Body Dysmorphia

[Bypass2Freedom 562]

Hey bari family ❤️

I know body dysmorphia is something that is really common in this community, and I did expect it of course, but I am really feeling it at the moment.

To preface my feelings I am about to describe, I am PMS-ing so I know a lot of this is probably exacerbated by that!

Either way, I have had such a noticable influx of people complimenting me on my weight loss at work this week - it seemed that there was no one mentioning it at all, and now every day this week I have had people come up to me and say/ask things like: "what is your big secret?", "you look amazing", "you're a skinny minny" etc. It hasn't been anything that I have taken offence to at all, but it has come during a week where I have felt so down about my appearance.

I'd say this is the first time post-surgery where I have been looking in the mirror and just seen the 'old' me - I genuinely cannot see any loss, even though the scales & my clothes are telling me different.

It is so saddening, normal, but sad.

Anyway, that is my little reflection done with!

What sorts of things did others do to get past this?

[NeonRaven8919 182]

I'm still pre-op so I'm just guessing, but I think this is the kind of thing that disappears with time? Maybe once you get used to being your new normal weight you feel differently? My normal weight has always been 260 or so and I think I will always see myself that way.

But just remember all that you have accomplished so far and you're still going!

[Bypass2Freedom 562]

10 minutes ago, NeonRaven8919 said:

I'm still pre-op so I'm just guessing, but I think this is the kind of thing that disappears with time? Maybe once you get used to being your new normal weight you feel differently? My normal weight has always been 260 or so and I think I will always see myself that way.

But just remember all that you have accomplished so far and you're still going!

I am hoping it is something that will go with time, but I know that some do struggle with it for a long time! Fingers crossed this is just me being pre-period and my brain is seeing something entirely different in the mirror!

Thank you!

[Chatterboxdea 17]

5 hours ago, Bypass2Freedom said:

Hey bari family ❤️

I know body dysmorphia is something that is really common in this community, and I did expect it of course, but I am really feeling it at the moment.

To preface my feelings I am about to describe, I am PMS-ing so I know a lot of this is probably exacerbated by that!

Either way, I have had such a noticable influx of people complimenting me on my weight loss at work this week - it seemed that there was no one mentioning it at all, and now every day this week I have had people come up to me and say/ask things like: "what is your big secret?", "you look amazing", "you're a skinny minny" etc. It hasn't been anything that I have taken offence to at all, but it has come during a week where I have felt so down about my appearance.

I'd say this is the first time post-surgery where I have been looking in the mirror and just seen the 'old' me - I genuinely cannot see any loss, even though the scales & my clothes are telling me different.

It is so saddening, normal, but sad.

Anyway, that is my little reflection done with!

What sorts of things did others do to get past this?

I’m a therapist and also a recent gastric sleeve patient.

Real life body dysmorphia may never fully go away but exposure therapy and CBT usually work best to help treat it; both are about disputing thinking errors and rationalizing your thought process.

It can definitely be worse when we are hormonal or in a bad space. I think giving yourself grace goes a long way. Try these steps and see if they help! Good luck!

1. Identify your triggers. ...
2. Stop comparing yourself to others. ...
3. Talk yourself up. ...
4. Look outward. ...
5. Cut the negative self-talk. ...
6. Practice positive affirmations. ...
7. Give yourself a reality check. ...
8. Accept all of you.

[ynotiniowa 18]

I think when your body changes so fast it takes awhile for your mind and perceptions to catch up! I went from a 4x top and size 22 pants to a large tee and size 10/12 pants and only recently can I hold up a shirt or pants with confidence of what will fit me now without "oversizing" because it's been plus sizes for for me over many years ❤️ I try to not overthink it too much and just tell myself to enjoy my hard work paying off. Hang in there!