Is it just me, or...

I

Izzy

Well-known member
Hey everyone!

I've talked a little bit about how things are going for me over the last 9 months or so. Honestly, it's been life-changing, and I'm so thankful I had the chance to do this. So far, I've managed to drop 55lbs, which is awesome. I'm hoping to lose maybe another 20lbs, but we'll see.

But lately, I've been slipping back into some bad habits and just can't seem to see how far I've come. I look in the mirror and I swear I look the same as I did at the beginning of this year. I've gone down a few dress sizes, but I'm sure those dresses just run big, lol. I used to love looking at my before and after pics, but now I can't even tell the difference. And to top it off, even though I've lost all this weight, my boobs are still huge! I feel like a linebacker, lol.

I'm not trying to get anyone to feel sorry for me. I just want to know if anyone else has gone through this and figured out how to deal with it? I know I should probably see a therapist, but that's easier said than done. The wait times are insane, and there's no quick fix. Plus, I'm studying psychology, so shouldn't I be able to fix myself?

I've added a photo so you can see what I mean. The left is from January 1st, and the right is from yesterday. Yeah, I'm wearing sweats, so it might be harder to see.

Thanks, everyone! xx
 
My therapist told me this: Acknowledge your feelings are valid, then use an objective measurement to show yourself there IS a difference. Celebrate that, and then distract yourself with something else.

Here's what I tell myself when I start getting down on myself and can't see the changes:

"Okay, I'm feeling bad about my body today and like nothing's changed. That's okay. But we know that's not true. Let's grab that tape measure. Oh, look! There's those 3 inches we lost off our waist in the last 8 weeks. Awesome! Even if today's a bad day, it's still there! You're doing great! Every day is one step closer. Okay, time to get away from the mirror and go vacuum/read a book/whatever."
 
As an outsider, the difference between those pics is super obvious. But I'm worried about the negative way you're talking to yourself. "Old habits," "look like a linebacker," "used to be proud." That's a self-esteem issue, not a weight issue.

Body dysmorphia is serious. If you can, you should see a therapist who specializes in it, even if the wait is long. You don't want it to get worse. It's not your fault, and you shouldn't feel ashamed. But if you can't see reality, you'll keep chasing an impossible goal, always moving the bar and never being happy. I've seen friends struggle with this, and therapy plus support from loved ones can really help.

As a fellow psych student, you know we can't treat ourselves. Get on those waitlists and do what you can in the meantime.
 
First off, congrats! It might not mean much from a stranger, but the difference is clear. It's hard to see when you see yourself every day.

Have you looked into telehealth options? Sometimes their waitlists are shorter.

Also, not everyone loses breast size when they lose weight. Some people just have more breast tissue than fat in that area.

I stayed a B cup even when I was over 220lbs. Now that I'm losing, nothing has changed.
 
I feel you. I've lost all my weight in my legs, hips, and butt. I still have a big tummy and huge chest! Keep going!

And I can definitely see the difference in your photos. You look great!
 
I had a hard time acknowledging my weight loss every week when I went to the doctor for my shot. She would always compliment me and even took pictures to show me. I went from 255 to 188, and even though my clothes don't fit and I feel better, I still see 255 in the mirror. Now, I just take pictures, do things that make me feel good, and pat myself on the back. You look amazing, but you deserve to see it, feel it, and believe it. I'm talking to myself, too! 💕
 
MaintenanceMode Your progress is seriously inspiring! I had to look twice. Wow! Just wow! Congrats. I know it's just words from some random person here but honestly I’d give anything to have a huge transformation like yours.

As for the body dysmorphia... yeah, that's a tough one. I would say that your feelings are valid. Then look at your old clothes and take pictures in them to really SEE the difference. Sometimes when you're in the day to day slog you lose sight of how far you've come. I recently saw someone fit both legs in one pant leg and pull the waist up to her chest and it really clicked for her! You've done an amazing job. Don't sweat the chest thing. Mine never shrinks, so I just wear minimizing bras to feel less self-conscious about my massive chesticles. Talking to a therapist or someone who's not involved can help you see your wins and learn to love your new body. You look friggin' AMAZING.
 
You're doing so well! And it's obvious you've lost belly fat, which is supposed to be the hardest to get rid of! Be proud of your body for changing in the tough spots and helping you transform. Best of luck! 🙌💐
 
You're doing great, Love! I know it might not stop you from struggling, but I think you have a really proportional shape. I wouldn't look at the "after" pic and think you need to lose more weight. I hope you find some peace 💜
 
You look amazing, just saying.

You've lost all your excess belly, and like me, kept your boobage. I'm happy it's not the other way around ☺️.

I've lost almost the exact same amount and am also checking in with my progress.

It's like taking a deep breath. Sometimes we just need to pause and let our minds and emotions catch up with the changes.

Even if you don't like how you look, you objectively look great.

It's okay to have this moment of doubt. I hope the support here helps you relax into your new body.

Sharing your struggles is a great thing to do and will make you an even better psychology student 👏

Add this to your toolbox, and know that you'll be even better equipped to help others with MH issues in the future because you've been through this. 🫂
 
Amazing work! You look fantastic. I've lost around 80lbs, and I have maybe 20 more to go. People keep telling me to stop now or that I've lost enough, but I still feel overweight, according to guidelines.
 
It's wild how different people react to weight loss. Like, I thought everyone would be talking about it, asking questions, everything. But most people just... don't.
Protein-Queen said:
Continually getting told that I need to stop now or I’ve lost enough. But I still see myself as overweight as do the NHS guidelines.
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maybe they think it's dangerous, or they don't want to make you feel bad if you gain it back? Who knows!
 
I totally get that whole body dysmorphia thing.
Izzy said:
When I look in the mirror I look the same as I did beginning of this year, so how could I possibly have lost 3 dress sizes
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It's like your brain just can't keep up with what's actually happening to your body. I've dropped about 40lbs in the last few months, and I'm still finding new things to criticize when I look in the mirror. It's a real mind game!
 
I'll be glad when people stop judging how others lose weight. My sister hasn't said a word about my progress. I've lost a significant amount, and she knows about my glucose issues. I think she thinks GLP-1s are cheating. It's frustrating. You're doing great Izzy, focus on the positive!
 
Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the support and advice. It's good to know I'm not alone in feeling this way. I'm gonna try to focus on the positives and maybe put on some old clothes to remind myself how far I've come. x
 
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