[zenor77]

When I was heavier I thought I was smaller then I was. It wasn't until I saw several photographs from last Christmas that I realized how I really looked. Now, I feel larger then I really am. I went from a size 18W to a size 10 and I have more I-feel-fat-days then I did before. Body image is a strange thing...

[katewillbehappier]

I was always thin, then gradually put on 20lbs over the course of this year and my body image changes by the day! I have to laugh when I think of when I had put on 10lbs and genuinely thought I was fat!! I'd love to be back there now, and wouldn't have thought I'd be saying that 4 months ago when I was that weight! I did not take advantage of my body when I was thinner, all the thngs I could wear! When I lose the weight this time around, I know I'm going to appreciate it a lot more and really feel good about myself.

[Just Deb]

I'm trying to teach myself to look in the mirror and say "Not bad", but the majority of the time in my head I am still the chubby kid. It's frustrating to be proud of the number on the scale but not the body that goes with it.

[Marathon Mom]

I see myself as being thin (Mirror ritual.... suck it in, shoulders back, don't breathe and turn to the left) even when the scale tells me differently....

[carolineintx]

I never realized how big I looked when I was at my highest weight, I look at pictures now and can't believe I never noticed how noticeable the weight really was, I thought I had hidden it pretty well! heh..not really...now I seem to waver around, some days I feel like I am nearly there, other days I just see the problems that are still there and lament how little progress I've made... my boyfriend tells me I look perfect and I don't need to lose anymore weight, I look the same as my 'skinny pictures'... I think he feels like this is what I want to hear moreso than what he actually believes though. As its plain to me I have more work to do! I would actually be happy to hear him say the truth. Not that I want him to call me a fat pig or anything, but its a little de-motivating to have him act as if I'm nuts for thinking I look bigger than I did in college, even though the scale and my clothes plainly tell me otherwise, I can stand the truth that theres a little pudge still to work on.

[get fit in ky]

I'm trying to lose to get the weight off my spine (arthritis and sciatica issues). I haven't lost much weight-wise, but I went down two pants sizes in less than 6 months. I want to get under 150 desperately (much like your 120-130 concept) as I haven't been there since the 70's. My problem is odd in that my weight is higher up and I'm not losing an inch despite the weight lifting, portion control, cardio, and lost weight. I know it's supposed to be wonderful but I feel dysmorphic being an upside down triangle (more like a guy). While the shoulders are still hurting (like the last 35 years) from the bras, at least the strength I've gained in my legs allows me less low back pain and sciatica. DH swears I look in proportion but I honestly don't think he is unbiased. I can't complain to him because I don't want him to think I look bad! That's part of why I started coming here - to vent!

I was surprised to see few posts anywhere on this site regarding "upper body" weight. I know there are a threads regarding proper bra fittings and sources. I guess the vast majority of women have a harder time losing from the bottom half.

[AmandaD]

My pants size says I'm a size 6 but I still see myself as being overweight. Maybe it just takes time connect the size and the actual image of yourself.

[Nixmom]

I think I see a girl who's happy, semi-healthy yet overweight. I don't wanna be a stick figure. I gain ALL OVER so losing is never a huge visual experience until a goodly amount of loss or my pants get big.