# I Feel Good **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 12, 2003, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019 "2003-10-12T18:19:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2003, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/1 "2003-10-12T18:19:37Z")
Some of you may know that I have been dieting for awhile. Well, awhile is since March 1st. Seven and a half months. No matter how much someone tells me that you’re beautiful, you’re lovely, you’re fine how you are, there came a time when I realized that, no, I wasn’t fine how I was. I looked at photos from NYDope 2003, and from Opal’s birthday party in February, and was surprised at what I saw. I bought a scale that week. After looking around a bit online and finding ‘recommended’ weights, I found that I weighed _well_ over what I should weigh at my height and age; indeed, about 30 lbs more than I thought I did. I believe the national average for women is a size 14 (like actress [Sara Rue](http://us.imdb.com/gallery/granitz/2026/Events/2026/SaraRue_Grani_1217595_400.jpg?path=pgallery&path_key=Rue,%20Sara), and something ridiculous like a size two for a fashion model. I was wearing a size 24. That was clearly an indicator to me that I was doing something awfully bad for myself. I have a young son, and a new husband, and I wanted to be around for them. I called my mom. Mom had recently begun yet another round of [Weight Watchers](http://www.weightwatchers.com/index.aspx). This is nothing new for my mom. She’ll diet for awhile, lose interest, and stop. She’s been saying how hard it is to diet my entire life, and I was a bit worried. She told me that she had an extra points slider and ‘getting started’ book from WW, and that she’d drop it in the mail to me. About a week later, I received these items. If you’re unfamiliar with WW, it’s a pretty easy system. According to your weight, you should eat X number of ‘points’ in a day. A point is roughly 50 calories, and is determined by the use of a slider, based on the calories, dietary fibre, and fat grams in any given food. It’s basically calorie-restriction for dummies. Well, yeah, I’m sort of a dummy, and I liked the ease of the system. Weight Watchers allows you to eat anything you like, up to your point target. There’s also a number of ‘flex’ points if you want to eat more, plus activity points you can eat if you’ve earned. So, I started following the program. I wrote down every bit of everything that went into my mouth, whether it had points or not (A lot of vegetables are ‘free’ foods, as are coffee and tea, etc.). I was hyper-vigilant. I cut out anything that wasn’t good for me, or anything that was high in points. I ate a lot more fruit, and vegetables, and I started to drink water water water. A couple of weeks later, I decided that I should join a gym. I happened to see a commercial for a women’s gym, and went to their website to find that there was one less than a mile from my house. I started going faithfully five times a week. This continued until the end of June. At that time, I headed to Canada for a family reunion and a long-awaited visit with friends and family. It also meant eating my step-mother’s pierogies and (insert Homer-like droool) assorted other Ukranian foods. I didn’t go to the gym for about a week, and I went off my diet. It took a concerted effort to not count points, after doing it for so long. I started going to the gym again after getting back to my mom’s place, as there was a branch of it not too far away. When I arrived back in Maryland after vacation, it was back to the gym with a vengeance. Then we moved, as we had the worst landlady in the history of slumlords. The gym here isn’t as near as the one in the last town, but I still go at least three days a week, and usually more. I’m still following the diet, and I am proud to say that I have now, as of this morning, lost fifty pounds. Fifty. I have to say it again, it’s a little hard for me to believe. FIFTY. I have lost 50 lbs, 30.25 inches, and four sizes from my body. I now fit comfortably into a women’s size 16. Awhile ago I posted in my lj some before and after models from the My Virtual Model site. I was shocked at the difference, but I know it’s real. I feel better. I don’t tire as easily, and I don’t have the creaks in my hips and knees that I had before. I keep getting _looks_ from men. I’ve always thought I had a passably pretty face, but now I feel like the whole package. I get compliments and congratulations from my terrifically supportive friends from here and LJ, and they make me feel even better. Thank you all, especially **LaurAnge** , **Hamadryad** , and **Elenfair** and **Tiburon** , who cooked ‘light’ for me when I stayed with them on my way home to visit last summer, and to everyone who has had to put up with my rambling about weight loss in chat and LJ. I didn’t think it was possible. I have always heard that losing weight was difficult, but this really hasn’t been. It’s pretty simple, unless you have a medical condition: eat less, excercise more. I know that I can continue down to the size and shape I want to be, and it’s not going to take me nearly as long as this has taken so far. My wonderful husband, **Weirddave** , has been so very supportive of me during this journey (yeah, I know it sounds hokey, but that’s what it is). He does a lot of the cooking, and is always checking to see the points value of things. He hasn’t complained one bit about the “Light” and “Fat-Free” foods, the lack of deep-fried anything, or the ton of salads around here lately. As a matter of fact, he’s eating better and things are starting to fit him better as well. Thank you, sweetheart. I could not do as well as I have, without your love and support. I think I’ve rambled on long enough. In short: I’m proud of myself, and thank you all a million for your support. ---
**Author:** ![Francesca](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9fc348/32.png) [@Francesca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francesca)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2003, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/2 "2003-10-12T18:24:46Z")
I’m proud of you too. You’ve done really well and you’ve been an inspiration to me. Well done. ---
**Author:** ![CanadianSue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/71e660/32.png) [@CanadianSue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanadianSue)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2003, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/3 "2003-10-12T18:52:41Z")
You should be so proud of yourself. Congratulations!! ---
**Author:** ![Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helen_s_Eidolon)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2003, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/4 "2003-10-12T19:26:56Z")
What **Fran** said. Ging, you’ve been fantstically helpful, and I couldn’t be happier to see you succeed. Lots of love. ---
**Author:** ![Rasa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rasa/32/3578_2.png) [@Rasa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rasa)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2003, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/5 "2003-10-12T19:41:48Z")
I was wondering why you emailed me to say “Fifty! Fifty! Fifty!” Heehee. Good for you, girl. Keep up the good (and healthy) work. ---
**Author:** ![Hamadryad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6de8d8/32.png) [@Hamadryad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamadryad)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2003, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/6 "2003-10-12T20:21:25Z")
…\ …I knew that I would now! …\ …I ---
**Author:** ![Hamadryad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6de8d8/32.png) [@Hamadryad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamadryad)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2003, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/7 "2003-10-12T20:23:46Z")
Uh. Oops. Somehow something I did made hitting the spacebar POST THAT. So. This is your surreal moment for the day. Um. ---
**Author:** ![Elza\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Elza\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elza_B)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2003, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/8 "2003-10-12T21:45:18Z")
From another WW, I KNOW how hard this is - and you have done AMAZING! I know exactly the glee that’s going through your mind, so good GOING! I am extremely happy for you! Can’t wait to see you all buff at the next MADinner! Ava ---
**Author:** ![Flutterby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Flutterby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flutterby)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2003, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/9 "2003-10-12T21:56:13Z")
That’s great Ging!! _snugs_ Good to know you’re doing well 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![fizzestothetop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e79b87/32.png) [@fizzestothetop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fizzestothetop)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2003, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/10 "2003-10-12T22:31:02Z")
That is absolutely amazing. I know this sounds hokey, but you’re an inspiration. You’re the reason I decided to bite the bullet and join weight watchers. I can only hope that I’ll have results half as good as yours.🙂 Yay Gingy!! ---
**Author:** ![Lucretia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/13edae/32.png) [@Lucretia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucretia)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2003, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/11 "2003-10-12T23:09:04Z")
Well done, **Ginger**. ---
**Author:** ![Odieman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a87d85/32.png) [@Odieman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odieman)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2003, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/12 "2003-10-13T03:16:19Z")
Congrats Gingy, and you are an inspiration for those of us who are trying to follow in your footsteps. ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2003, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/13 "2003-10-13T11:33:42Z")
Thanks, guys. I didn’t start out being all that inspirational. I swear, I must be the only person on the earth who thinks that losing weight is easy. ---
**Author:** ![Salem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8c91f0/32.png) [@Salem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salem)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2003, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/14 "2003-10-13T12:13:14Z")
WooHooo, **Ginger**! I’ve done similar in the same time frame. Weird, huh? (No WW, though, just some lifestyle changes and I’ve only lost 40 pounds) The best was going shopping last weekend. I automatically headed for the “women’s” side and found everything was too big! I got to shop on “the other side”! And anyone who’s been there knows just what I mean. I’m sincerely happy for you, I can feel you glowing right through the monitor! ---
**Author:** ![Elenfair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/cc9497/32.png) [@Elenfair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elenfair)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2003, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/15 "2003-10-13T13:06:11Z")
GO YOU! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2003, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/16 "2003-10-13T15:57:58Z")
I’m glad the response I’m getting here is positive. I seem to be getting some spite out of another group of people, about how jealous they are. WTF? It’s not something to be jealous over. If you want to do it, you can do it. ---
**Author:** ![Sinshine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f04885/32.png) [@Sinshine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sinshine)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2003, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/17 "2003-10-13T16:10:50Z")
**Ginger** , You’ve always been beautiful to me, but then, I knew you when … But I _am_ proud of you. Easy or not, it takes commitment. So, go, dance and be merry. But don’t let **Weirddave** out of your sight for a moment. He’s planning on selling himself out as a [diet plan.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=216995) 😃 ---
**Author:** ![TVS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b782af/32.png) [@TVS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVS)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2003, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/18 "2003-10-13T16:37:45Z")
I went on a very good diet last year, and I got nothing but spite over it. Person: How did you lose so much weight? Me: A change in diet and exercise. Person: oh. That. As if it could physically be anything else. Congrats, Tim ---
**Author:** ![skittles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ba9def/32.png) [@skittles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skittles)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2003, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/19 "2003-10-13T17:40:00Z")
WOO HOO!!! And who says turning “50” has to be a bad thing? You go girl!!! ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2003, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019/20 "2003-10-13T21:29:24Z")
I’m going, I’m going! Thursday is my regular weigh and measure day at my gym, so we’ll see just how many inches are gone. I’m waiting with bated breath! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-good/207019.md?page=2)