QUESTIONS?!!?

Hello Everyone. I just need to vent and ask a few questions at the same time... I had my GBP in July 20th of 2006 and just checked my weight at the doctors and have officially lost 111 lbs as of last week. I went from a size 26 now down to a 16/14 and a large in my shirts... I love it! I love feeling feminine and pretty again and I love going into any store and shopping off any rack I want instead of high tailing it to the plus size section (which I still catch myself doing). But I guess Im wondering id when any of you guys lost that much weight... did you feel it at times? Some days I feel great about myself and feel sexy and confident, but than sometimes I look at myself and just see the old me... fat and miserable. I just find it crazy... is this normal? I still dont realize my weight loss sometimes, and it kind of boggles my mind! Am I going crazy?! After a certain time after surgery does anyone feel that they can have what they want for food as long as it is in moderation? I mean, I know I havent been out of surgery for to long-not long at all, but I will not deprive myself of something I want, I just have a few bites or have a small portion... Sometimes I feel guilty though because this is what made me overweight before. Ok Im done... any feedback? It would be MUCH appreciated!!! I just need some support and a little bit of advice... anything. Thanks guys!

First of all congratulations on your fantastic weight loss. Second you are not crazy. We are still the same person inside and our brains need to get use to the new us. Have you had a new photo taken recently? If not get one and post it on your mirror next to a preop photo. Maybe after a while things will sink in that you are no longer that person who had 111lbs more on her body. As for the food issue. There are some things I have tried that I normally wouldn't eat because they have no nutritional value and will cause weight gain if taken regularly, but only in small amounts. We are all human, and will want some of things that others are eating but I am trying to keep those foods out of my diet. If I have a small treat it might be during a special holiday or occasion only. I am feeling so good that I will talk myself out of eating those forbidden foods, I don't want to ever go back to the way I was prior to WLS. It simply is not worth it. Sher

Hi Emily, It took me until eight months out and Dr Aranow to show me the pre op pix he took of me for it to sink in. I did change my anti-depressant at that time, also... Our bodies change so quickly, it takes our brain a while to catch up with what has gone on. You're not losing your mind....it's just trying to catch up! Congrats on your success! Paula

Hey Emily There is a medical term for that feeling--it's called Body Dysmorphic Syndrome. It does take a while for your brain to register that you aren't 111 pounds heavier--the previous posts were right. A lot of times, anorexic people have this syndrome but the medical field is fiinding it more often now with all the WLS patients. Taping a Pic of yourself to the mirror may help--as was suggested. In the meantime---love your new self! I can't wait to ge there also!

I know once upon a time I had lost weight and gotten into an 18/20 (that didn't last) and I still saw myself as fat. It can take a while to change how we see ourselves.

Hi Emily, You need to take a pre op picture and put in on every mirror in your home! This way when your thinking those silly thoughts you can see where you were and where you are today! A big "Atta Girl !" for the great job your doing on your "Journey" Be well,

Thank you to everyone for their support. I am finding as we speak a picture of my pre op... Its crazy looking at them, I never thought I looked like that. But again, thank you ct people for awesome advice... the mass board doesnt like to talk haha. THANKS AGAIN!!! YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!

You are welcome to join us on this board if you'd like - we'll welcome you with open arms!

Many thanks!