I Don't See It

Sorry if I'm re-treading a subject that's been done to death, but I don't remember seeing it here. My highest weight (back in July) was 442.  This morning, I weighed 381.  It's great to see the drop on the scales.  And my clothes are definitely getting looser. But the weird thing?  I look in the mirror at my nekkid self, and see the same old obese guy that's been staring back at me for years. I'm guessing it's a psychological thing, but I'm curious:  When did you guys start to NOT see your 'same old self' in the mirror?   

Hey Dude.... the best I can figure it, it is a brain emotional disconnect... My brain see the scales, sees the numbers, in the brain, I have to acknowledge the lose... My emotions...I'm still the fattest guy in the room...IE, My roomie did a poitrate of me the other day....very nice work...he was soo proud....and I said..."Who is that?" I did not recognize myself....everyone else did.... i'm almost 2 1/2 years out and down 210# It's messed up aint it? russ

Box, It's a very common problem among obese/formerly obese folks. I've lost 123 lbs. and feel a lot better, wear much smaller clothes, etc. The crazy thing is I still see a fat dude in the mirror. My advice is to start taking lots of pictures with other people. People you see all the time, family perhaps. This will give you sort of a gauge to compare yourself to. Pictures don't lie. I see a much different guy in pictures, than in the mirror. It's always good to post pictures here from time to time as well. Feedback from friends always makes me feel great about myself. Ron 

I seem to be the opposite of everybody else.  I never seen a fat guy in the mirror.  When I saw a photo of myself, i could see the fat dude though.  I can tell That I lost 40 pounds though because my cloths are all huge on me now.  So I guess I'll just keep guaging by the scale and cloths fit. everybody that sees me says I look like I lost alot of weight,so i'll take their word for it'

It is such a weird thing. Everyone has been telling me how thin my face has gotten and I could not see it. Then the other day I had to have a new ID badge made for work. I put my before surgery picture next to my present ID picture and I was amazed. The before picture looked like someone had stuck a tire pump in my ear and pumped my head up.  Of course, sitting here looking out from the inside, I don't notice any change. Weird!

Good question--I'll let you know when--or is it IF--I ever see myself as "normal" or even "not huge-ish." I still can't get used to the notion that I don't have to calculate chair widths, turnstile gaps, etc. and can just go about my business without thinking about my weight. At the same time, it shouldn't surprise us that our self-image has been burned into our consciousnesses from years of being self-conscious and self-critical. Progress will come, but we (I for sure) can be an impatient lot--that's why I used quit so many diets after "only losing" 15 or 20 pounds in a few weeks!!!!

I look at myself in the mirror and still don't see a HUGE difference and I've lost almost 300 lbs. Don't ever expect to see the difference in the mirror....one day you'll hold up your underwear or pants and say??? HOW THE HECK TO I GET MY FAT ASS INTO THESE SMALL THINGS? then you'll realize..your ass isn't fat anymore. Scott

This is one thing that I think is going to be interesting to see with myself. I am one of those people that doesnt see myself as heavy in the mirror. It is when I see a picture of myself that my jaw drops. My self image is not one of a heavy person, but the scales and pictures say differently.

Hey man, congrats on the awesome progress for one. I know exactly what u mean. I have lost 90 pds in 4 months. Everyone here at work and at home says I look like a different person and it feels good that they notice but I still see that fat self concious dude in the mirror. My highest weight was 372 and I am not at 275 and I feel different and for the most part great. Although walking feels weird without the constant pain on the knees...haha....Anyways, It will take your brain more time to catch up to the weight than your physical body.  My surgeon still recommends that I see my therapist that I was seeing before surgery to avoid any "emotional" eatting or drinking since that is something they have noticed in women (since most RNY stats are based on women) and dont want people to regain. I am sure you will one day see the new healthy you just as I am sure i'll see the new healthy me. Keep up the awesome work!!!

O.K.......I work with kids with eating disorders  (how ironic)......What we tell them is body usually lags 4-6 months behind your true size.......It is very individual.....I know that in the past I have always had trouble gauging what my actual size was.......Even when i was in great shape I thought I was fat.....We tell the kids.....trust what others tell you.....you may not be the best judge of your appearance.........I have come to grips that what I see in the mirror might not be accurate...I have lost 20+ lbs in the past 2 weeks do I see it NO.....Am I a liitle pissed off yes....BUT IT IS EASIER BECAUSE       I AINT SEEIN RIGHT !!!!