Question:
Is it narcissism when you like looking at your own picture so much?? As I lose

weight, I am finding great joy in looking at my own pictures and reflection in mirror. It doesn't quit make sense since I am still so big. It just feels good to begin to notice the difference. Would someone else look at my weight loss and motivation albums and tell me if you see what I am imagining? http://www.picturetrail.com/annb Ann 414/292/140    — Ann B. (posted on December 31, 2003)


December 31, 2003
Yeah but is'nt it wonderfull! I havent liked mirrors or looking at my butt in years. lol. But I actually bought a full length mirror and enjoy being "vain". ;)
   — Danmark

December 31, 2003
I have my husband take my pictures.. 3 views,side,front, and back, every month on the anniversary of my surgery. I look at them often to see my progress because I don't see it as much in the mirror as I do in pictures. I do like looking in the mirrors too..lol. On Christmas eve I actually jumped in front of my brothers video camera, a year ago I would have hid from it. Lap RNY 5/15/03 down 106lbs.
   — KellyJeanB

December 31, 2003
I think for me it is more like I cannot believe that the person in the picture is really ME! I still catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror and cannot believe that the thin face looking back at me is really me.
   — ChristineB

December 31, 2003
You look great! That's wonderful that you are enjoying how you look - because you look MAAAHVELOUS! Wow, your Christmas party dress is really nice! I too all of a sudden "want" to see pictures of myself and my reflection. I see this as a positive thing after so many years of avoiding the camera and hating myself for how I look. I think it's great to feel proud of your appearance and truly like what you see. Hugs! Happy New Year!
   — w8free

December 31, 2003
A few words to describe the narcisist: grandiosity, arrogant, entitlement, lack of empathy, elevated image of self, shallowness, superior intellect, preoccupation with achievement, perfectionist, never wrong, manipulative, controlling. If these describe you, then I would say yes, you need to get some help. However, after losing weight, I believe it is TOTALLY normal to engage in your own reflection. It is constantly changing and a new person is evolving, maybe one you have never known. I'm over 2 years post-op and I STILL take that second glance at my new jaw line, waist, etc. Its fun, exciting, and new. Enjoy every minute of it, you deserve it. You question caught my eye b/c I just spent over a week with a narc. relative and it drove me nuts!! Congrats on your huge success!!
   — Cheri M.

December 31, 2003
I do look in the mirror alot more than I did. When I was 300# I didn't care how I looked or if clothes made me look fat. Now that I am 153 I look in a full length mirror at all angles to see if what I have on makes me look bigger. As for pictures, I hate to see my fat ones, I even got a new drivers license made because I was so huge in the old one.
   — Tawnda C.

December 31, 2003
Although in my business I see "before and after" images all day long, the fascination of seeing a new person emerge from somebody they were unhappy with before never ceases to amaze me. You are making a transformation into a whole new phase of your life...a healthier, happier, and more whole "you" is on the way. Narcissism, no. Celebration, yes. Talk about Happy New Year ! I would hope this is your best one yet ! I think a champagne toast to "you" in the mirror is a great idea!!
   — DrL

December 31, 2003
I agree with the others. It's great that you're excited about your new appearance. I just looked at some of your photos and I can definitely see the changes from pre-op to now. Congrats. :)
   — K M.

January 1, 2004
Whatever label you want to give it - you just go girl! You deserve it! I look in the mirror alot now because I just can't believe it. It's ok - in fact, it's great! The fact that you are asking about it shows you will not likely take things too far and be "too obsessed" with your looks. Congratulations!
   — Debbie C.

January 1, 2004
Hi Ann (MY SWEET ANN) don't be silly girl--- You should see me infront of the mirror- I'm always looking at bones I TRULY had no idea I had :) I find myself always looking at my before/after pictures on my profile LOL- I don't know about you- but I was ALWAYS fat..(fat kid, fat teen, fat adult) I am seeing a person I NEVER SAW BEFORE- I used to actually AVOID mirrors, and I would literally run when I would see a camera..If someone HAD to take my picture, I would grab the nearest child to plop on my lap- I have some size 14 dresses in my closet (mind you I never wear dresses) but sometimes, I'll put them just on just to look at myself in the mirror LOL- I will NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER let myself get a "big head" I will ALWAYS remember the person I was. I would NEVER make fun of or look down on a fat person- But, there is a NEW me- and I'm having a dog gone fun time looking at her :) hehe. Take Care sweetie Pie
   — WABBIT F.

January 1, 2004
I have found that photos are the only way that I can truly see the loss and get a true sense of what I look like. As far as mirrors go- It need not be a mirror just merely a reflective surface and I am checking myself out. I think that it is wonderful that after years of shame and self loathing that I can revel in the beauty that is now MY body!!!!! I am sure it will fade but this is brand new and still amazing to me! I just had the realization that the new year is here and I don't need to make a weight loss resolution. That actually made me laugh out loud. How awesome is that?? Loving yourself a bad thing???? I don't see how.
   — Carol S.




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