Still see the old me...

Yuki_2006

Yuki_2006

Active member
It's so weird. I get that I've dropped a hundred pounds, easy. But when I glance down, all I see is the same old gut. Like it hasn't changed at all. My blood sugar is great and the doc says soon we can talk about a maintenance plan and planning for surgery to fix the loose skin. That's the goal! Anyone else feel this?
 
Only down 40-ish pounds myself, but yeah, I totally get it. It's not that I look different, just... smaller, I guess? I know my clothes are falling off of me, so something must have changed. But looking in the mirror, it's still the same shape, just like everything got bigger around me instead of me getting smaller. At least my labs are better, so there's that.
 
Society puts so much emphasis on weight loss. There is this common idea that losing weight returns you to a prior state. Sadly, it's more common to find yourself in a 3rd condition: thinner, but with extra skin. This can lead to skin problems and infections. It's awful that insurance companies consider it 'cosmetic'. Dealing with excess skin needs recognition and support. I recently underwent a breast reduction and tummy tuck to correct my issue and plan to do my arms and legs later. It's helped me find the new person I've become. This is a long journey, not a number on the scale.
 
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That used to be me after my first major weight loss. I shed 120lbs about a decade ago and it was mostly in my midsection. Eventually, I was walking around with a saggy skin pouch that I had to tuck into my pants.

I ended up getting a tummy tuck with muscle repair, and even though it was pricey and recovery was tough, it was worth every penny. It even held up when I gained the weight back and lost it again.
 
We are always harder on ourselves than anyone else is.

Be happy that other people notice the changes, even if you don't. Other people don't focus on our perceived flaws as much as we do.

You definitely look different after losing that weight. Getting skin removal surgery could greatly help with how you feel and perceive yourself.
 
I carry my weight in my gut too. I'm only like, 20lbs from my goal weight and I know I'll still have a huge stomach even at my goal, lol.
 
When I slim down, my body just gets proportionally smaller, not really reshaped. So, I know exactly how you feel! You will adjust to the change, but until then, focus on the reasons you lost the weight - like your A1C! That's a huge win.
 
I hear your frustration. But, honestly, in your before pics, your stomach wasn't even that prominent. Many people with 100+ pounds to drop have much bigger bellies in their pictures. Maybe you are noticing the difference on your sides or other areas more than your front.

I hope you reach your goals! Congrats on all your success so far!
 
I agree with lots of these comments! I wanted to say that I see a massive difference in my chin and neck! I look like a totally different person! Great job. Wishing you the best.
 
Not from my own experience, but I hear that with extreme weight loss, surgery is the only real way to get rid of the extra skin.
 
I lost 45 pounds and didn't have too much loose skin. I was taking creatine and HMB during my weight loss. For areas I had a problem with, I did the following:

For my double chin and arm jiggle, I used topical products. Took epson salt baths to tighten skin and wore compression garments on problem areas to help my body create tissue to pull in the skin.

I used cheap green tea and vitamin B for body wraps every couple of weeks.

I use a gua-sha stone to gently scrape areas that need extra circulation during my bath. Also, I exfoliate with a microfiber cloth to help the skin.

Take care of your body, healing is part of the change. Wear scarves and turtlenecks if you need to! Your body is still changing. It's amazing.
 
OMG, you look incredible! I didn't have the guts to take before pictures, which I regret. I still look at and touch my body, and it doesn't feel real. I'm the smallest I've been as an adult. It's hard to shake the image we have of ourselves.
 
Body dysmorphia sucks, and I've struggled with it for years. You look absolutely incredible. Congrats on losing 100lbs! Celebrate your success.
 
Body dysmorphia is the worst, I'm sorry you're dealing with it
Yuki_2006 said:
It's so weird. I get that I've dropped a hundred pounds, easy. But when I glance down, all I see is the same old gut. Like it hasn't changed at all. My blood sugar is great and the doc says soon we can talk about a maintenance plan and planning for surgery to fix the loose skin. That's the goal! Anyone else feel this?
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But you've done AMAZING! Happy for you and your loss. I follow a few people online who were heavier and lost weight. One is a fitness coach now. I think she's beautiful and she's still heavier than me. So, when I start to pick myself apart, I look at her, listen to her, and remind myself that I see other people for who they are. She's bigger but beautiful, and I don't see a "fat person." I try to not let the thoughts take over about myself. You really do look great and that’s a big achievement! 💝
 
I hear you on the mental aspect of these meds. It's not all physical changes, some people report behavioral side effects too. Some people have reported increased anxiety or even OCD symptoms on sema, but others see an improvement. It's so variable.
 
Sounds like you're crushing it!
Yuki_2006 said:
I agree with lots of these comments! I wanted to say that I see a massive difference in my chin and neck! I look like a totally different person! Great job. Wishing you the best.
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High five!
 
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