[lin43]

I have reached my goal weight (actually below it), and it seemed so fast and effortless compared to my initial expectations that sometimes I cannot believe that I'm actually wearing a size 6/8. I went to Macy's today for jeans and automatically picked up a bigger size, only to have to put it back & get a smaller size. I even examined myself closely in the three-way mirror and could not believe it was me staring back (for years, I avoided looking at any angle but basic front view). Even though, paradoxically, I've always seen myself as smaller than I actually was (and would get discouraged when I would go shopping and have to buy bigger sizes), now it seems as if I just cannot fathom how small I've gotten. Don't get me wrong: This is definitely not a confidence issue. I am thrilled to pieces at my new size, but it's registering slowly. Anyone have this experience?

[sontaikle]

I lost my weight fairly quickly too and it's taking quite a bit of time to register that I'm the size I am.

I've had instances where I didn't recognize myself in the mirror! I've also had times where I didn't recognize myself in photos!

I can wear a size 4 most times and I still have trouble believing it. I hold up my pants and sort of boggle at them in disbelief...even the ones I already own. Recently I tried on some 6s and the salesgirl in the fitting room told me to get the 4s and I had trouble believing her!

[Riddy]

I catch a glimpse of myself in the glass door out to my deck sometimes, and am surprised at how thin I've gotten. I have lost fairly quickly, too - I started in mid-April. I can't imagine what it will be like when I get to goal!

[lin43]

It's definitely better to have that "who is that?" moment after losing weight than after gaining it (which I've also had), right Ladies!!

[runningfromfat]

Definitely, I have the same issue with clothes too in that sometimes I look at my clothes and really wonder how in the world they fit me!

I certainly haven't had quick weight loss but I've been overweight for awhile now so it's been difficult to change my own image of myself. I try to take lots of pictures, measurements and look at myself in the mirror to get a better idea.

[bargoo]

I can't say that I lost it particularly fast but I sometimes wonder who that woman is whose reflexion I see....it's me !!!!!

[josey]

I am in the same boat. I am amazed how quick the year went and how much fun I actually had.
I also still grab way too big sizes in stores! Retail staff is looking at me like I am nuts when I pick up XL T-Shirts etc. or try on pants and then ask for two sizes down.
Last week I actually scared myself walking by a mirror. I thought I am bumping into another person. I didn't recognize myself in the mirror!
But it is not just me. I met an ex-colleague last week and he walked straight past me without recognizing me. I literally had to tell him who I am!
It is really odd though when people you know well don't even recognize you. I am still the same! Just smaller. I don't feel that different I guess.

I am going back home over Christmas and nobody (not family, not friends) even know about it! I am starting to get nervous. I don't want my parents to have a heart attack! I hope people don't freak out!

[InsideMe]

I did the other day at work. I had to go into the office for a video conference so while it was being set up I looked up to the tv and had to take a 2nd look cause I didn't look really really FAT!!!! I was like, wow, I look so different, I can see my shape???Who is that? It was crazy. When the girl left after she set me up I did some posing before the video conference started HAHA

[JoJoJo2]

Yes, whenever I look in a mirror I am surprised to see that smaller woman. I've been heavy most of my adult life, and now it is difficult to realize that I actually am a normal weight.

But I am enjoying the newness of me.

[Munchy]

I remember back when I was in college and lost a lot of weight through running/lifting, I got toned! I've always been chunky, even as a kid, so it was amazing.

I tried on a bikini and stood on the little bench in the dressing room for 45 minutes posing in the mirror.

I was SHOCKED that I could look that good...I miss it, lol.

[sisypheanme]

This is me without a doubt. I have been under120 pounds for probably 16 - 18 months and under 112 for about a year. I still can't believe this is my size or weight. I also am delighted but at the same time it is strange to look so different. I can move easier and feel so much more dainty. When I was bigger, I felt like an elephant in a china cabinet. You are not alone in feeling amazed....I still am after after all these months. Congratulations on your loss and continued success in the maintenance world

[lin43]

Originally Posted by josey

. . . But it is not just me. I met an ex-colleague last week and he walked straight past me without recognizing me. I literally had to tell him who I am!
It is really odd though when people you know well don't even recognize you. I am still the same! Just smaller. I don't feel that different I guess.

The same thing happened to me! I am a teacher at a college, and one of my former students whom I know very well (have run into her outside of class, attended one of her art shows, etc.) was at the same gym as I the other day. I walked up to her to say hello, and she looked at me blankly. She didn't even pretend to recognize me. It was really funny---she said, "Who? Who?" I finally had to tell her who I was. Wow---even I don't think I look that different.

[liliesinmycereal]

I have a hard time believing that my thin clothes from my first weight loss are too big even though I weigh more than I did before.

[lin43]

Originally Posted by liliesinmycereal

I have a hard time believing that my thin clothes from my first weight loss are too big even though I weigh more than I did before.

You must have really toned up!

[liliesinmycereal]

I think so. Last weight loss I ended at a size 12 for 145 pounds. This time I'm a size 8-10 at 150 pounds.