Feeling Surreal

[jenmcd623 76]

I was sleeved on 3/7/16. Since then I have lost 78 pounds. I went from a size 30 pants to currently 22/24 and some 26. I notice a difference because of the way clothes fit, and I can see a small change in my neck, but I don't really see the weight difference. I think it's because I still feel like the old me, and still see her looking back in a mirror. Everyone tells me I am doing amazing and that I look good, but for the most part, I really don't feel different. Am I the only one feeling this way? Does it get better? I know I feel better, I have a ton more energy, but I feel like I am being my own worst enemy. The picture on the left is taken last summer and the picture on the right was taken Mother's Day.

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[Daisee68 2,493]

You look great and are doing an awesome job! It takes a while for us to see the changes in ourself. I will be 1 year post-op on Saturday and am down 120 pounds since surgery (146 total) and I am just now really realizing the difference. Keep up with the pictures. That will help. Take your measurements. And every once in a while try on the largest pair of pants (or a dress) you had. (I only kept one thing - my size 28 jeans.). I only put them on maybe 6 weeks ago and I think that is when I finally realized how far I had come.

Keep up the great work!

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[peaceout 273]

Everything @@Daisee68 said was spot on. Regular pictures and measurements will help quite a bit.

And you certainly aren't the only one going through this. I'm about 15 pounds from goal and some days when I look in the mirror, I still can't see the difference. I *know* that instead of my size 20's, I'm now wearing 8's and 10's, but man. It's taking a while for my brain to catch up.

[gowalking 10,790]

I was sleeved on 3/7/16. Since then I have lost 78 pounds. I went from a size 30 pants to currently 22/24 and some 26. I notice a difference because of the way clothes fit, and I can see a small change in my neck, but I don't really see the weight difference. I think it's because I still feel like the old me, and still see her looking back in a mirror. Everyone tells me I am doing amazing and that I look good, but for the most part, I really don't feel different. Am I the only one feeling this way? Does it get better? I know I feel better, I have a ton more energy, but I feel like I am being my own worst enemy. The picture on the left is taken last summer and the picture on the right was taken Mother's Day.

ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1464783622.926090.jpg

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I'm three and a half years post WLS and down 140 lbs. One year after surgery I was down 100 lbs. and couldn't recognize myself. I am not suggesting you need to, but I went into therapy. Two years later, I can say that I have been able to reconcile the new me with the old me. This is a process and it takes time for your head to catch up with your body. Sometimes we need help from a professional and sometimes we can do it on our own. The suggestions above are good ones. Oh, and it's very obvious from your picture that there is quite a difference. I also attached one of my before and after shots. I still look at them from time to time. Good luck. You are doing great.

[Icantbelieveit 955]

I can see it. You are looking good!

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[KristenLe 5,979]

@@jenmcd623 There's no doubt you look different! 78lbs in less than 3 months is amazing - Congrats!!!

[CSchulden 61]

You look gorgeous!!! Keep up the great work. You've done an outstanding job so far!

I know it's hard to look past how we used to look and embrace our new selves. I too went into therapy and it's helped me a great deal. I also weigh myself weekly and take monthly measurements. The rapid weight loss will slow down and that can become very discouraging. That's why, for me, the monthly measurements are helpful. I also try to buy myself one nice new article of clothing or get a massage or do something really nice for myself when I reach a self-set goal.

I was cleaning through my old "fat" clothes and put on a pair of shorts that were too tight on me last summer. Now, they are HUGE. Huge enough, that my 10 year old daughter fit into them with me. I keep them to remind myself of how far I've come. Try to find something that shows you just how far you've come in your journey.

[jane13 2,256]

@@jenmcd623 - try on some of the clothes you wore pre-op - that does it for me e-v-e-r-y-t-i-m-e.

Keep an outfit and really look at it....BIG DIFFERENCE! Measure yourself, if you haven't, and chart the inches lost

YOU look great!

jane

[jenmcd623 76]

Thank you everyone. I did keep one pair of jeans from before surgery. I will try them on tonight.

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[catwoman7 10,875]

I have my husband take pictures every month on my surgery date. I can't tell the difference from one month to the next, but if I compare pictures now to pictures four months ago - or eight months ago - or a year ago - I can see a huge difference.

[HanSolo1977 261]

I was sleeved on 3/7/16. Since then I have lost 78 pounds. I went from a size 30 pants to currently 22/24 and some 26. I notice a difference because of the way clothes fit, and I can see a small change in my neck, but I don't really see the weight difference. I think it's because I still feel like the old me, and still see her looking back in a mirror. Everyone tells me I am doing amazing and that I look good, but for the most part, I really don't feel different. Am I the only one feeling this way? Does it get better? I know I feel better, I have a ton more energy, but I feel like I am being my own worst enemy. The picture on the left is taken last summer and the picture on the right was taken Mother's Day.

ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1464783622.926090.jpg

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You look great... @@gowalking has some good advice.

[buckleysmom 45]

I see a tremendous difference on the two pictures! Wow great job

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[gina171 626]

You look VERY different!!!! I think you look terrific, there's a serious amount of progress!!!!

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