Hello Everyone

This is my first time posting in this forum, I usually am in Tennesse Forum. I had my surgery almost two months ago. It hasn't been easy but nothing really worth it is easy.

I am adjusting to life being active and working out. I am down some sizes but I wanted to know does anyone else struggle with looking at themselves? Everyone is saying they can tell I have lost weight and how good I look. But I do not see it. And when I do look at myself I get scared that maybe when all this is over I will look horrible. Maybe partly cause my boobs are shrinking and sagging already.

Anyway Alot of people in the other forums where not as big as I was the day of surgery. I started at 410 and now down to 341. Just wanted to get some feedback. Everyone have a great day!

Hi Nicole! I don't post alot here (mostly a lurker-I'm just shy), but I definitly relate to what you're saying. This is a long, complicated journey we're on and it takes time for our brains to adjust to our new bodies. I often feel like I'm still 338 pounds. But sometimes I'll run into someone who hasn't seen me in awhile, and they'll go, Pam is that really you? This body dysmorphia issue is very real. I'm working on this in counseling.
As far as the "girls" go, get fitted for a good bra as your sizes go down. It makes a huge difference in how your clothes look. I buy alot of my clothes at thrift stores, but I don't scrimp on underwear. My first Victoria's secret bra was a huge NSV. Yes, the girls are pretty droopy. I have about 40 more pounds to lose, and I'm saving for PS. I really want a tummy tuck and brachioplasty (arms), but those are at least a year down the road. I exercise alot, mostly walking and weights. I have amazing energy, and my back,feet, knees, and hips don't hurt at all like they used to. My tailbone is another story! I'll try to post more often here. I'm excited about all the new folks here who are starting their journeys. I wish you continued success on your journey.

Hi Pam! So glad you came out of lurk-dom! You are doing great!

 welcome to the board.... im right there with u... boobs are gone... saggy excess skin etc... went from 48/50DDD to a 38D so far... my thighs are what bug me the most... looks like i have a double vagina i know TMI but it does... im sure it looked worse when i was heavier but to be totally honest i couldnt see down there without using a mirror an anyone whos been there knows.......... we avoid mirrors below the shoulders at all costs.. i bought some 2 x spanks..  it helps with how i look in clothes..  for now.. i started highest recorded weight of 453  but know i have been in the higher 500's  few yrs ago.. an am down to 298... as of today!!   I  my RNY an my saggy skin!! anything is better then the pain an humiliation i suffered over the last 20+yrs... good luck with ur journey..

 - Hijack -YOU are an inspiration in every sense of the word!  Oh, how good 296 would feel.  Can't wait to leave the 300s!!!  Got a ways to go. And I'm with you - give me saggy skin and droopy parts any day!  I've had it with my rotund body and the health issues and hassles.

thank you Mary, thats one of my Favorite things about OH that we can be here to inspire each other..  it took me awhile to actually begin to see a difference.. an believe it or not... saggy wrinkly skin an all i actually am begining to feel dare i say it "pretty" an thats something totally unknown to me.. i always tried to hide all my femininity, i never wanted to attract attention from men all part of the reason i was so heavy.. even tho it seemd not matter what i tried i was always being hit on an asked out etc.. i just have one of those approachable personalities.. i guess.. duno..  but i personally never felt good about myself in my entire life... but this surgery has given me life.. not given me my life back because i never let my self have one before.. yes i got married.. but not out of love an passion etc.. more secruity an stability, havent had any children.. not something easily accomplished in a sexless marriage.. i have my puppies :) tho.. but i dont know what i was thinkin when i settled for my life pre-op 11 yrs ago... because now.. Post-op, i can see that i can obtain an i deserve better.. strange how much inside changes as the outside morphs.. totally loving the ride..!  ok... i've rambled enough... hugs.... and thanks again u made my day!!

Peg

Yep, been there..and mostly still there.  I dont see the weight loss in the mirror.  I think its because I never saw myself as big as I really was.  When I look back on pics of me at 423lbs, I can see a difference.  But I say "I never saw myself that big.  Was I really that big?  OMG, it looks like my face is about to explode."
My boobs saggy, as is most of me.  When I'm down to my goal weight, its not gonna be pretty.  But you know what?  I dont care.  Being able to walk, and move and do things with my wonderful partner is worth all the ugly, saggy skin I have.  Plastic surgery can fix all that.
I hit 288 this morning!!!  I'm on top of the world!  I look in the mirror, see the saggy, flapping skin and just smile.
I'm going to buy some spanx, so clothes will fit better. 
One other thing...what does NVS stand for.  I'm assuming it has something to do with WOW moments..I just cant figure it out.

A  NSV is a non scale victory. Like buckling a seatbelt on an airplane and not spilling over into the next seat. Being able to comfortably fit into a restaurant booth. Being able to work all day and still have the energy to walk the dogs afterwards. Before WLS I would be short of breath and exhausted just getting ready for work! Just exhausted all the time and depressed and hopeless about my future.
Yeah, I have alot of "shrinkles" and saggy boobs, but hey, I got my life back!!! We all have many, many NSVs to look forward to in the future.

You are one of the first I've met that feels they didn't see themselves as big as they were.  I always felt that way and people thought I was crazy glad to see I am not alone. 

Thanks everyone for taking the time to post a reply. It is good to hear we are not alone. I am wanting to get some counseling done I have to find one a little closer to my home. Somedays I wish the days would go by quicker so I would be a year out already. I just want to do as much as I can during this stage to get the weight off, and tone.

Being under 400 pounds now I can't wait to drop 41 and be under 300!! I already am getting more energy than I have had in a long time. Good luck to everyone Have a good day!