I've long dreamed of this--and exactly like you are planning, associate it with a move, so at the new place they only know the fattened version of you and don't know how fast you gained

I think this is the real point of no return....not wanting to return. At this point I could imagine dropping ten pounds, maybe, but never really getting anything close to thin. It just isn't who I want to be anymore.

I could be wrong, but I didn't think you are all that big? If you can be brave, check some actual swim wear stores...... My wife is a 16/18 in plus size stores, and while she has bought most of her suits at plus sizes stores, she has sometimes found an 18 or a generously fitting XL in swim wear stores.

You can always check them out online first, or call and ask about sizing. Also call your local Lane Bryant or Torrid and ask if they have suits in stock.

Good luck!

Two biggies in processed food can be salt ( blood pressure impact) and sugar ( sugar highs and lows, messing with insulin levels and sensitivity, etc).

Reducing salt and sugar will probably help on their own. But some people (I'm one) don't digest large amounts of fat well, so that is another possible factor.

Mind you, I also have digestive issues with a bunch of healthy foods, so individual bodies will vary. Basically I'd say making individual changes and holding them for a couple of weeks can give you an idea of the specifics of what works for you.

Noticing that your fat got in the way, or made something difficult......then immediately doing it again so you can properly appreciate it.

I was out on my brother in laws boat on the weekend, getting ready to go water skiing. Get handed the sleek jacket bro in law uses when skiing. Pull it on, start loosening straps...all the way to loosest, at which point I can just buckle it up, but no way I could have moved enough to ski. Had to ask for a regular life jacket.

I would be torn between gaining and not, no matter what......but I'm pretty sure that if I gained more all over, and less just up front in a narrow belly, that my compromise weight would be higher, because the extra weight would be that much more alluring.

46 year old guy, been fascinated with fat, food, weight gain and feasting since I can remember ( seriously, I was contemplating the meaning of the nursery rhyme Jack Spratt before kindergarten, then once I could read I stumbled on The Pumpkin Giant and knew that I'd never have what they had, but that I longed for it.)

But I didn't really do substantial stuffing--as opposed to deliberate long term over eating-- until my mid 20s

All you need to say is "it was so great to catch up--really brightened up my day! hope our paths cross again sometime soon."

That says you enjoyed talking with her, so were not weirded out by her gain.

I.e. you don't have to directly address the physical, just endorse her as a hole person. Although next time you can say "hey, great to see you again. Looking great again, by the way." Or something off hand, but it isn't a situation where your judgement on her looks should really be played up, IMO

That is a hidden benefit of being somewhat fat.....screens those people out, and removes the temptation to contort yourself to please them.

Of course, there are some FA who are as bad the other way, but I suspect you wouldn't be pulling in that crowd for quite a few pounds yet?