When do you see the loss?

Hi, I have never posted a message to the board, but I have been "lurking" since I had surgery on January 20th. So far, I have lost 124 pounds. My question is.... when will I look in the mirror and see how much I have lost??? I have taken pictures every month to document my weight loss, but every morning I look in the mirror and still see myself at 414 pounds. I don't understand it. I know that my clothes are way smaller than they used to be, sizes that I don't think I have ever been in, but when I look at myself I can't see it.

You are having the same problem I have had in the past year. I decided to talk with someone about this. It is a self image problem. Just this week I looked into the mirror and thought Who is this looking back at me. I have to go through Therapy for my weight issues. It has helped me alot! It has kept me going on the toughest of days.

Kristi, I saw myself for just a moment this past weekend in Gordman's. It took being in a dressing room and trying on clothes that truly fit that made me see this new woman in me. Go try on clothes that hug you and then you can see your new woman too. We have all been depressed at looking at that old image and it is just hard to say goodbye to her. But what I am learning is this... the inside me is good and always has been now the outside is changing to show others what I have known about me for a long time. The psych told me before surgery that a lot of obese people have a hard time with the image thing. I plan on seeing her to talk through some stuff as well. Good luck honey.... pretty soon the new you will smile back at you. Hugs Melinda

its been 16 months and i weigh 145. stated out at 355 and was 307 day of surgery. i still see me at 355, when i look in the mirror. dont understand it myself. mary jo

Mary & Kristi, I really think that, after all this time, if you still see yourself as the size you were, it would probably be a good idea to talk to a professional about your feelings. I can't help but think that down the line, problems will arise. You've worked hard to get to the point you are at & need to enjoy & appreciate the changes. Good luck. Dixie

Kristi, Wow - what a thread. Sorry that I didn't respond sooner - it's been a hectic week. I understand the feelings that you have because I have the same issues. I don't see myself as being under 200 pounds - I still feel like I am the biggest person in the room - always! What's funny, is that when I was well over 300 and even over 350 for several years, I never saw myself as being that big. That's why I hated to have my pics taken - I would see how big I really was. I felt like I had sex appeal and everything. Now, I look at those pics and think "how could I have done that to myself"! But, I won't take ownership in this new bod - it doesn't seem to be me. I hate my hair (had to get it cut because it was falling out and still is). I hate my face = think that it looks sunken in and makes me look old. Someone said today that I am smaller than he is - that just CAN'T be true - I am fat and that's all there is to it! Anyway, sorry to ramble - obviously, I have body image issues as well and also am going to see a therapist. I haven't seen her since July, but am scheduled to see her again in a couple of weeks. Know that you are not alone and God bless, Andrea P.S. Glad that you are not lurking anymore. Hope to see more posts from you!