See the same

Anyone out there experiencing this????? I went from a size 20 to a size 10 since my surgery Nov. 14th. When I look in the mirror, I still see me as a size 20 even though others notice the difference. Even when I shop, I pick something up and think "that'll never fit me" but it actually is my size now? I am so thankful and happy to be smaller and weigh less and feel better, but just dont see it. Is this normal? Thanks guys, Laurel

Hi, yes I do the same thing I actually went shopping yesterday and I found I went from a 24 to a reg. size 18, I was so surprised. I don't know why I was surprised I mean we are losing weight. and when people compliment me I don't know how to take either I get a little imbarresed.

I had this problem when I lost weight before. Here is how it was explained to me by an eating disorder therapist. Your brain can not register the image difference as fast as your weight is coming off. That's why when you look in the mirror, you still see the same Laurel, even though she is much smaller. Your brain will catch up, it just will take a while. Nancy H

Really? Wow! I know I have lost 67 lbs and others say they can see it big time, and I know my old clothes are lose, but I just don't see it. I still feel really fat.

I'm always so glad when there's a post like this because it's comforting to know I'm not the only one! First off, congrats on already getting down to a 10. I'm wearing a 10/12 top, but my butt is still in a 14. I live with an anxiety disorder, so I have greater issues than just not being able to see my weight loss. I'm scared that I'll go to the misses department (that's what they call the non-plus department, right?) and someone will tell me that I don't belong there that I'm too fat. So, the only new clothes I've bought have been online. That way, I get to try them in the privacy of my own home and don't have to be worried that someone will treat me like I don't belong. One of the things I'm doing to help me wardrobe wise is Coldwater Creek here in San Antonio is hosting Fashion for a Cure on 3/23 in support of the Komen Race for the Cure. I'm attending that so someone who doesn't have a preconceived notion of what size I was and currently am can direct me. It really sucks when you don't have a good girlfriend to help you out with these things! I can't see my weight loss if I look in a mirror, but I can see it in photos, so I reference those A LOT! It is totally strange to me when someone I know reacts to me differently though. I guess because my point of view is from the inside, I don't feel I've changed, but last weekend we saw my husband's cousin (he hadn't seen me since 2 weeks pre-op) and he just kept staring at me. Finally after about an hour, he said "Um, have you lost a bunch of weight?" Blessings, Jennifer 253 / 189 / ???

Jennifer, I've been really surprised at everyone who has commented not on my weight loss, but my hair. I got a hair cut - not dramatic, but a trim and you would think that I changed the color and grew antlers or something. I wonder if they notice my hair, because my face has changed? It's really weird. Keep looking at those pics and getting used to the new you. And keep telling yourself how great you look. Your brain will catch up very soon! Nancy H 263/189/140

Nancy; I think the "Did you change your hair?" comment is one of two things: 1. People notice a change and can't really pinpoint it. 2. "Did you change your hair?" is innocuous enough that you're not offended if you haven't, but it gives the complimentee the chance to respond "No, I haven't changed my hair, I've lost XX lbs." My favorite "Did you change your hair?" moment was at a Pink Hat (the under 50 part of Red Hat Society) luncheon. I was wearing my hat and had no hair visible, yet someone asked me if I'd changed my hair. That was at about 7 weeks post-op and was the first time that anyone had noticed my loss. It still made me laugh. Have a great day! Blessings, Jennifer

That's great! Hey - I should find a Pink Hat group here in NC!!! Sounds like fun!!! I've really had fun with people's facial reactions when they realize it's me. I've got some brothers that haven't seen me since Christmas so I can't wait for their reaction!

The last time I saw my husband's family was two weeks before my surgery, the weekend of 10/29, at a family wedding. We're going home next weekend to meet our new nephew (born 3/9). My FIL already said he's happy he's not the one tasked with picking me up at the airport because he doesn't think he'd recognize me. My favorite non-recognized moment came four weeks ago. My office offers 1/2 hour and hour table massages on pay day Fridays. I always get my appointment with a Sara. I hadn't had a massage since the first week of December, but when I showed up for mine on 2/17, Sara greeted me as if we'd never met. It wasn't until I was on the table and she saw the tattoo on my back that she realized who I was. At which point, she bent down and whispered in my ear "Sorry I didn't recognize you, you got your haircut since the last time I saw you." Still makes me laugh! Blessings, Jennifer

Hi Laurel, First of all Congratulations on your weight loss and on losing so many sizes in such a short period of time. This is completely normal. You have lost 10 sizes in 4 months. It will take time for that to register in your brain, but it will. When ever I go shopping I'll look at something and say this will never fit me, yet when I try it on it fit's. I have gone from a size 30/32. to an 18/20. It's a change that will take some getting used to. I'll get used to it, and you will too. God bless you, Annette