Post-Op Image Distortion.....

[legal loser 77]

I had surgery April 24th and I'm down nearly 60 pounds. As a professional, I have had no choice but to update my wardrobe. But, I cannot bring myself to wear any of my new shirts to work. I try them on, they look fine, but when I go to wear them to work, I look in the mirror and convince myself that it's too tight or doesn't look right on me. I think it is because I still cannot believe I am down nearly 60 pounds and find comfort in my "baggy clothes." I look in the mirror, go "wow" that girl looks good....and then, I realize it is me and I'm like, no that girl looks bad!

I'm to the point, where I almost want to hire an image consultant to shop with me so I can see that I am able to wear these clothes!....it's that bad!

Anyone else feeling me on this one?

[CaliKat 153]

Congrats on the weight loss!

But dressing in the old stuff has got to stop. Im sure you have seen people wear clothing that is WAY too tight (showed belly overflow, too much boobage, etc) and silently thought they looked rediculus right? You dressing in your old big clothes is just as insane- not to be terrible.... but im sure you look like crap all bagged out!

Letting go of your old image is hard- its a huge mental challenge and may take some time- sounds like there are a few underlying self esteem issues (issues- who doesnt have em) that you may need to talk to someone about.

Dont let who you USED to be- stop you from becoming who you are.

As a fellow professional- you arent doing yourself any favors looking schlumpy and frumpy. Even if it means hitting up Target for those essentials (pencil skirts, dress pants, wide belts, etc) do whatever you can to dress your best... slowly your head will catch up.

Hiring a stylist is a great idea- watching TLC's What Not To Wear is also a great idea. Now go on and rock the results of your sleeve and be your best self!

[NEW ME 2012 6]

Funny, same here...but as uncomfortable as it is, wear the tighter clothes! People at work and even my trainer have told me to get rid of baggy clothes...they make me look sloppy/dumpy. I did, wearing the tighter clothes and people from the other side of the office that would never have even said hello, now acknowledge and compliment me! The compliments and recognition keeps you motivated and on track! WEAR THE TIGHTER CLOTHES! hugs on the 60 so far!

[Looking Ahead 239]

I am RIGHT there with you. I've lost 67 pounds and still see myself at 338. I still want to hide everything. I also work in a professional office and have to wear dress pants every day except Fridays. It was very hard to wear new clothes but when I do...I get so many compliments. Try it one day. DO NOT look in the mirror at work! Not even in the restroom...it opens your negative thoughts up to run wild. I messaged myself a close up pic of my face before surgery and took another one about 3 days ago...when I start the negative thoughts, I compare the two. Try and see if that helps and congrats on the weightloss! Proud of you!!!

[Looking Ahead 239]

Funny, same here...but as uncomfortable as it is, wear the tighter clothes! People at work and even my trainer have told me to get rid of baggy clothes...they make me look sloppy/dumpy. I did, wearing the tighter clothes and people from the other side of the office that would never have even said hello, now acknowledge and compliment me! The compliments and recognition keeps you motivated and on track! WEAR THE TIGHTER CLOTHES! hugs on the 60 so far!

As happy as I am more office workers are treating me different...it also ticks me off that I'm the same person I was at my starting point.

[Jrzydva 38]

I had surgery April 24th and I'm down nearly 60 pounds. As a professional, I have had no choice but to update my wardrobe. But, I cannot bring myself to wear any of my new shirts to work. I try them on, they look fine, but when I go to wear them to work, I look in the mirror and convince myself that it's too tight or doesn't look right on me. I think it is because I still cannot believe I am down nearly 60 pounds and find comfort in my "baggy clothes." I look in the mirror, go "wow" that girl looks good....and then, I realize it is me and I'm like, no that girl looks bad!

I'm to the point, where I almost want to hire an image consultant to shop with me so I can see that I am able to wear these clothes!....it's that bad!

Anyone else feeling me on this one?

Body image is a wicked game. We always feel like we look worse than anyone out here..and we don't! LOL You have made a tremendous accomplishment losing 60 ilbs!!! Girl, that's so amazing! A stylist is an idea but whose to say even after the stylist gets you all fashioned up that you still won't suffer from the same image distortion? It may require professional therapy and support group assistance. I'll pray that you see the beauty in yourself that GOD sees and I am certain, everyone else around you!

[KyPeach 10]

I haven't lost enough weight to get new clothes. However, I am an expert at beating myself up! When I don't like anything in the mirror I cover up the area where my face would reflect. Then I can look at the outfit objectively (it's no longer me) and decide. Not saying it's healthy, just saying it works!

[Debvzw 48]

Throw away those baggy cloths! I too am a professional and when I started wearing the smaller cloths, I got so many compliments on my weight loss. It felt great. My first thought was wow I must look good in cloths that actually fit. Try it! I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

[louise aussie 4]

Oh. I feel u. I have the same problem and also the omg u are fading away comments. I just wanna wear my sweats to work.

[Kayargh 112]

Firstly- congratulations! Be very proud of your achievement. I am wondering if the reason you are so uncomfortable with the tight clothes is because pre sleeve tight clothes meant we were yet again putting more weight on? And baggy clothes mean we were losing weight (for the time being) so we are more comfortable. Putting on your tight clothes may take your sub concious back to the days when you felt overweight, uncomfortable and exposed. I think this could also be something that u need to do once to get past the fear and then you will be fine. Put them on, tell yourself how amazing you look (because u do!) self confidence can pull off almost anything and once you get out there, all the compliments you receive will reaffirm how amazing you look and what you have achieved.

[legal loser 77]

Thank you all for your responses and thoughts. I think I like "hiding" behind my clothes. I have gotten rid of the baggiest things, but still have some that I wear. It's more of an issue when it comes to wearing a shirt from the regular department instead of the plus size department. I'm also actually afraid of the attention.....I like to fade into the background.

I know I have to get over this issue or I'm not going to make it very far in the professional world!!