Body Dysmorphia is real

[loridee11 519]

I know others have posted about this, but body dysmorphia is so real.

I am wearing size small in shirts (and some of them feel big). I do still wear a 8 or 10 bottom which isn't tiny, but was always my goal size (I'm 5'10 so would be way to thin in a 0 or 2)... And yet, I still see myself as overweight and as the biggest person in any given room. Even in pictures taken Saturday I feel like I look large. Some of that I think is due to the excess skin, especially on my legs... and some may be some of my jackets and stuff are still older and too big. But a lot of it is just my mind playing games.

Anyway - has anyone gotten past this and able to recognize their own healthy body? Any tips for things that worked for you?

[Creekimp13 5,840]

Yes. Seeing the bariatric therapist helped. Best wishes.

[MSStoney 10]

Yes, I'm going through some of this as well. Down 103 lbs which is past my goal but is a healthy weight for me. It is the saggy skin. Never thought it would bother me but it does. I'm OK when I see myself in clothes. it is when dressing, etc. and I see the saggy skin that I still feel heavy. It is not even so much what it looks like but what I have to do to manage it. Not excited about doing skin removal surgery but am now considering it.

But I remind myself of how wonderful I feel and how much more energy I have compared to 10 months ago. I feel incredible and can do so much more than I even imagined. And every morning I wake up and write down 3 gratitudes in my life. Makes some saggy skin seem pretty trivial.

Good Luck!

[Jaelzion 1,127]

I experience this too. Often when I walk up to a mirror, I momentarily think my reflection is someone else. I haven't yet learned to instantly recognize that silhouette as ME.

[skyewolfe 92]

I fight with this on a daily basis. I’m down to 143lbs, but when I look in the mirror I still see the 271lb fat girl. It’s frustrating and depressing

[Chris W 0]

I would love to find a bariatric therapist, I am pre-surgery and have lost 115 pounds on my own but stalled now for 3 years. With strong attention to diet, I have managed not to creep back up but am looking at surgery to possibly help now. However, I still look at myself the same in the mirror and if anyone knows of a good therapist in the East Bay of San Francisco in California, I'd love a name. I am so tired of seeing 326 pounds in the mirror and feeling the same way.

[loridee11 519]

I'm in South Bay and haven't found one yet, but am looking as I notice I am struggling with the dysmorphia, but also with my food addiction. I'm far enough out now that I can eat a fair amount (nothing like before of course) and I really want to get my handle on eating for any reason other than hunger before I undue all the hard work. If anyone has a good one (really anywhere, happy to do virtual appointments) please do share.