Strange Problem

[shrinkingpoohbear]

I have already lost a lot of weight but, I have a strange problem that I thought somebody might know the answer to. Everyone (parents, co-workers, friends) tell me that they can tell that I have lost a lot of weight and that I am looking good, but to me, inside my own head I feel like I am fatter now than when I started at 422 lbs. Even though the scale says the weight is gone, my clothes are getting too big, and the tape measure keeps getting smaller and smaller, I cannot seem to get it into my head that I have lost anything at all. Has anyone else had this problem?? What do I do? I really want to enjoy the fact that I am getting smaller, but I do not really understand why I cannot believe it. HELP HELP HELP!!! This is driving me NUTTY!! Thanks for any advice that ya'll can offer. I know this is a strange question, but I figured if anyone could help me ya'll could.

[dreamof145]

Re: Strange Problem

I think some people call this your 'fat goggles'. It is when you feel fatter than you look. I still have it and don't really appreciate the weight I've lost unless I am looking at photos of before/after at the same time. I was fat all of my life, so my mind only knows the fatter version of me. In time, I guess my mind will get the image of the new me in it and I'll envision how I look now.

In the meantime, the tape measure and scales don't lie. You've done a good job and should enjoy the compliments that your family, friends and co-workers are giving you. Congratulations!!

[2big4mysize]

Re: Strange Problem

yes many of us suffered from it. I saw pictures from ny nephew's baptism where I was a godparent and couldn't understand why there wer no pictures of me and pics of my skinny cousin all over the place. My nephew finally told me that is YOU! I was in shock. I couldn't believe i was that little.

It is hard to relearn our own body boundries. I'm sure you know what I mean oh no I can't fit in that booth I'd like a table, I'll pick a different row cause I will squash those folk getting to that seat. I astually turned around in the mall cause I saw a refection of a person wearing the same hat i had on and wanted to see who it was. Well it was me.
My googles were firmly welded on.

It will take you time but ut us a great learning experience as you get smaller clothes and finally can fit places you never could before.

Happy low carbing.

[cleochatra]

Re: Strange Problem

You have to realize you are worth losing the weight. Until you do, you will continue to see failure as your reward, as absolutely strange as that sounds!

On some levels your fat is comfort to you. For whatever the reason, you've been using it for so long to shield yourself, because on some level it has worked for you. So why are you still hanging on? Why do you need to hide? What are your real fears? Do you fear people noticing you? Why? Do you fear being responsible for your happiness? Are you afriad that in the end you won't really be happier?

These are all things you need to start thinking about. Analyze the why's. Follow them with some positive action. And if you need help, that's what we're here for.

Weight loss is great, but you have to get your head straight as well. We've all had too many years of self-sabotage, negatvie programming and acceptable failure. Learning to move past that is every bit as important as the weight loss itself, if not more.