I see the numbers going down on my scales, but I don't really seem to be able to tell any other way. I don't see it when I look in the mirror. I don't really feel like I can tell it in my clothes either.

I've lost 40 pounds. People tell me that they can see it, but I can't.

Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what do you do to try and not get discouraged?

I'm still going to keep working hard, but some suggestions would be nice.

Thanks

Yes I still see myself at 400 lbs and I am 328 now. So you aren't alone in the way you feel. I have no wise words to say to you just don't be to hard on yourself.

Losing weight is similar to a baby growing. When you see the changes slowly occur you adapt to it everyday as well, like if you see a little kid growing everyday it doesn't seem like they are changing much. On the other hand, if you see a baby when it's 6 months and then you see the same baby 6 months later at 1 year the changes are huge. Same goes for you seeing yourself in the mirror lose one pound at a time which doesn't seem like much and someone else who sees you every few weeks a few pounds down at a time.

Obviously if other people are noticing you are doing great! Just keep your goal in mind, it is also really nice when clothes begin to fit a little looser! Keep up the hard work!

Christie, Don't be discouraged! Because I started at such a high weight, it took more than 50 lbs before I could tell a difference. It was about that same amount before I needed to change clothing size.

It actually took more than that before other people could see the change, so it's great that people are seeing your loss already.

Did you take your measurements before you started? I hope so, if not, take them right away. It's great to hold the tape measure out to where my hips used to be.

Keep up your good work. You're doing great!

I have the same problem. I dont see the yo-yo weight change in the mirror. But I do see it in photographs. I hate photos. I guess the ultimate goal is when I am not afraid of the camera.

I have the same issue. What I find though, is that I notice when I'm not looking. I'll glance in a mirror and not realize that person is me! Or...I'll feel a bone (I didn't know I had bones) and realize that my body is changing. Hang in there, it will happen!

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm not going to get discouraged. I've worked too hard. If anything, this has just made me want to work harder.

Tammy: Yes, I took my measurements. It was about three weeks after I started, but I have lost a total of 20.5" in two months.

Thanks again,

WOW! That's got to be encouraging! Great job!

Same problem here, although I seem to be able to see it better this time that any other attempts.

My suggestion would be to take pictures. I had them taken at intervals, with and without clothes (still in underware). It makes a BIG difference, especially if you can stand next to something in the pic for reference.

Hope that helps!

Pictures and measurements are both great ways to see progress. I couldn't see progress for a while. By now I DEFINITELY see a difference, but I still like to pull out the "before" pics or the old clothes, then it REALLY hits home.

Here's another vote for both pictures and measurements. I think most of us have had the experience of looking at a picture and being really surprised we looked like that because we see something else when we look in the mirror. Before I always distorted things smaller - I thought I wasn't as big as I was, which helped me to get to my highest weight. Now I have trouble because I see myself heavier in my mind.

I suck at the measuring, so i use clothes to get an idea of wear I am. Right now my tight jeans are saggy and I can take them off without unbuttoning. In March I pick out a pair jeans I haven't been able to wear and use them as a test.

Hi Christie!

As I read your post I tried to think of why any of us have such a tough time with this very same thing! Maybe it's that we somehow LOSE the ability to really SEE ourselves!

I THOUGHT I looked very good. I was 275 lbs. When I look at those pictures of myself NOW ...well, I am SHOCKED that I could EVER have seen myself as "looking good" at that weight!

I think it is called "body image disorder" or something like that. It's kind of like the VERY THIN person seeing themselves as FAT, only in reverse (seeing themselves as looking good when they are really...FAT!)

When a person has lost forty pounds, believe me...AND believe the people who congratulate you and say, "Well done!" I will say it now, too! Well done, Christie!!

Cheryl

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments.

I definitely do the measurements, which is part of the encouragement.

I have taken a picture before at my highest (315) and have it posted on my refrigerator. So, anytime I go to eat something that I know I shouldn't, I look at that picture. It makes me sick.

That picture was over six months ago. I suppose I need to take a new one.

I'll tried and get a new one and post them.

Once again!! Thanks!!

Best of Luck to Everyone!

Wow...it's so weird to see the things that have been going on in your own head written down by someone else!!! Almost everything you ladies have said I am thinking!! I never can believe the mirror, but the pictures, unfortunately, they don't lie!!! It's always, do I really look like that???? (ESPECIALLY MY HORRID DMV PHOTO!!!)

But now that I really am working the program(finally!), I am seeing a little progress. We are visiting my parents in Florida for spring break, and one of my sons said to me yesterday...Do you think Grandma and Grandpa will notice you have lost some weight? (I haven't told them yet...it's a surprise!). I said to him...Why, can you notice? He said-I can definately see it in your face and clothes. I love that kid!!!
So what I am trying to say is...you may not see it in the mirror, but everyone else can!!! Keep up the GREAT work!!
Donna