Looking in the mirror

[Lisa_85 118]

So these last couple of days I been pointing out all the negative in my looks instead of saying I just lost 83 pounds 3 1/2 months and feel great.

I feel like I can still lose more weight in my face

My Nose is huge now when I smile

I am aging etc..

Anyone else having or had an issue like this.

[Foxy_lady 22]

I'm one month post op and lost 50 pounds already...and honestly I kind of feel the same way. I feel like I'm just criticizing myself more and more everyday.

[Lisa_85 118]

@@Foxy_lady 50 pounds that is amazing!!

[MrsKarenC2008 622]

I'm 9 1/2 months out and have lost 151 lbs ... I FEEL AMAZING !

People say I'm wasting away ... lose any more and I'll blow away in a wind ....

But, I don't see it that way ...

I think we all criticize ourselves ... and always will ... I think we're brain washed into thinking we'll never be thin enough ... or this is out of place ...or this sags ... or that is wrinkled ...

But you know what?!

No matter what sags or wrinkles or is out of place .... We're HEALTHIER ... We did a GOOD thing by having WLS ... and working the program ... and making the best out of what God gave us...

I for one would much rather have the sags and wrinkles than the 151 lbs that I've lost ...

Congrats to us ALL !!!!!

[miss_smiles 192]

I am in my 5th week post op and I feel the EXACT same. Lost 28 pounds so far and EVERY time I look in the mirror I see more and more imperfections. I just started going to the gym so hopefully that will help, but it is rough. We are our own worst critic. Everyone keeps saying I look good, and I know even more weight will eventually come off but it doesn't help. Mentally I'm still damaged, even though physically I am improving. I feel the mental battle with boosting confidence and self esteem from within is going to be more difficult then physically losing the weight. Which has proven to be the case for me so far. Stay strong! You are NOT alone. <3

Edited April 27, 2016 by miss_smiles

[Dub 9,922]

I look in the mirror and I see......veins.

Lots of 'em.

Visible veins that I can see my pulse pumping in.

Arms, legs, neck, forehead.......it's like I'm an IV nurses dream patient.....or a vampire's.

Six months into this and down a few pounds....feels really good.

It is great to slip on a pair of jeans that I'd never thought possible....in sizes that I haven't worn since I was 17 years old.

I'm on the very last hole on my favorite belt........

Onward and downward.

[Healthy_life2 8,319]

@@Lisa_85

You have accomplished so much. Congrats.

Self esteem can take a beating from all the negative message we have received. Changing that inner voice is part of the challenge with weight loss. Learn to love/like yourself in your new body.. Your inner voice is the only validation you need.

With rapid weight loss, your body image can become a bit distorted. Your appearance is a big change. For some of us, we hid from cameras and mirrors before weight loss. It takes time for your mind to catch up.

counseling is an option

[grandmaofone 411]

It has been 10 months and 98 pounds down and I still stop and glance at the mirror when I walk by and say "who is that". I am just now seeing the loss and getting used to it. I am hoping that I still get better with accepting the "new" me in the mirror. Good luck, your mind will eventually get there:)

[Lisa_85 118]

Thank You so much!!

[Barry W 336]

In the mirror, I tend to think I look better than I do *lol* - am so used to seeing myself in the mirror with a huge pot belly and bloated face, that now I think I look pretty in-shape... then I was walking down a city street and caught a look at myself reflected in a plate glass window and was surprised to still see a pretty big guy there!

Mentally though, I focus on the positive changes. I don't expect my body to look like it did at 25, and at 56, my face and hair aren't going to roll all the way back to age 25 either - not realistic. But, I look *much* better now than I did 4 months ago, and I move around a lot better than I used to, much lighter on my feet. I have dropped one medication already. Still a good ways to go yet before I reach my goals, but this has been *big* progress.

[RoachBug 233]

Bah! You are being way to hard on yourself! You look cute as a button in your fur ushanka hat ( think that is what they are called).

[FocusOnMeNow 599]

I have aged about 10 years in the past 8.5 months. Thank God for retinol. Wouldn't change a thing[emoji3]

[theladyslipper 120]

Funny on the retinol comment! True!!!

I've found that those little whispers in my mind that come with thoughts of flaws & the "less thans" love to speak up when things are going well. Losing 85lbs in less than 4 months sound like doing well to me...don't let those thought rob you of your joy!

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@Lisa_85 I am amazed with your 83 loss in only 3 1/2 months! That's absolutely incredible - and something you should be very proud of! I will take the bigger nose if I can be that successful! :-)

[melbykins 2]

My body image has been very distorted, and I have trouble accepting this "new" me. I look in the mirror and don't recognize the person looking back, which is VERY strange. I have talked to my therapist a lot about it, which has helped. My doctor and dietician say this is very normal for bariatric patients

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