focused person and you are going gangbusters. Good for you!
The only Pilates move I know is the plank, and I only think it’s a pilates move because a friend who taught an exercise class said it was. It’s hard to do for as long as I’ve been working my way up to doing, but it sure strengthens the core muscles! I need to start doing stuff that actually wears weight off of me, like an exercise bike or brisk walking, etc., because just doing the exercises I do tone but they aren’t cardio. And I’m not going to spend money on classes until I get an income. But Zumba sounds like lots of fun!
Such fabulous progress. You are amazing!
you look fabulous! i’m typing one-handed because of a wasp encounter today. 😦
I took pilates at our local ymca for a while and really liked it with one teacher and thought it was awful with the other. it’s great for toning and core strengthening. but you need to have a teacher who understands it well enough to change the movements so they can compensate or work with your problems.