So I'm having this odd time, I'm almost 4 months out and I've lost 35kg, I'm over the moon but it's like someone has disconnected my body and brain!

I can't recognise myself, I get freaked out when I see pictures of myself and I jump when I catch my reflection sometimes.

I am sure this is probably normal and part of the adjustment but wow it's odd!

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Prior to surgery, I never really, really looked at myself. Or if I did look in a mirror, I only saw myself straight on. Therefore I did not see the amount of weight I was gaining. Since I was the photographer in the family, I rarely appeared in photographs. So it was really important that I took a good before photograph so that I could witness the changes that took place after surgery.

This is my before photograph compared with my six month post-op photo.

http://imgur.com/wxCv8k6 I know what you mean! 2 years ago, I was 223 pounds heavier (at least. I suspect it was more than that but at one point I refused to step on a scale). It gets easier, but I doubt it will completely go away for at least a couple years. We have to completely rebuild a new identity and self-image. Many people don't even solidify their when they have a whole lifetime to do it, and we're trying to do it in the span of a few months/couple years! Crazy and amazing stuff.

This is very common for many of us. The only time I actually see the difference is in pictures.

I look in the mirror and still see the fat me and I am far from fat these days.

What is weird is, when I was fat I used to look in the mirror and thought I was actually not that fat. Now I see those pictures and holy crap was I heavy.

It just takes time for your brain and body to catch up. Take lots of pictures along the way!

http://imgur.com/wxCv8k6 I know what you mean! 2 years ago, I was 223 pounds heavier (at least. I suspect it was more than that but at one point I refused to step on a scale). It gets easier, but I doubt it will completely go away for at least a couple years. We have to completely rebuild a new identity and self-image. Many people don't even solidify their when they have a whole lifetime to do it, and we're trying to do it in the span of a few months/couple years! Crazy and amazing stuff.

Holy s%&$! I have never seen that before picture! You have done amazing!!! It's no wonder you need time to adjust your mind!

Thanks all x

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This is a very common phenomenon. I'm a year out and have been at goal for a few months now, and I'm still blown over by the stranger in the mirror. I accept it on a logical level of course, but it definitely plays games with my emotions.

Part of it too, for me at least, is that no matter my current and hopefully future success, I never ever want to forget the fat person I was before. I never want to allow myself to become too comfortable because I can always gain it back. In that respect I try and treat the conflicting images as a stark reminder that my part in this is a lifelong contract to live as healthy as possible.

Yeah I do understand, and I never want to go back!

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Totally get it. Seven months ago I was grossly obese. I was sprawled out in a comfy chair the other day and couldn't believe how my legs looked. I burst into tears of joy and disbelief at seeing how toned and thin they are. I look at myself in the mirror and I'm thin. It's extremely emotional.

@@James Marusek AMAZING!!!

@@Cervidae Unbelievable.. So inspirational (you're beautiful!)

So proud of you both. I can only imagine how both your lives have changed since losing that much weight.

I'm proud of all of us who are going through this amazing lifechanger.

I am having the exact same feelings it's like I'm not myself

Cervidae is my Hero of the Day. Wow.

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