I'm down 35 pounds (Yippeeeee) as of today, and it's time to start getting smaller sizes. Another YIPPEE, right? Not so much. I've been shopping at every mall in the area and can't seem to find anything that looks good on me. I would think this would be the "fun" part, but it's really been a depressing experience. I'm not looking for an entire new wardrobe, just a few things that show off my weight loss and make me feel great..... I still see old, fat Natalie in the mirror.....

Considering I'm halfway to my goal (I had a low BMI to start), I should be happier with the way I look, right? And it also doesn't help that not one person (except the few that knew I had surgery) have noticed.

Congratulations on your loss! I was at a WLS support group meeting last week and there were lots of folks at different stages, and some at goal, and most said that they struggled with seeing the "new you" in the mirror. I bet if you looked with a different set of eyes you could see how far you have come. One member mentioned that the first time she actually saw her progress was when she saw herself in a photo and wasn't expecting it. Like... Who's that? Oh, that is me.

Keep up the good work, I think people do not notice or do and are afraid to comment anymore. I also think that it takes months for your body to reshape its self, it is why the first year people say "you look sick-you looked better heavier" Your eyes and theirs will settle the longer you are thin, just keep it up. You go girl

I understand what you mean. For the first time in soooo long I can finally wear regular sizes. I just needed to get a few things so I can go back to the office on Monday (I've been working from home during my recovery). I felt like everything I tried on made me look lumpy and chunky. The saleswoman kept saying that she didn't understand what I meant. I told her that I'd had WLS and was having trouble adjusting to how I looked right now she was super nice and said congratulations. She urged me to go a little out of my comfort zone.

Do you notice? How are you feeling? I should edit to say physically? How do you feel lighter? Can you walk up a flight of stairs without getting out of breath. I was there! It is frustrating. I wish someone had said to me what are some positives that you are feeling?

I do feel lighter when walking. I look at my face and arms and see a real difference. For some reason my stomach is puffer than it was before the surgery. I am just over three weeks post op, so I probably still have swelling etc. it is just a weird experience shopping in regular sizes. I mean I'm thrilled but it reminds me of a post I saw here a couple of months ago that said "you mean there isn't a supermodel under here?"

I say push the sag ass pants for a few more months...I am practically a Justin bibber in my size 14s. ( I should be a size 8-9)

I totally understand. You are still early out. Triumph in your accomplishments thus far. I would not worry about people noticing because in truth their opinions really don't matter. I would keep track if the positive changes that way when looking for clothes and say you are in between sizes, you can relish in your other accomplishments and know that some negative feelings are temporary. It is like through this journey we are always beating ourselves up. People get to goal then we are consumed we have loose skin. Give yourself a big hug, you just took a major step to a healthier you.

2 Suggestions:

1. Take monthly pictures of yourself... take a front view and a side view. There are changes and when you have something to compare it to, you will be able to tell.

2. Take someone who's style you like shopping with you. I took my daughter with me. I was used to wearing over-sized looser tops to hide my tummy and had a style that worked well to camouflage my problem areas... She really encouraged me to try on things that showed off my figure. Once I started wearing clothes that accented my body, people really started noticing my weight loss! I got so many compliments

I'm down 35 pounds (Yippeeeee) as of today, and it's time to start getting smaller sizes. Another YIPPEE, right? Not so much. I've been shopping at every mall in the area and can't seem to find anything that looks good on me. I would think this would be the "fun" part, but it's really been a depressing experience. I'm not looking for an entire new wardrobe, just a few things that show off my weight loss and make me feel great..... I still see old, fat Natalie in the mirror.....

Considering I'm halfway to my goal (I had a low BMI to start), I should be happier with the way I look, right? And it also doesn't help that not one person (except the few that knew I had surgery) have noticed.

How many weeks post op are you? What was your starting BMI?

I was 33.3 starting BMI and am down 20 pounds in five weeks and it IS noticeable. But NO ONE has said anything other than my hubby who sees me naked! It's frustrating and that helps tweak our brains into thinking we don't look good yet! This is my five week, 20 pound comparison: weird photo booth shot, but it's all I have!

I'm 7 weeks out as of today...... Starting BMI was 35, so my surgeon and everyone else said I would lose slowly. I've lost 35 pounds as of this week and I'm thrilled. So far, no one except the few I told that I was having WLS had commented on my progress.

Went to a party this weekend with 40 people that only see me a couple of times a year, so I thought "This will be the day that jaws drop". Nope, not one human being said anything to me. I even cut 8 inches off my hair, a completely new "do" and no one mentioned it. No one.

I'm trying not to let it bother me, but it does