My Confused Self-Image

I too have body image problems...sometimes I look in the mirror and think...after plastics won't be bad...I've got so much excess in front that can't even be squished down w/ Lipo In A Box. Sometimes I think...man, why do I have such a big gut and "shelf" across the top of my butt. You never know how you'll feel about yourself. Then the giant arm flaps appear from under your sleeves...whoa, man. I guess I can always wear 3/4 to long sleeves! I was working on my WLS journey scrapbook and see my before pictures and know I don't think of myself that way anymore. My husband even said, I don't remember you being that big. I wear about a Large top, if it's a tiny brand, maybe XL. I have to wear jeans/pants w/ elastic waist and stretch, mostly because my legs are skinny and I don't have a butt at the bottom, but have such a big gut. I can't wait to fit in normal pants. Hopefully after plastics, because exercise isn't going to get off my excess in the front. Hopefully in one more year, we'll like what we see in the mirror better. Everyonce in a while I'll see myself in a window and think "is that me that is thinner?" ...those are good times! Karla 337/185/150

I think we all have a confused self-image. Mine is about body shape now instead of weight and size. I am like Ronna, in fact once we discovered that we are body shape and height twins. I hate that roll of skin that hangs over my jeans. But one thing about it, it is now skin and not fat. Given time, we will all get there and our minds and bodies will come together. You all look fabulous and DON'T YOU FORGET IT!!!!!!!!!! Hazel

I can totally relate I wonder if the poor body image will ever go away ? I keep thinking after my lower body lift I won't have such a huge (gut) my Dr. said I have lot's of muscle damage and thats why it sticks out so far we will seeafter my surgery I have two more weeks to wait. After that it will be the arms and boobs and then the neck and maybe thighs will I ever be happy with what I look like ? Will I be able to stop obsessing about it ? I think we are all in the same boat. TORI

I can see that I am not alone in this crazy self image thing. why is it that we can not see what others see? Most of the time, I see me as an overweight woman. And then out of the blue someone tells me that I am so skinny... ???? I do not even like to talk about it, I avoid the conversations about my weight loss. People tell me I look great and I feel the urge to tell them, no I do not.. Then they tell me that I am crazy. I hate pictures because I always see a fat me. I know that I am smaller, I am happy with my weight loss and if I do not loose another pound I will be satisfied. (although, I would really like to loose about 20 more) I know that I am much healthier, happier and I feel SO MUCH better. My bones do not hurt, my back does not hurt, as much, I have more energy and can atcually cross my legs!!! WHOO HOO! Hopefully my brain will catch up with my body! We are doing great with our weight loss and we need to remember that. Cathy

hello all! I know I've been MIA the past few months---I just had to thank you all for this post and response. It meant a lot to me and echoed so many things I feel---. I thought all the replies were insightful and so well said---just very helpful to me! Cathy