The changes in me

I wouldn't call myself a vain person, but part of losing weight is about vanity. Dieting, or in my case, changing habits and changing the way I am was all about me and how I feel.

That's not to say the rest of the world doesn't mater, because it does, but if I am not happy with myself or the way I am living than no one else around me can be the same. So, in a way this has been a trip in vanity. After all, I wanted to look different and have a different attitude.

And boy do I ever.

Here are some changes I have noticed in myself. It may not be all-inclusive, but there's always another post or two for that down the road.

"The Remote Shelf"

There has been one glaring image stuck in my head as to why I started Operation 40. There was a time when I could lounge on the couch and place the remote control in the place between my chest and the start of my stomach. I started calling it my "Remote Shelf"

Well, the "Remote Shelf" is officially gone. Now I have to hold the remote in conventional ways, lol. I guess I can still lay it on my tummy, but you get the idea.


Not having my "Remote Shelf" is a great accomplishment. It was all part of watching my stomach shrink more and more over the past five months. It was a distinct sign of success.

No sweat

I have been one to sweat. A lot. I basically thought it was due to, well, me being a sweaty dude.

The more I think about it the more I realize that yes, while playing sports growing up I sweated, but that was normal. I was in better shape then. The weight, which ballooned up to around 260 or more at one point (never had an accurate measure) was part of the reason I sweat a lot.

Well, that hasn't been much of an issue lately. My body is cooling a lot easier. I can enjoy my time outdoors and also while working around the house. Heck, I've noticed I sweat less today than I did in November when I exercise.

Sweat isn't all bad, but it just wasn't an exciting thing to have, you know? I feel more confident now.

Oh yeah, I gots muscles

It's not that I ever stopped having muscles, but let's put it this way, I may have forgotten they were there.

I like how now I have a chest that is more muscle and less fatty susbance. And before you ask, no I did NOT have moobs, lol. They were just a little too flabby for my liking, but they are getting back to where I like them to be.

My legs have always been fairly muscular, but it's nice to notice the slimming on those limbs, too. I find myself feeling my legs and going "hmmm, yep, I can work some of that off." That, my friends, is a good thing.

My arms also are typically lean, but I'm working on those in time. I know Laura likes my biceps :)

Firming up

I also am losing my love handles. They are now more mini-love handles. In time there might not be much there, but that's OK. I also have noticed contours in my hips and stomach that were missing for some time.

The biggest area of change is in my face. My chubby cheeks are still so, but not nearly as much as they were months ago. I lose weight first in my face. And that's how people notice, since most of my clothes are still baggy and I can't afford new ones (no crying, tis OK).

I have received many compliments from women and men about the weight loss. Then I pass along what I've been doing and it feels great to spread the word.

And last but certainly NOT least....

Sexual prowess

I'm an animal, what can I say? Oh, and before anyone jumps me and says "how the hell can you talk about intimate moments with you and your beloved?" let me point two things out.

First, I'm not going into details and am staying in general terms. And secondly, I asked Laura about this before I wrote it. I wanted to make sure it was OK with her since this is a big part of the weight loss change.

Here's a little background. I am diabetic and for some in my condition sexual stamina can be an issue. I like to think now the weight also played a factor in that.

Well, based on recent results I now have no trouble with stamina. In fact, it was a concern, spoken prior to meeting and it is no longer an issue. It went away, just like the unwanted weight.

And this brings me back to the vain part of Operation 40. Yes, it was about me to change the way I am. But like I said, unless we can be happy with ourselves then we can't make anyone else happy.

This change and the stamina and energy and strength to provide pleasure is also about my partner and we are both happy in so many ways. And oh what a beautiful and loving partner she is.

..........

There you have it, for now.