Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

So, one day you look in the mirror post-op, and you notice you're LOSING WEIGHT!



Recommended Posts

How do you feel?

I just got approved, and surgery is on June 30th. I feel like is this really happening? Anyways, I just want to know how you guys felt when you randomly looked in the mirror one day and you notice that you're actually losing weight, and you don't recognize yourself anymore! Tell me all about it, I'm all ears!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm not there yet. I've lost over 30 lbs. but since I started out so fat, I still don't see it.

On the flip side, my energy level is through the roof, my mood is improved, and all my clothes fit better. Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That's exciting, I truly can't wait for that! My impatience that will probably get the best of me though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I didn't see any major changes in the mirror for awhile. I started out pretty big for a short chick, so it took a lot for me to "see" big changes. I saw changes in my face, no double chin with about 30 pounds gone, my cheeks were thinner, etc.

The first time I really saw a "skinny" person was once I got close to goal which was 120lbs lost from my highest. It finally clicked for me.

Still to this day, I reach for L and XL shirts, even though I typically wear a small. I still reach for 10s and 12s even though I wear a 4-6. I still go for baggy, hiding clothes, even though I don't have a lot to hide. I'm not sure when my 270lb brain will catch up with my 123lb body.

I wouldn't buy clothes until my current size was practically falling off me. But, I felt great shopping for normal sized clothes. I am much more critical of my appearance now than I was when I was fat. Every little dimple, wrinkle, imperfection is noted, and I nitpick myself. It's a mental battle, but I'm learning to relish all the little things. Ya know fitting into any restaurant booth, flying comfortable with room in the seat on each side of my thighs, walking around the mall for hours and not hurting or huffing puffing. Those are the things that make all the other stuff worth it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I didn't see any major changes in the mirror for awhile. I started out pretty big for a short chick, so it took a lot for me to "see" big changes. I saw changes in my face, no double chin with about 30 pounds gone, my cheeks were thinner, etc.

This is actually the thing I'm looking for the most. Underneath all the flab, I think that my face has a nice bone structure. Once my cheeks are thinner and my chin is tighter... I'm looking forward to that!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is actually the thing I'm looking for the most. Underneath all the flab, I think that my face has a nice bone structure. Once my cheeks are thinner and my chin is tighter... I'm looking forward to that!

LOL my face went from round to oval. I had no idea I had a naturally oval shaped face once the fat was gone. All of the hairstyles for round faces are so not as flattering on oval faces and vice versa. Ohhhhh the problems we deal with when we're skinny LOL.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, the hairstyle thing -- not so much of a problem for me :thumbup:

But yeah, uncovering my face's "real" shape... definitely want that. This may sound stupid or vain, but there's been times I've looked at myself in the mirror and pulled my chin taut so that I could see what I looked like ... with cheekbones!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, the hairstyle thing -- not so much of a problem for me :thumbup:

But yeah, uncovering my face's "real" shape... definitely want that. This may sound stupid or vain, but there's been times I've looked at myself in the mirror and pulled my chin taut so that I could see what I looked like ... with cheekbones!

Ummm, not any worse than me stuffing my bra with one of my husband's sock to try to remember what my boobs looked like Pre-op. . . Or, that I flatten out my baby fat roll on my stomach, turn sideways to imagine what I would look like without it.

Oh yea, I got an eye exam a month ago, and still haven't picked out frames. I've been to 7 different frame places here, and all I see is an old lady. That's vain.

Calva - I'm sorry if it seems like we're hijacking your topic. I think this is a great topic to think about and discuss because honestly, it's brought a lot of things out that a lot of us didn't think about pre-op.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well actually, I think that happened for me today. My husband and I took our boys to get summer hair cuts (they were looking a bit shaggy) and I had to take a call for work so I stepped outside. As I'm talking on the phone, I see a "skinny person" in the reflection on the window and then realized it was my OWN reflection. I didn't really recognize that person. It was kind of odd. I was happy, but it was surreal. Fat mind in a thin body.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can't wait till I do not have a double chin and look thin.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi all - I'm nowhere near that yet! But I am feeling good 3 weeks out and have started swimming again after work. I can feel a difference in my clothes but still a long way to go.

Why I'm posting though is that I am beginning to believe I might be a normal sized person one day in the not too distant future and I'm really curious to find out what sort of figure I'll have once the layers of blubber have melted LOL!

I love this site by the way - it is always so helpful and people are so great!

Lyn xx

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Im not quite to skinny yet, but I can see a change when I look in the mirror. Mainly when I put on clothes that fit like sausage casings before :thumbup:. It is so satisfying to see changes however small they may be. Some days I feel like myself from long ago. Today I feel a little "fluffier" than usual! But it's okay, tomorrow is a new day!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I keep touching the area under my chin and down my throat because the fat is gone and it feels so different...and I hardly recognize my own hands and wrists! But I think the best thing is crossing my legs. It's so easy now. And the other day I was sitting on the grass "indian-style" and it was quite comfortable for a change. Oh the little things.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

How do you feel?

I just got approved, and surgery is on June 30th. I feel like is this really happening? Anyways, I just want to know how you guys felt when you randomly looked in the mirror one day and you notice that you're actually losing weight, and you don't recognize yourself anymore! Tell me all about it, I'm all ears!

HA! I'm still waiting for that day! I feel i still look the same after losing about 110 lbs! Go figure?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yep, i am having my surgery on June 5th and so i can't wait to know the same feeling....my friend had the bypass and she saying the samething, that in her mind she is still a big person and shops that way too...i guess it is something that we will all go thru probably...

Tiffykins, you have done remarkable well, as you all have thus far, but i was wondering what kind of exercise routine did or do you have that you lost so much weight, even more than your goal and how long it took you to reach your goal?....i am hoping to lose about 115-120lbs and would like for it to happen in the first year...i live in such a small town, i can't wait for ppl to start noticing!! I know that maybe a lil vain, but i have waited so long for this moment! Good luck to everyone!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 1 reply
      1. stevieoriole

        Am feeling this right now. My surgery date is 4/1. Sign the consent tomorrow. I feel like I overloaded myself with too much info, too many opinions. Got to the point where I was wondering if I should do this. Then I thought of my reasons for taking this step and that settled my nerves. Still get moments of doubt but am striving forward. Am just going to follow my book from the surgeon. Joined this because I was told by my dietician that I should do this for support

    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×