Bathroom mirror doesn't like me

I have to say that most days I like what I see in the mirror (when I am dressed).  I am almost halfway to goal so I got a lot left to lose.  Problem is I have very little fat on my calves, thighs, and buttocks.  Some flab under the arm. Most of the fat looks like 2 tires going around me - one around the waist and one around my chest.

So getting out of the shower and seeing myself in the mirror is not a fun experience.  I am starting to worry about how I will look when I reach goal.  I am realistic and I know that some skin sagging is going to be normal,  I just wonder how much is gonna snap back and I am also afraid because I seem to be losing weight everywhere else more quickly and now my moobs are more pronounce and touching my knees (slight exaggeration - but I must say that I hate nothing more on my body than my moobs)  Since I was a preteen I have conciously dressed my top half of my body before my lower half - just in case of fire, I would hate for anyone to see me run out of the house shirtless.  I also swim with a shirt on.  I have dreamt of being able to swim this summer or at the latest next summer without a shirt.  I fear that I will always be ashamed of how I look even after I reach goal.

Dont get me wrong.  This is the greatest thing I have ever done for my health and quality of life.  Just coming to grips with reality and it bites. 

I know the feeling too well. I used to do whatever I could to avoid mirrors in my bigger days. Keep in mind that the fat comes off in thin layers ALL OVER your body and not just from spots. So the area that has the most fat (usually around our waist, chest and hips) is also going to seem like the area slowest to respond to the weight loss.

Someone else compared it to draining a pool. The water drains evenly across the pool, it doesn't drain faster from the deep or shallow ends. The deep end just has more water so it's going to take longer. Take pictures of yourself in the mirror at least twice a month and then after a few months look at the difference and I'm sure you'll be shocked. Also, take measurements so you can see the inches falling off.

If you look at my progress pictures on my profile you'll see my body generally kept the same shape but it just got smaller and smaller. It's not until you finally "peel" away all of the layers of fat that you possibly can will you be able to start changing the composition of your body and really transform it into the image you have in your head of what you want it to be like.

I'm almost 3 years out and i never had moobs before surgery but i did develop them during the first 6 months after. about a year out they tightened up to normal well at least normal for us. lol. i used to ware under armor and i would by them 3 sizes to small and they were comfy. don't waist your money on the cheap brands i have tried the all they just don't compare to UA. even now down to 214 i still don't like looking in the mirror when I'm not dressed. i was never self-concuss to take my shirt off at 420 but i hate it now that I'm 214 the only skin issues i have now are my stomach so i should feel lucky but its a mental thing. to me i still look them same when i look in the mirror. i hear that you come to peace with it it just takes a while. good luck buddy. if i can be of any help hit me up.

I seemed to lose the weight first in areas I gain it last.  My back was the last place I gained the most (nowhere else to pack it on).  That was the first place I lost it.  I really think your gut will be the last place you lose it...since you said you have always had it there.  Same with the moobs.  They should be getting smaller every day.  Small amounts of chest and stomach exercises will help (as we all know).  You don't need to be a body builder to tone up those areas.  Stop worrying and have a glass of water on me.  Brian 

You're not alone...I wish I can cut all that sh#t myself.  I've lost 270lbs and it's not a pretty either.  Some people carry their excess skin just well like myself so we're pretty lucky.  Yet, I wish I had the $25K that would cost for a body lift.

 Amen to that! I would cut all this off if I could!

It is what it is.  

Moobs are here to stay.  I look awesome dressed, but like you not so flattering neked.  You have more important things to be worried about for now.  When you are 2 years post and have been at goal for a year or more then you can decide if you want plastics, until then work on and enjoy the new healthier you. 

I decided I can live with the extra skin and it gives the guys at the archery club something to rib me about.  Keeps them busy.

Robert

I agree, I call it the "melted candle" look.  LOL  My "chest" has actually snapped back pretty well.  As my weight came off, I could still see them under a golf shirt and was worried they were here to stay, however, they are not visible under clothing anymore.  That being said, they ARE visible shirtless :(  My stomach is another story.  I don't think I'll ever have a flat stomach. 

 I want a flat stomach so bad I could cut it off myself!

Oh man, let me tell you about excess skin.  I swear I look like a cross between Dolly Parton and Jaba the Hutt when I'm naked.  I've lost about 2/3 of my excess weight in 10 months and its an aweful site in the mirror.  I've told my wife, I don't care how much it cost, the moobs have got to go.  I actually had a surgical consult with a PS and am looking at $15K for the moobectomy and tummy lift.  Got another 35 lbs to go and when I hit 235ish, I am getting the crap amputated.  The PS says I am carrying around 30 lbs of skin in the stomach, arms, and chest.  I cant imagine living with this the rest of my life.  Time for a 401K loan I do believe.  Heck, its a win win for me.   I get the body lift, and with the economy like it is, I'll be earning more on my 401K paying myself back than what its earning in the investment plan.