What's Going On?

Hi All, I rarely post, but I've noticed something odd and am wondering if anyone else is going through the same thing? Here's the scoop: I am noticing that when I look in the mirror nowadays (down -85lbs) that I see myself as being bigger than what I thought I looked like before surgery. In other words, the image in the mirror seems huge (even larger than before surgery), but yet I am almost a 1/3 of the person I was before. It's really disheartening to see myself in the mirror as such a large person -- it's almost like I've not made any progress. I've gotten a few compliments from people who say that I look great - but somehow I don't really believe those because I can still see my rather large derriere, rolls and stretch marks and I just don't feel that I look great. I guess I'm just curious to see if anyone else is having body image problems?

When I look in the mirror and see the fat that's still left after 68.5 pounds of weight loss I am just amazed that I used to function at my highest weight. It's crazy. Looking at my body is only exciting to me now if I have on new/slim clothing. That's really only when I see the weight loss--or in pictures. Our minds truly have the ability to play tricks on us now. I am sure you look great. Keep up the effort!! -Katie

Hi there fellow Rochesterian!! I grew up in Rochester,NY and still family there so I'm glad to see someone from up there posting. I do notice that sometimes I look bigger - or the same but when I put the clothes on..I see/feel the difference. What you need to do is BELIEVE that you are changing and becoming healthier etc. But yes we all have that bad image/good image attitude - let's just keep it GOOD.

OH - TERRIBLE body image issues. I saw the difference for the 1st time in my new driver's lic pic - but only when I put it side/by/side with my old one. In the mirror I'm the same 400 lb woman. It's frustrating.

I wear something "new" every day, (some friends have given me LOTS of "new to me" clothes!!!) so I feel and see myself as pretty "thin" most of the time. But, it really became reality about a week ago when a girl at work brought me a picture of myself from about a year ago. It was not a flattering picture even then, but OMG, I could not believe how different I look!!! Even my hands look thinner!!! I suggest that you take some new pictures and compare them with some old pictures and see if you can't start "getting" the idea!! Best wishes, Pam

Ok Guys here's the scoop straight from the school psychologist where I work' I told her that I felt the same way as all of you when I look in the mirror. I know I am losing weight, wearing smaller clothes, but I still see myself as looking fat, even though people tell me how great I look. This is what she told me..............what we are going through is what is called ANOREXIC SYNDROME. This is why Anorexics always see themselves as being fat just like we also see ourselves as fat/obese. We need to accept the compliments we receive and not come back with a remark that puts us down. For instance---*Oh, Marianne you look wonderful! Thanks I feel Great *You really don't need to lose anymore weight Oh, you would be surprised how much more I want to lose! It is answers like this that have us continue believing we are still obese. I hope this helps explain what is going on in our heads, ere the reason why we had to have a Shrink Evaluation Pre-Op. Hugs Marianne

Sometimes I do that. Or for a minute I will be happy about the way I look and then I hate what I see. I just keep telling myself that my brain will catch up eventually and my eye's will see me for what I really am. Until then it is definently an up hill battle most days. Shannon