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Is anyone else a bit [hmm] and struggling to believe their new, smaller size

9 replies

Ijustwanttocryallthetime · 21/04/2014 15:14

So, in the space of about nine months I've gone from a 14 on top & 16 on bottom to a size 10, supposedly.

My size 12 jeans felt baggy, and I was honestly scared going into the changing rooms with some size 10s, thinking it would be a horrible traumatic experience- I have such vivid memories of being age 15, and having to buy the largest size 16 jeans in Topshop when all my friends were size 8s, and just feeling disgusted with myself. But here I am, in size 10 jeans.

Then I started thinking about how maybe it's all vanity sizing, maybe all 10s are really twelves now- tbf I haven't tried Topshop yet, I can only really afford primark and h&m right now!

I just don't feel like a 10. In my head I'm still a big girl, I still hate hate hate my flabby arms and belly, I'm still not body confident.

I lost it all through diet and exercise. I feel good about using my body, I love running and swimming and hiking. I suppose what I'm asking is has anyone successfully become more body confident and how? It really is true what they say, it's not how big you are really- it's how confident you are and how you feel about yourself that makes all the difference, and that's what makes someone attractive.

OP posts:
noideawhattodoatall · 21/04/2014 18:56

Hi

Well done on your weight loss!

I'm exactly like you. I lost 5 stone in a short space of time. It was through healthy eating and exercise plus a few other factors. I've struggled with weight all my life. I am in my early thirties and could never picture myself slim.

I when from a size 18-20 and now 10-12. However. As my weight loss was rapid to begin with, when it started to slow, I adapted to my new size and to be fair am pretty used to it. It's a wonderful feeling, but I see I am becoming more critical of other features which just proves women are never satisfied with their bodies!!

I've had children and my body is covered with stretchmarks and lose skin on my tummy. I still struggle to loose weight from my thighs. I am aiming for another two stone to see if that will get rid of those bits.

I never forget the excitement when I tried on clothes from the high street and the shop assistant suggested I tried the next size down as it looked too big. I was so happy. Months before I couldn't even fit in their biggest size! I guess I'll never be truly happy with my body. But I do at least feel healthier and more confident so long as. I'm fully clothed!!

alphablock · 21/04/2014 20:53

I am now wearing size 16 instead of a size 22, having lost over 4 stone. I know I have definitely lost at least 8 inches off my bust, waist and tummy, so I have genuinely gone down several sizes, but I also know that 13 years ago I was a stone lighter than I am now, but was still wearing size 18, as size 16 was far too tight. In fact, 20+ years ago when I was 2.5 stone lighter than I am now I could only just squeeze into a 16. My conclusion is that sizes definitely are more generous than in the past.

I therefore focus on how I look/feel. I know I am a lot healthier than I was. I know that the clothes I am buying are smaller than the ones I bought last year. I can see I look thinner/healthier when I look in the mirror. Please don't get hung up on what the label says OP, just remember how well you have done and enjoy your new improved body.

BillyJoel · 05/05/2014 23:33

I was just thinking the same thing today. I've lost 3 stone and am a lot smaller but in my head i feel like a fraud cos under my jeans is all this wobbly skin. I now think i look fat even thougb i am a lot smaller than i was. And when people say i look amazing i just think, yeah compared to the vast girl i was a year ago....
I need to start thinking i am slimmer now.

JohnnyDeppsfuturewife · 06/05/2014 11:43

I'm kind of like you. I have lost 60lbs and gone down from 16/18 to 8/10. I was quite confident when I was heavier as I think I dressed to flatter my figure.

My target was 10st5. When I reached it I lowered the target to 10st, then 9st 7 and now my final target is 8st 13. I am short so that is still in the middle of healthy BMIs.

I still go through the odd phase of thinking I'm fat but I am generally more comfortable with myself and I hope that as I buy more nice clothes my confidence will improve even more. I think it's because I still have a relatively large waist (31 inches) and small bum (36 inches). I also have a very flabby, stretchmarky tummy which I suppose I'm stuck with.

BillyJoel · 06/05/2014 23:26

I think i am dressing better now as i was too mean to buy clothes until i had completely sussed out my new bodyshape and some style. So i bought lots of trinny susanna-type books but generally better than t&s. And now i am letting myself buy clothes that i know look ok.very capsule wardrobe, meaning not many clothes but they do actually suit me.

SpeedwellBlue · 07/05/2014 09:18

I'm the opposite. I weigh more than I ever have but still feel slim! Grin

Well done on everyone's weight loss. You've done brilliantly. Now I need to motivate myself!

Sirzy · 07/05/2014 09:21

Yes I am the same. Dropped from a 20 to a 10/12 in the last year and still automatically go for the bigger sizes, get excited when I get a sales email from Evans etc.

JohnnyDeppsfuturewife · 07/05/2014 09:36

Sirzy, that made me laugh. By default I still pick up size 16s and get excited about sales although unfortunately I find there seem to be fewer clothes for me in sales. I used to be able to buy lots of cheap size 16s. Obviously I am much happier now but I do begrudge paying the full price for anything after years of not having to.

Sometimes I see a thin person in a window or mirror and realise it's me. I used to have the opposite Grin.

trikken · 07/05/2014 09:42

Yes im the same. I was a 20 and now 12. I do feel nervous trying on smaller stuff and always bring in stuff in bigger sizes. I could possibly fit into size 10 but I cant bring myself to try this yet. I still see myself as big, cant see me as small (Even though my friends comment on how much smaller I am now.)

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