What helps you deal with negative body image?

Yesterday was my 3 month check up and all my labs looked perfect, my incisions are healed perfectly...and I have lost 61 pounds. Woo hoo, right???? Yesterday was woo-hoo for sure, but then today I took my monthly pictures and compared them to my pre-op pictures, and while I can see a difference in my body (I've lost 3 pants sizes for gosh sake), I still look horribly...fat, just smaller. If that makes any sense.

So yesterday I was on cloud 9, and now today I feel like crying. I know I've made great progress...that it's not gonna happen overnight...etc. (And I'm not looking for pats on the back or such.) But the pictures didn't relate at all what I have been feeling lately, which was sooo good even before I did my weigh in. Now I just feel like crawling back into my hole and not coming out till I lose another 50 pounds and don't see this fat chick in the pictures anymore.

I know this will pass, but I would just love to know if other people have experienced this and what everyone else does when they have these days.

Thanks!

This is exactly how I have been feeling. Will this ever go away or will I have to wait till I am at goal weight. I also look at how much more I have to loose and that bums me out. We both need any help. Any one that can help.? Thanks

You need to spend more time on the treadmill and bike at the gym. If you go to the gym everyday you will see yourself in the mirror every day and you won't be disappointed with the way your body is changing because you will KNOW that are doing your part to become the person you want to be.

What a great idea!

I agree! Exercise is one of the most amazing things ever! It makes you feel in control, helps with depression, tightens flabby bodies, but most of all, you FEEL FIT!  FIt..NOT THIN.

I wish every person who had GBS exercised.  Until you experience the benefits, you have no idea what you are missing.



 

I have days where when I look at myself I am ashmed, I cry, Then I have days where I look at the numbers and puff my chest out with pride, Its all part of what we are going though.

Well done on your loss

It takes time to learn to love your body and yourself again.

This sounds silly, but it works:
Stand in front of the mirror naked every day and find one thing about yourself that you like.  During this exercise, you aren't allowed to focus on anything negative or to make any negative comments.....only positive ones.  
You will get use to seeing yourself and accepting yourself...............but most importantly, you will start seeing LOTS of positive beautiful things about your body!

Keep up all your good work.

Leslie

Thats a REALLY REALLY good tip, Takes us all time to adjust.

That is a great idea. I have avoided the mirror fully naked for years now. I guess I need to get reaquainted with my body. Thanks!

Well my body is not a firm as it used to be, but oh well I am  older.  What really makes  me feel good is to try on an old outfit and see how loose it is.  Then I put on my size 4 pants and go shopping.   You will get there. You are losing fat.  Remember fat has a lot of estrogen in it, so part of what you are feeling could be hormonal which can mess up your emotions.