Hello Ladies, Gents, and Other!

I was banded last August (You can see my Before and Current's if you like ) and since I am starting my Masters program, I have decided to do my Thesis on Bariatric Surgery. This is not like an official survey or anything, but I am trying to get some feedback to see who else feels like me.

:thumbup:I went from a size 20 to a size 10, and I still FEEL like a 20. When I go to sit in a seat on a plane I expect it to be a tight fit, I also think I need to turn sideways to get through areas I can easily walk through now. I always pick up the size thats too big out of habit, and I still call myself a "Big Girl." Do you feel this way too? How long have you been banded, and do you find this to be an awkward/uncomfortable thing, or a funny/weird thing? If you used to feel this way but don't anymore, what changed??? ANy help would be SO great! THANKS!

Nicole

Don't know if this will help, but a few weeks ago I went to get new pants at Lane Bryant. I was banded 8/3/09. Anyway, I go in there and I'm looking... I keep trying on pants, but nothing is fitting. Finally the mgr comes over and really helps me. I kept trying on pants that were way too big(according to her) finally she just says to me-"you need to accept that you are a smaller than you think you are-be happy about that". I was bowled over-something so simple and from a complete stranger--it was the weirdest feeling. I did buy 3 pairs of pants that day (2 sizes smaller that I thought I needed). What was so weird about it that MY perception of me was way off-I couldn't be objective and see that-as soon as she made that comment, I just "surrendered" and frickin accepted that I am smaller-I mean, this is why I got banded in the first place(I mean to be healthy and smaller). Total body dismorphic image.

I feel amazing in myself but i have a real problem with comparisons to other people. I went from a 20 to an 8 in a year, when i say to my friends that someone we see looks great and they reply with 'Carrie your thinner than they are' i honestly cannot see that. I still think that i am bigger than a thin person yet i am a thin person now. Im not sure if at this stage that will ever change!

I can see my weight loss in my face I can see it in my shoulders but I don't see it in my thighs and butt. I still feel like they are the same size as before even though I've lost 76 lbs now and I've gone from a size 26/28 in shirts to a 14/16 and 26/28 in pants to a size 22.

I struggle every day with my body issues. I have been overweight every since I was 9 years old. It will be nice when I reach my goal weight and for the first time ever not be considered "over weight". Hopefully then I will be able to see my weight loss.

Just until recently I had issues with feeling bigger than I am. I would buy smaller clothes but would not see a smaller person in pictures. Somedays I wouldnt see it in the mirror. What helped me? I took pictures of myself, then printed old and new ones and lay them down side by side. Wow! Is that really me? Since then I have felt so much better. One other thing that has helped is having my body fat checked. I am happy to report that I am a healthy 25% BF. Slowly you will "see" it, each person just needs their own "Wow" moment!

Hope this helps,

Deanna

ooohh about 3 yrs ago i went on a diet lost 60 pounds and well i was thin! only looking back at old pictures im like holy shit im bones what was my problem..why didnt i take advanatge.why was i still so afraid for anyone to touch me. I workedso hard ot get there and then i got there and it wasnt enouph.. im sure you all know how that story ends.. i gained it all back and then some.

so then i decided to get the lapband. and here i am 50 pounds down another "real" 50 to go.. and im beggin myself to see a change, im begging myself to behappy and realize im going to get back to thatfabulosu thin and i wont be starving and ill fit into clothes again. but most of al li pray that when i get back there..i stop and thank my lucky stars that i had.. and no matter what mybody looks like its perfect!

oohh and then!!! ill be taking advantage! :blushing:

Honestly, I do feel bigger than I am. I am told that I look normal but my mind just wont believe it. Most times I still feel fat but "normal fat" not hugely obese (like I used to be).

I'm sure this is an issue for me because, previously, I had always been overweight. Sometimes your mind can have a tough time catching up to your body. However, I certainly feel sexier than EVER. The mind is a weird place, isn't it.