Mirror Mirror on the Wall

I can relate. I still drift to the plus size section of the store and look at some of the shirts. Also, just a few weeks ago I had a moment of panic when a waitress was seating us at a booth at a restaurant and I was afraid I wouldn't fit comfortably. For me, talking about these things in support group really help.

I do the same thing. I went into a store and when the lady approached me I thought for a second she was gonna tell me I am on the wrong side.  Its a definite mind game   

Yes, I get this.  I have a similar story.  

I was getting up to use the bathroom on the plane and as I started down the aisle, the flight attendant saw me coming, yet she started down the aisle towards me.  I didn't know what to do...didn't she see me?  Why didn't she wait for me to get to the bathroom before popping out?  She did see me.  I stopped. She waved me towards her, turned her body sideways and wanted me to slide by her!  Ummm what?  Really?  Normally they see me coming and they wait -- or one of us has to back up to our original spot.  I slid right by her, happily, giggling inside.

I definitely can relate to this as I am going through this phase now.  I catch myself looking in the mirror and not recognizing the woman looking back at me.  I honestly believe this diva always wanted out of the morbidly obese body ;-)

I have been told I look totally different....and I do!  It definitely takes some getting used to especially the male attention.  I tended to be a wallflower when it comes to men--I fade in the background.

I see the flaws but I do embrace them.  You are right...I simply have a much smaller body, same shape, same tummy and love handles.

I am very happy with what I see.  I've got lots of work to continue but I am willing....

Lynn - I absolutely relate to what you're going through.  For me the aging process played into it too.  I looked a whole lot younger - at least in my face - when I was carrying around an extra 80-100 lbs.  Especially during the first year of weight loss I hated how old I was looking.  Old and tired. And I just found a bunch of new things to not like about my body with all the hanging, crepey skin. I wrote a couple blogs about it on here over the last couple years, actually. 

I had a lower body lift in July 2015, which helped tremendously with my body image issues.  But I still have issues with all the excess skin in my upper body - I just try not to focus on it :-)  

As for my face and neck, year 2 post-op has brought some filling out of the more gaunt areas so I don't think I look quite as tired or old anymore.  But it's still tough. I don't mind getting old, I just don't want to LOOK old! 

As far as being satisfied with the results of my WL journey, I think it's going to take the rest of my life to come to terms with that.  On certain days I'll be OK and on other days it's a lost cause. 

Congratulations on all your success! 

Right there with you on the looking older. AT 57 I look much older now than I did 150 pounds heavier,but I feel better and can do so many more things that it is still the best decision I ever made!