So.when do we let go of the insecurities with being overweight? It feels like I won't stop second doubting myself...and I hate that!!!! Although I am getting better.. Does this just take some time to sink in??? Any veteran sleevers with advice?

I'm still dealing with those insecurities. I'm always surprised when I get attention from people/men especially, because I'm SO used to being invisible.

I still pause before sitting in a "new" chair or booth--I still turn my hips sideways to fasten my seat belt--I still automatically look for the "women's" department in a store--I still scoot WAY over to the side when passing someone in a narrow hallway--

Eventually I'm thinking my head will catch up with my body!! But when these things happen, they just help me remember how far I've come and how grateful I am.

It's been 3 years and i still wont look at my reflection in the windows. I still look down when I'm walking in public cause i don't want the "stares". I still get all self conscience when i walk into a room and it goes quiet, "they must be shocked at the fat girl who just came in"

As I posted in one other place, it's so sad what years of abuse can do to a person.

I just had mine done on June 25th and so far I've lost 27 pounds which I'm super thankful for but..... it seems this surgery had made me more aware of my eating problems/habits which have made me have to take a real look at ME. Someone I've been avoiding all my life... I always avoid mirrors and when I go to shower I NEVER look at my body... and because of the surgery I've had to. I have felt depressed actually looking at myself thinking, "wow I can't believe I let it get this bad".... with baggy clothes its like you're hiding. My poor husband... he has been in love with me since high school & he has always seen true beauty in me. I feel so bad for him having to help me through this real examining of myself. He has been so proud of me and it hurts him when I am so upset with my body. He has to keep reminding me that I did make a change and am changing. I love him so much, he has loved me for me and I can't wait to be the person he deserves. I don't know how long it will take for me to change those habits you all described... because I sure do them too.... but each day I will try and focus on how beautiful God has made me and that I'm on a journey of changing.

I just had mine done on June 25th and so far I've lost 27 pounds which I'm super thankful for but..... it seems this surgery had made me more aware of my eating problems/habits which have made me have to take a real look at ME. Someone I've been avoiding all my life... I always avoid mirrors and when I go to shower I NEVER look at my body... and because of the surgery I've had to. I have felt depressed actually looking at myself thinking' date=' "wow I can't believe I let it get this bad".... with baggy clothes its like you're hiding. My poor husband... he has been in love with me since high school & he has always seen true beauty in me. I feel so bad for him having to help me through this real examining of myself. He has been so proud of me and it hurts him when I am so upset with my body. He has to keep reminding me that I did make a change and am changing. I love him so much, he has loved me for me and I can't wait to be the person he deserves. I don't know how long it will take for me to change those habits you all described... because I sure do them too.... but each day I will try and focus on how beautiful God has made me and that I'm on a journey of changing.[/quote']

You are very lucky to have such a wonderful support system in your husband. You are doing great and moving forward to your goal!

I have no answers for you, really, except you will get glimpses into how you will eventually feel - it feels good.

I apparently still see myself as a 18-20...I am a 12-14, according to my clothes.

I am with you here and keep wondering the same thing. I have good days and some bad. I have found new things to be insecure about as well. :-( I try to keep a positive attitude and look at pictures before and after sometimes to keep myself in check.

It does get better, honestly. It took me 5 years to get rid of all my fat clothes, because I was sure I was going to gain it all back. I finally just had to get rid of them because I could no longer store all the boxes that held from a 24 down to what I wear now , a 6 or an 8.

It took years of shopping , looking at clothes and thinking it wouldn't look good on me, to finally trying on more flattering styles. I still won't have my picture taken, and I have been at goal for a very long time.( I got to goal with my band )