I agree it takes time for your brain to catch up! Like Daisy, I think even when I gained a lot of weight, I never really saw myself as large - even thought I was quite a few dress sizes bigger than my old, thin self...
Honestly, my cholesterol and blood pressure were what really convinced me to get on this diet - it wasn't worries about how I looked.
It is weird though when people notice and I don't really feel different. Even after less than 3 weeks, I have clothes that don't fit and I'm having a hard time finding things to wear. (I was never one to let my closet fill up - usually clear it out at last once a year!)
Just remember, you are beautiful at any size!