i have lost close to 120 pounds in less than 7 months...i understand how to lose it...i 'm clear on how to maintain it...but i need help mentally getting use to the change...its not just physical...i lost my weight so fast (not at goal yet) sometimes...i'm like what just happened?????????

Wow, that's a fabulous weight loss...I can understand how hard it is to get used to the idea. I'm way behind you in the process (3/31 banding.) I've been seeing a counselor since before the surgery and he said that we often use our weight as protection....from succeeding, from love, from intimacy. He said that losing the weight is like stripping ourselves bare and feeling more vulnerable than we ever have. It totally makes sense to me. I think I've always used my weight as an excuse...nobody takes me seriously at work because I'm fat, I don't want to be intimate becasue I'm too fat...etc. I'm not sure if this helps, I'm certainly not in any place to mentor, but a good counselor could certainly help. BTW - I'm only about an hour north of you, in Bakersfield!

that makes total sense..i didnt like the phyc. i was seeing at all...i have a hard time being the center of attention..i work for a company with over 500 employees and i keep my personal life to myself...i feel like a circus freak...i havent reached my goal yet...but i also feel like the excitement is going to b over...i wont c the scale move down anymore...no more going from size to size...i am excitied about having my skin removed and i havent spent a day at the gym...i lost weight and inches strictly from walking and running...i look forward to toning myself...but it was fast...so fast...i feel comfortable being able to maintain my weight...i just feel like i rushed it...i talked to my friend and she said u didnt miss anything when u went through a 16...14...and i sssuuuurrrreee dont miss being 300 pounds...but i havent adjusted to being 176...either...

2flyguys, you have done amazing!!!! The whole getting used such a big loss so fast seems to be the part most struggle with. I think once you have lived for a while being overweight we become accustomed to that way of thinking. Don't let it ruin all of your accomplishments. Bask in the weight loss, the positive decisions, and what the future will hold for you. Easier said then done, I know but that is a major accomplishment hat not many people can grasp in a lifetime. Like it was said before find a counselor or a nutritionist who can help you with the self image stuff, sometimes we all just need a little extra guidance, when it comes to change. I know I do. Live it up girl, you are doing great.