BODY IMAGE WEIRDNESS!

It's just too weird, huh? Hey, I sent you an email earlier...write me back! Maureen

I know I still feel fat. I am a substitute teacher, and I still hear the snickers about my size and I still feel like that little fat girl being teased at school. One part of me wants to take out my fat pictures and say, no, that is what fat looks like you twerp, but I know it would be pointless. I need to stop feeling fat before people see me any differently. -Sherrie 368/257/??? Stalled on weight loss for almost 2 months now and so frustrated I could cry.

Sherrie, I think you look absolutely beautiful! I mean it! I'm not just saying that because you are going through a hard time. When you smile, your whole look changes. When you see your family today, remember to smile all the time, because your face lights up and when you look happy, others are happy for you! Don't apologize to anyone today for not losing enough. Simply say,"Thank you" to those who compliment you and ignore those who ask you how much more you have to lose. Answer their question with another question to avoid the discussion and change the subject. Don't let anything drag you down today! You will shine, girl! It is all mind games. We have to stop comparing ourselves to others. Why should we care what they think anyway? This is OUR journey and you have come so far! Don't give up now. I began my journey at 325 pounds. I am 5'6" and wore a size 28. I have lost 107 pounds so far and am also in a size 18. People tell me I look good and when I look in the mirror, I know I still am not "skinny", but I am beginning to actually love myself again and am taking pride in what I have accomplished. I, too, was on a plateau for a couple of months and was really bummed out, but the weight loss picked up again. I read somewhere that we can expect to lose 1/2 of what we lost in the first six months, in the second six months. That is realistic. It is still a major accomplishment and healthy for our bodies to slow down. We are smaller now and burning less calories as we move less weight around. I will give thanks today for what I have done so far and I will also to say a little prayer today for you; that you are able to really see how beautiful you are and how worthy a person you are at any weight. Come on now....SMILE! Karen 3/01/04 320/207/???

Maureen, I still see myself a size 28 even though right now I am a 14/16, sometimes I will catch a glance of myself from the side and still cant believe its me. I wish my head would catch up with my body. I know this I love the size I am in and hope to be a 10 by my goal. Good Luck! Rhen

Your so right that we need to count our blessings. On a daily basis because things are DEFINITELY getting harder! Sometimes I just step back and take a look at myself and how I feel and remember how I use to feel and that makes me feel better. It is definitely still a struggle and I am trying to learn how to do things right. You are doing great! We will all get to our goal one way or another! Best wishes! Elizabeth M