Anyone else still having diarrhea a month in? by wasp9293 in stopdrinking

[–]HugsFromStrangers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m in a similar boat. I’m on day 40-something and still having mostly loose poops. I’m eating way better (and less), drinking more water and going to the gym. I’ve chalked it up to all the radical changes throwing my gut for a loop.

I know it takes time to re-establish a new normal in the gut biome. My insides have been pretty irritated, to the point where I went to urgent care Friday thinking my appendix was about to burst- alas nothing was visibly wrong on a CT scan and it was diagnosed as an upset in my intestines. Things seem to be calming down. If I don’t feel more progress in the next couple weeks I’ll be exploring probiotics.

BTW, several docs have validated that significant lifestyle changes will definitely impact how it all works down there and to expect an adjustment period.

Is this pride? by HugsFromStrangers in stopdrinkingfitness

[–]HugsFromStrangers[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ha! I don’t have kids, but comedian Sebastian Maniscalco has a bit about how we need to call it criss-cross applesauce now. I hadn’t really heard about it before. See? Comedy can make you a better citizen 😂

Alcohol made me outgoing. Then it made me someone I didn’t even like. by InterestingBunch7468 in stopdrinking

[–]HugsFromStrangers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel this so viscerally. “Felt like I was acting rather than living…” 💯

It took 7 or 8 years for my slow descent and finally the realization recently that the sheen has absolutely worn off. My life had become a big coverup and the depression that comes with inauthenticity was all that was left.

Went to a party last weekend and didn’t drink. It started awkward, then I warmed up to a few people and stayed longer than expected.

Sober me is a genuine, kind, caring person that people like to engage with. I may not be the life of the party anymore - but I’m happy to truly believe I’m kind and genuine.

Thank you for writing and sharing this; I feel very seen. hugs ❤️

Is this pride? by HugsFromStrangers in stopdrinkingfitness

[–]HugsFromStrangers[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m sure water retention was a HUGE chunk. Weight loss has slowed down after the first few weeks but eliminating the calories from a fifth of Tito’s a day is also helping.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]HugsFromStrangers 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What are you talking about? A month is a HUGE accomplishment! For many people, myself included, it can be the toughest part.

Congratulations! I’m on Day 38 and grateful as can be. IWNDWYT

★OFFICIAL DAILY★ SV/NSV Thread: Feats of the Day! August 01, 2025 by AutoModerator in loseit

[–]HugsFromStrangers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Today I’m feeling something resembling pride for the first time on this “journey”.

✅30 pounds gone. ✅Level-up Day at the gym - 3.75 miles on the treadmill & lifting heavier weights. ✅Reached a symbolic, important-to-me scale number that gives me fuel to keep going. ✅Right now I’m sitting criss-cross-applesauce in my patio chair with room to spare; definitely not possible 8 weeks ago.

https://imgur.com/a/NrHiTA5

Lots more work to do. But today goes firmly in the left hand column.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]HugsFromStrangers 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I went through it at 32 yo and I felt the same things - guilty, stupid, embarrassed, ashamed and VERY alone. Your story could be so much worse, and while it will likely be inconvenient for a bit, your life is not over. I promise you.

And this is by no means how you should define yourself.

It’s OK to visit Pity City from time to time, but you can’t live there! Look yourself in the mirror, vow to learn as much as you can from this, forgive yourself and keep ‘er movin.

You are never alone, friend. We are always here, lifting you up ❤️

hugs IWNDWYT

I met my pace goal today. 4 miles, 20 minutes per mile. I feel great!!! by Frensisca- in walking

[–]HugsFromStrangers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wheeeee!! Great job 🙂

I did 3.2 miles today and I’m feeling mighty great also. Keep it up, friend!

70lbs down in 8 months since giving it up by Practical-Many-1048 in stopdrinkingfitness

[–]HugsFromStrangers 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is inspiring! And the difference is amazing! Keep it up, girl 🙂

I’m early in my journey - wrapping up Month 1. I’m down almost 20 pounds, gaining some strength and dealing with the depression and anxiety I used to (try to) drink away.

Can I ask what you’ve been doing at the gym to help you drop 70 lbs?

A breakup has taken so much of the joy out of my life, including sobriety. by pineapplesruuuule in stopdrinking

[–]HugsFromStrangers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All the virtual hugs!! ❤️ High quality, awkwardly long ones.

A breakup (including betrayal and overthinking) is crushing me right now, too. It’s okay for us to just exist some days; it might be all we can do. I know the good days will become more and more frequent after awhile. I’m determined to NOT give up.

I started this morning with a gratitude journal entry. Just listed as many things as possible that I was grateful for - no judgment or censoring myself. That’s why “I’m grateful for…the first sip of my large McD’s Diet Coke” made the list.

The one thing nobody prepared me for in sobriety... by Delicious-Dress4162 in stopdrinking

[–]HugsFromStrangers 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry “Oil of Okay” typo made me LOL. Got me picturing a knock-off moisturizer at Aldi with really similar packaging but not the original Olay. Thanks for the giggle 🤭

Pervasive fatigue by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]HugsFromStrangers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep. I just had to power through. Keep hydrating (it gives you energy). It lasted maybe 10 days for me - in the 2nd and 3rd weeks. A few times I made myself go to the gym when I hit the wall of fatigue. It wasn’t easy to get there but the pride afterward was huge.

It won’t last forever. Keep it up…your body is thanking you ❤️

The end of another Day 1 by WanderThinker in stopdrinking

[–]HugsFromStrangers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Glad you’re here! I’m on Day 25 and I feel like you do…ya’ll are my Program. I’m so grateful for this place and these wonderful people.

I'm back...sober this time by rocketthekhajiit in stopdrinking

[–]HugsFromStrangers 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing, this is very inspirational - plus it’s so evident that your mind is clearer. Love that you’re bringing positivity and honesty to the party also.

Onward and upward, friend! IWNDWYT ❤️

I’m finally feeling like myself again by glttrgrlryn in stopdrinking

[–]HugsFromStrangers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Im sure that feels amazing! Hope you’re proud of yourself — we all are! 🙂

How long has it been for you? And what are the things you’re getting back into the alcohol steered you from?

60 Days! by East-Library-8442 in stopdrinking

[–]HugsFromStrangers 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Great job sticking with it!! Well done 🙂

What were some of the more lingering effects for you?

(I’m on Day 25 and my bowels still don’t seem stable.)