Body Image?

I'm just wondering how many of you feel like you can accurately gauge your size against someone else. Meaning... if you walk by someone on the street, can you look at them and know if you're bigger / smaller? Can you look at someone and guesstimate what size they wear, for example? I'm realizing that as I walk around doing day to day activities I just have no comprehension of my size versus someone elses, and I'm wondering if this is some sort of dysmorphia, or if it's relatively common with WLS patients... as an example, i have a friend who i know wears an 18. i'm in a 20 (a tight 20, but still) and looking at her, i'd guess i was at least 4 sizes bigger... basically, i guess i'm trying to figure out if i just have a totally unrealistic idea of what i actually look like.... blah, blah... i'm rambling, but i hope i sort of got my question out there...

I cant speak for everyone...but I know I did go through a phase where I was obsessed with it.  I was constantly asking family members to point out people who were the same size as I was....along with me constantly asking.."am I smaller than her?" "what about her?" and on and on.... At 3+ years out...I still ask on ocassion...but not a big thing for me any more.  I think I will prob regain the habit though after I have my tummy skin removed in June though.  I guess it is just getting people to confirm what you see or dont see about yourself.

Funny you should say this -- I was just looking at pictures of my journey.  I've avoided looking and was shocked at what I saw of me at Thanksgiving.  When I was at Disney with my students I had the shock of my life.  After I got off from riding Everest we went to where all the ride pictures were.  I couldn't find me -- I had to find the students I rode with and then I figured out who I was.  So I'm going through the same thing of sizing myself up versus friends.  it's fun, isn't it? --Sax

I do the same thing.  I still see myself as a 26/28-30/32.  I don't see myself as a 18/20.  I hope it gets better.

The psychologist who works with Hurley Bariatric Center says that it takes FIVE YEARS - yep, that's a whole 5 years -- before our mind catches up with our body.  The further out you get the easier it is for you to truly recognize the body you see in the mirror as your own and guesstimate at the right size you're wearing.   From what I understand this is VERY common with RNY patients -- actually any type of bariatric patient, not just RNY.   Pam