BODY IMAGE

Hi, I need to share this with my OH friends. I am just over 8 weeks post op, have lost 40lbs and getting a lot of compliments, my problem is, I am having a hard time believing them and can't see what others see right now. I guess this is normal? I do feel a little better in my clothes and some are fitting me better than others, but I want to see it, I look in the mirror and still see me 8 weeks ago. I am doing gr8 with the food, getting in all my protein and liquids and vitamins, but want 2 feel better about myself. Any suggestions? Thanks. Joanne

Take pics and look at you 8 weeks ago and now. You will see an incredible difference in your face. Also, buying clothes that are not baggy, but fit properly will show you things too. It does take time for our mind to catch up to our bodies. almost 9 months out and at goal, I still see the 20-22 woman, and not the size 3-4 woman. I see the small clothes, and can't believe my body fits in it. I look at my legs, and they look big to me, but they really are not. Its a real mind game, this weight loss. I think because we have been overweight all of our lives...how can we adjust to a thinner body easily. Its a dream come true...unreal. So, you are normal. Give yourself time, and enjoy the ride!! By the way, great job losing those 40 lbs!!! blessings, Tami

Congrats on the weightloss in such a short time. Unfortunately we allstill have the fat brain despite having the surgery weeks, months and even years out...this is "normal" because we've gone sooo long in our lives that we were obese it's hard to feel any other way - though we do get moments of lucidity and find ourselves feeling great and feeling slim...that is why we need to stay connected to a support group and surround ourselves with others who have gone through this...to overcome or try to overcome that "fat" brain...it will be a while before you start accepting yourself - and believe me the compliments will continue to come - so enjoy the ride!!!

Hey Joanne....I've missed our IM's.this week. You know....the mind is the hardest thing to change about this whole process. People tell you "you look smaller', the clothing sizes obviously reflect weight loss.....the photos can show you the change in body size....the scales don't lie.....but the mind still refuses to accept these facts. I wish I knew why. The only thing that remains fat about me is the space between my two ears. Great weight loss my friend....hope we talk soon. luvitsunnyv

Joanne, Yes, you are normal, but also 40lb lighter ! I struggled with the same thing for a very long time after surgery. For me, I was the fat girl "with such a pretty face" for so long that I always heard insincerity in voices when I got a compliment after surgery. We can't change our brains as quickly as our weight comes off, so give yourself some time to adapt and watch for small changes (A-ha moments) like a watch or necklace getting looser or pants fitting better rather than look for it in the mirror for the changes. For me, the best one was the space between me and the steering wheel and appeared overnight. Time heals all wounds and it took me a long time to not see the pre-op fat girl in the mirror. I saw a counselor for a few months after about a year post op to get my arms around my body image and that helped a lot. Today, I can celebrate the new me, but I still struggle with hearing lots of compliments, so I just learned to say "thank you" and move on. You'll get there too, be patient! You are doing great!

Joanne, Hi! First of all great job on the 40 lbs gone for good! I am learning from our support group meetings that you are not at all unusual. I am hearing almost everyone say I am wearing smaller clothes now and doing things I was never able to do but I still see the old me when I look in the mirror. I like the idea of taking frequent pictures and comparing them so you can tell the difference and recognize the loss. Also one thing that is a little weird but may work. When you go out shopping make a point of looking at your reflection in windows and even cars. That person that you see first that you don't recognize for a couple of seconds is what you really look like and what others see. Try to hold onto the person you see and tell yourself Hey That's me and I look good!!!! Kat