STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Everyone has given such great advice and support so far.  I waited awhile to post because I didn't know exactly what to say and I didn't want to end up sounding insincere.  I relate to the problems you've had with your mother, so I know how you feel.  I was really athletic and in great shape during high school, but if my weight fluctuated even a little bit, I would always catch shi*t about it.  When I went to college I gained some weight and lost a lot of my muscle tone and when I went home for Christmas I got so much criticisim and my dad actually asked me if I was pregnant.  He didn't believe me when I said I wasn't (I was still a virgin at the time even) and then he actually said, "Well if you're not pregnant you're turning into a real fat ass then."  I was already feeling bad about the gain, and it really didn't help to hear something so negative.  I also dated a guy who ended up breaking up with me because I was too "fat" and that trashed my self image so much that right after the break up i was working out for about three hours a day.  I've also heard my grandfather say some really negative things to my mother about her weight, even though she was never really heavy (at her biggest she was maybe a size 12).  I asked her about it once and she said that he'd always been like that, and that he said stuff like that to her when she barely weighed 100 pounds and that when she was in her early 20's she had an eating disorder because of it. 

I don't know why parents say things like this to their children, but ultimately I don't think they do it to hurt us.  In some weird way I think it's just because they want what's best for us, which includes being happy and healthy.  Maybe your mom just knew how upset you were about the situation and was actually trying to be supportive (in her own weird way).  If she continues to be negative, you may want to consider avoiding contact with her until you've reached your goals and you're happy with your body and your weight. 

Anyway, it's great that you have such a positive outlook and you're definitely off to a great start.  Remember that you're beautiful, kind, and caring, and you have a wonderful husband who love you no matter what!