I still feel this way (i.e. not recognzing myself or body parts). For example, I still gravitate to size 12 clothes on the rack.  I can wear anything from size 4 (levi's)- 8 (some european brands) but I just always go to size 12. Any garment I pick up just seems to be a 12.  I did it when I was a size 32 too.

When in pictures, I have to look for the clothes I was wearing when the picture was taken. Cuz I look "different" than what I think I look. Sometimes I am skinnier than what I expected, sometimes way fatter looking!  Yikes!

Sometimes I look in the mirror and think "Wow!  You look really good! How did this happen!?!?!"  Like I just "appeared" versus going through a grueling year long weightloss phase complete with 2 hours of exercise per day. I saw myself everyday during this "transformation" yet I seem to look new to me too.

I am going onto 3 years post op. DOnt know if it will change.

Oh yes, I still identify with obese people. When I am on a train or a bus and someone wants to sit next to me, I squish all the way over to "give them enough room" from my formerly hulking huge frame which isnt there anymore.

Same situation here on the heavy since 5-6 years old. Sometimes I pass by a mirror and don't recognize who it is.

When I put on a pair of jeans that are a size 6 i think-- how can all this fat skin fit in here ?

one time my husband and I were at the library and he nearly walked right past me. He forgot what I looked like, I think he was looking for my 'shape' and forgot.

It's very normal , I feel like that every day like I'm not even the same person. I felt t was enough to get some therapy. Apparently it's not that uncommon and it happens from time to time. If it's getting bad talk to someone 

I do recognize myself in the mirror new when I see my reflection, but I still think of myself as fat.  I was in Vegas over the weekend, and was nervous about getting on the plane, because I didn't want to spill over into the seat next to me.  Then, I remembered that I don't do that anymore, I fit in the seat and have room left over.  

Today, at work, my co-worker called me "tiny", when talking about making yoga pants.  She said that a printed fabric I chose for the project was too large for someone so tiny.  At first I didn't realize she meant me. 

There are more changes to get used to than you would think.  There is a Norwegian study of 22 woman (post WLS) from a psychological point.  Google for it - if you cannot find it message me and I will dig it up.

I will look it up! Thanks. 

I dissociate at times as well.  Normally it happens to me when I'm in stressful situations.  It seems that you may have been using your obesity as a buffer against something and now that it's taken away, you don't have that to protect you anymore.

I'm just guessing here, I'm not a therapist, but I'm speaking from experience because I've been living it for 43 years.

I highly recommend therapy.  It's helped me, and while I'm still living it, it's starting to get better.

Weight loss is a life changing event and without a doubt will test every emotion you have.  I am 1 year out, 150lbs down and I still sometimes dont recognize the body I am in.  Stay positive and reach out to your support system when needed, you are never alone.