Self Image Issues

When I started out, I didn't really see myself as "big". I knew how much I weighed, but relatively it just seemed like a number to me. I thought I was normal and thought I could do normal things. Now after losing 80lbs, I feel sad for who I used to be. But I still see me as that person. I know I look at pictures and see the difference, but really, I don't. Does that make sense? I just think that it's a different angle or something and it really doesn't phase me. I ask people for their honest opinions to be compared to people, and when they tell me that I look like a certain person's size, I want to fall over in disbelief. Don't get me wrong. I am elated to be this size, and can't wait to get smaller (if I keep losing weight ) but its so weird being semi normal. I guess my point is, I look in the mirror and see the same person. With smaller, saggier, National Geographic boobs. If I wasn't fitting into smaller clothes, I wouldn't notice the difference. Its weird because I will pick up clothes and look at them. And when I fit into them, its shocking. Does anyone else feel this way?

Isabel, You are not alone. We were conditioned for so long to be who we were when we were obese. Our minds are still conditioned and the changing process is slow. I know exactly how you feel. I was talking with two younger guys here at the office that I think are much smaller than me and look good. I ask them what size pants they wore and guess what? All 3 of us wear the same size pants and shirts. I was blown away. So now I guess I have to start believing that I am the smaller person that everyone else thinks I am. Larry

Isabel, I know exactly what you mean. My husband does the laundry. When I was folding one of my shirts, I accused him of shrinking it. It looked too small and I didn't think it would fit. Needless to say, it fit. It takes a while for our minds to catch up with the fast changes our body goes through. As one of my WLS friends says, "They operated on our stomach, not our heads". Take care, Mary 302/217/???

Oh my goodness! I have been dealing with the exact same thing! I was going to talk about it in my next support group! I know by looking at pictures, I am smaller. I just don't know what I look like. I keep asking my husband, am I smaller or bigger than that person. He doesn't understand, so I now ask one of my girlfriends. When she shows me someone who she says is my size, I just can't believe it. Today while walking outside in the sun, I kept looking at my shadow wondering "who is this person?" It is so weird! Thank you for bringing this up. It has really been on my mind!

I'm doing the same thing. I have absolutely no idea how I look. I picture myself exactly the way I always was. When I pick up clothes now, I always think "This is way too small to fit," but it does. I'm also having the same National Geographic problem you are

We should all start a tribe!

Hi Isabell, My name is Karen. I live in Longview, Texas. I had the same exact surgery on the same date as you. I weighed 257 pounds then and now I weigh 166. I feel the same as you! It is very hard to explain but I know exactly what you are saying. We are still the same girls on the inside, butrbarely recognizable to even our own selves on the outside It's like one day I woke up and the weight was gone - just like that! I still look at the size 24 clothes first and realize that I don't wear that size anymore! I wear a size 12 pant! I haven't worn this size since high school in 1973! Are you having any problems? I am eating more than I used to, but still no breads or sugar or baked potatoes. I dont even miss al that junk! How about you? I look in the mirrow and don't recognize myself! I am just sure that I can't fit in those small size 12 clothes UNTIL I try them on! They fit! I am not used to so much attention from men! I love it! I am divorced, so this is fun and all new to me! So how are you? I am rejoicing with you on your weight loss! Keep up the good work! Karen

Okay I'm jealous. I started out at 251, I'm down to 170. So that means I'm down a total of 81lbs. So far, I've been doing ok. I had a stricture early out, but now I'm good. I'm kind of worried because I feel like I can eat so much more. I can't handle breads, I rarely eat potatoes or anything really starchy. I haven't tried anything with sugar yet. Gosh I'm so bummed.

Isabell, Be happy and joyous for your weight loss! Sounds like we just about eat the same things! I too am concerned that I am stretching my stomach and eating to much. I just make sure that I am eating protein first and then fruits. I rarely eat vegetables - too full after I eat the protein! Do not be dismayed and discouraged. You will get there. It has been a slow process, but yet at the same time, it has been a fast one! Does that make sense? I love the attention and love shopping! Yeah! I am so happy! Be happy! I wish lots of losing for you! We will get there! Karen Patterson Longview, Texas