A question of image for the post ops

[LindaS 316]

1. I was sleeved August 2011, so I am about a year and a half out from surgery. I've lost 83 pounds.

I don't see a fat girl in the mirror, but I am shocked to realize that skinny girl is me.

I do still think like a fat person and usually think of myself as fatter than I actually am, which is weird since most of the time when I was fat I imagined myself as skinnier than I really was back then. o

2. I do not get mad that I can't eat as much. I am thankful that I can eat a little bit and be satisified.

3. I don't have mood swings, and I tend to be much happier.

4. My energy level doesn't even compare to what it used to be. I used to avoid even bending over to pick something up off the floor. Now I take the stairs willingly. I walk places. I exercise. I am a million times more energetic than I used to be.

[gelen's_change 157]

So did u guys before surgery saw youre selfs as fat. Cuz even though the scale tells me in fat i dont feel like it. Ive always though of my self in a thin way even though ive never been.

[kittenkate 186]

I always heard that "rumor" too and thought it was silly. Why would I still see myself as a fat girl when I'm no longer fat?

Yea. It's true. At least for me it is.

I still will walk into a department store and head for the plus size section, or I'll pick a shirt in a size 2X and look at it like "Yea, that should fit me" and then I try it on and it's very obviously way too big.

My brain has been used to seeing me a certain way for 27 years, I imagine it will just take some getting used to.

[amw157 42]

This is one of my major complaints with the weight loss surgery departments.

They make you get so many (necesssary!) tests before surgery (cardio, pulmonary, etc). They really do their best to make sure they leave no stone unturned, they really do a thorough job.

And while many (most?) surgeons also require a psych eval BEFORE surgery ... I've found the psych support AFTER surgery to be nonexistent.

Any change as large as weight-loss surgery is bound to come with self-image changes, maybe self-respect changes, and a whole lot of other emotional changes. Why they don't prepare you for this, and encourage therapist visits post-surgery, is beyond me.

But I'm a strong proponent of therapy. Been going for years. My weekly head-shrink has gotten me through many tough times. These self-image issues you talk about, I had them too, and I had a trusted therapist to talk them out with. It made a world of difference.

If you struggle with these issues, or even if you're somewhat curious how your mind works, I recommend you visit a therapist, even just on a whim. We make regular wellness visits with our doctors, dentists, eye doctors .... why not also check into the wellness of our MINDS? The only stigma is the one you hold.

[Catracks 865]

I've heard a few thing but i wanna know how many of u guys really experience these things. Im still pre op but i wonder what might happen.

Some people say that after loosing weight they still see that fat girl. Has that happened to you?

No. I am hyper-critical of the lose skin, but I am told that things start to firm up a year after you've lost the weight.

Do u get mad because u cant eat as much?

No. I just eat slowly and enjoy it. I get full and satisfied so how can I miss it. Buffets are no-gos because it's not worth the price. On special family occasions when there is no choice I get the child's price and get tiny spoonfuls of this and that. It's still fun.

Do u have mood swings?

No, not really. If I do, it's not related to diet. I can say that my mood is 100% improved!

How different is your energy level?

Through the roof.

[gelen's_change 157]

I like the asnwer any others pls

[Holly5.3 423]

I've heard a few thing but i wanna know how many of u guys really experience these things. Im still pre op but i wonder what might happen.

Some people say that after loosing weight they still see that fat girl. Has that happened to you?

No. I am hyper-critical of the lose skin' date=' but I am told that things start to firm up a year after you've lost the weight.

Do u get mad because u cant eat as much?

No. I just eat slowly and enjoy it. I get full and satisfied so how can I miss it. Buffets are no-gos because it's not worth the price. On special family occasions when there is no choice I get the child's price and get tiny spoonfuls of this and that. It's still fun.

Do u have mood swings?

No, not really. If I do, it's not related to diet. I can say that my mood is 100% improved!

How different is your energy level?

Through the roof.

[/quote']

My experience is similar except for mood swings. I feel PMSy some days but it's not PMS (I'm 53!)-I'm learning to deal with my food addiction every day, every meal! But I'm a different woman than I was a brief 6 months ago-and I'm excited for the first time in many years to see what the next 6 months brings! Good luck!

[Fitjen 17]

I'm a little over 3 months out and have lost around 69 lbs (49 since surgery). I still see a fat girl in the mirror and am really struggling to see what everyone else sees. My clothes don't fit anymore and I know I'm losing but hoping to see it myself someday.

I do get cranky at times not because I'm hungry but I think I miss certain foods at times.

With that said I'd do it again in a second. It was the best thing I've ever done for myself. I have a ton of energy and have noticed I hate sitting still!