Is It Me? (Pics)

I just got back from a really great vacation (which I've written about on my blog, if anyone is interested).  The trip wasn't only a success from a fun perspective, but from a weight loss one.  I lost six pounds in 11 days, which I don't really understand because I ate very loosely (I didn't overindulge from a calorie perspective, but I definitely didn't eat protein forward, nor did I reject carbs or wine), and my exercise opportunities were limited.

Anyway--I'm 28 weeks out from surgery and I've lost 85 lbs.  I'm 27 lbs away from my initial goal (though I'm thinking, depending upon how I look when I get there, I may want to come down 5-10 lbs below that so I have a little cushion).  My clothing size feels like it's dropping daily.  I started at a tight size 20 and now I'm buying size 8 (and in some cases, size 6).  I've lost a total of 70 inches from my bust, waist, abdomen, hips, thigh and bicep.

But the thing is...this doesn't feel real to me.  I keep thinking there's some kind of mistake--like I'm looking at the scale wrong or the only reason I can wear these smaller sizes is because they're cut weirdly or are oversized.  I look in the mirror and shake my head and mutter, "Weird" when I look at myself. 

I'm happy.  Honestly, I am.  But I don't trust it.  I feel like someone is playing a trick on me.

Is this a natural part of the process?  Will I get more...confident (for want of a better word)?  Does anyone else feel this way?

Here are pics as proof:

   

  (Above) Before at 237 lbs.  

 

  Now at 152 lbs.    
   

 

Wow!!!  You look amazing.  You look like a younger person.  Congrats

Thanks, hon!

You look great! I'm only 3 weeks out ,but down 30 lbs. I totally get what you're talking about on not quite believing your progress!!! I'm guessing its from so many failed attempts before. 

You look great and look so much younger...congratulations!

 

You look amazing! I understand how you feel. I'm afraid I will wake up one day and be back at 278 pounds!! I just have to remind myself that I'm in control of this journey. No one can sabotage it, but me.

Amazing!!!!! You look great, mind if I ask a question?? Do you have much loose skin? I'm so worried about that. I had my procedure this past Monday went in weighing 209 left weighing 215 what's up with that???? Congratulations on your success!!!!!!

Awesome changes!

You look great!! You look like someone who was never obese to begin with. Wow!

I know exactly how you feel about perceiving the weight loss. I don't see a 90 lb ( from my highest weight ) loss. I see mayyyybe 30 lbs. gone. My daughter took a picture of me this week and I compared it to a picture of myself last year...and I think I look almost the same.
I also feel like I'm going to wake up one morning and be my pre-op weight...like this whole process has been one long, amazing dream.
I catch myself thinking "Nuhh-uh!! There is NO way I'm 90 lbs down!! "

I am hoping it's a normal part of the process....otherwise, methinks I'd better go see the psychologist again!

Congrats again, Karen. You have done an OUTSTANDING job!

You look great!!! I love your hair!