Body Image post op

Now that I am dating again, I am struggling a little with some body image issues. I was fine until recently and will be setting up an appt to meet with someone to discuss my concerns, but have any of you read any good books on the subject or does anyone have any suhggestions or advice based on your own experiences? I thought maybe there is a good book out there for post ops that might address this. Just curious. Amy

Amy, I don't know the answer to your question but I will say that I believe it is a question we all will have to deal with at one time or another. I will be anxious to see any answers you get on this matter. Good luck and take care. Carol -62#

I was just thinking that the other day. At first I was thinking I wasn't "worthy" cause I was fat, well now that I'm working on that I was thinking "can someone love me with all this weird body image now?" Are we ever satisfied? I know we have to accept ourselves as we are before we can let others accept us, right. Let me know if there are any good books regarding this..I'm not much of a reader but am interested to know if there is some reading material on this. Perhaps even through OH there might be some answers.

Amy, This is a big struggle for me. I am told all the time, you are so tiny. I see it, but I don't really see it. (does that make sense, lol). I have to take out my pre-op pictures and look at them to kick myself back into reality. Our counselors tell us that it takes a long time for the mental part of the program to catch up with the physical. It's been 13 months for me. I wi**** would hurry up. Try to remind yourself of the accomplishments and goals that you have hit. I do agree with talking to someone. It does seem to help. Best wishes, Debbie 1-05-04 rny preop 262 post op 128 (still hoping for 9 pounds!!)

My body image is strange too. I think I look amazing, because how could I NOT look amazing if I've lost 70+ lbs., right? But then I see myself in a picture or sometimes just a mirror and I realize I'm still very much overweight and anyone new that I am meeting will still see a fat person, although I'm no longer morbidly obese. Let's face it guys, I still have 50 lbs. to go and 50 lbs. IS 50 lbs. pure and simple! Let me know what you find, Amy! Jan

Amy, I am starting to have the same problem. I work with a guy who touches me....not inappropriately...but he'll come in my office and touch my hair or pat me on the back...and it feels weird because I wonder how anyone would want to touch this blob of fat. I usually avoid hugs because I think I must feel gross....actually sometimes I think I don't know how to hug. It seems like he doesn't see me the way I think everyone sees me. It's a good feeling, but I have to get used to it....I want to get used to it...because he's a real cutie.