Who's that in the mirror?

Sometimes you just don’t see the obvious. Probably for the past 2 months people have been telling me how different I look. I really hadn’t thought I looked very different. I’ve lost just over 60 pounds and I only thought I lost my big gut. Last week when I looked in the bathroom mirror at work, I realized that “Wow, I really do look different." Then this past weekend, Brett and I and several friends shared a table at our pride center annual dinner dance. A friend took a photo of our group. And… looking at it, I realized again that I looked different. Is this common for other folks? It’s interesting that it took me this long to come to the realization that other things changed other than not being shaped like a bowling pin. -- Tom  

This has been my experience as well... and I keep bouncing back and forth. Sometimes I'll realize how thin I've gotten and it scares me and other days I think my brain is just tricking me. Last Friday I went to Macy's and fit into size 6 jeans and I wanted to go to a different store and try on other size 6 because I thought maybe it was just Macy's line of Levi's. *shaking head*

Almost every morning I wake up and have to touch myself (not that way) to make sure it's still real.

And yes, I'm amazed when I see pictures... like when did that happen?

I suppose there will come a day when it will feel even routine and normal but something in me says probably not.

I had this experience on Saturday night too.  I looked over at my reflection in a public bathroom mirror and was shocked by the person standing there.  My front and back were roughly parallel.  No dramatic bulges anymore (though sad commentary on my bra and its contents).   Yet, when I look at my nude monthly progress shots, I still see super morbidly obese.  The rolls and bulges still seem so prominent.  I have not taken my 7 month post-op pictures yet (perhaps tonight), maybe the change will be more evident.

7 months and 123 pounds is not a small thing (no pun intended). I think we are all super critical when we see ourselves nude. In fact, few people look good nude. Let's face it, there are only a select group of people who can pull off  looking good in a thong. I will never be one of them. I would like to do a Speedo one day though. Take the pic and let us know when you post it. -- Tom

I posted the clothed 7 month picture along with one month post-op for comparison.  I know I've come a long, long way.  I don't think I'll ever be the bikini type but it is fun to dream!  Will you post the speedo when it happens?

Wow! What a difference. I think that was a cool idea to wear the same clothes in both pics. I especially noticed your smile in the 7 month photo... a side benefit of the weight loss. I see so many pre-op pics of unhappy people. Nice to see a smile at 7 months.  And... I will see if I get the nerve up in 8 months when I go on a cruise to wear that Speedo. I need to keep my eyes out for one that I like and "enhances". -- Tom

I have taken a picture each month in the same clothes (my reminder outfit = my former favorite comfortable lounging clothes).  Eventually the shorts will not stay up but not yet.  My GF commented on how much happier I am when we were taking the pictures!  It is all about not living with constant, extra anxiety.   I am not sure I'll ever be bikini brave though!

Hi Tom,

While I haven't yet had the opportunity to experience what you're referring to (but I will soon!), I wanted to send a big CONGRATULATIONS to you on your success.  You're looking great!

Brent...

It does catch you by surprise.. I guess cause we look at ourselves everyday. Congratulations!!!!!! 60 pounds is a lot of work surgery or not.

I just started noticing it in myself. It was a shocking surprise.. Suddenly I noticed I have cheek bones again and dimples (on my face) I guess if I started showering with the lights on sooner I might have noticed it before.

 

I stand in front of the mirror and look at all the new and exciting features I have LOL! I can see hip bones, neck and shoulder bones, my thighs don't touch, and it looks like I have chicken legs.

Then I find old pics and I'm like WOW, was that seriously what I looked like? I see myself every day in the mirror and you'd think I'd be use to it. Nope. I think it's going to be a long time before I'm ever use to it.

Keep up the good work!