Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.

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imcshe 03/23/2011

I went to a luncheon today that is held annually in our city for military spouses. Someone who had taken pictures at last year's event came up to me to give me a picture from last year, and I was totally stunned. She said she wasn't sure it was me at first because I look so very different (and great now!). I looked at the picture and completely didn't even recognize myself!! I looked so big, and I swear I really didn't know I was that bad at the time. I guess I was in some major denial!

I really truly felt that I was just "me" and I didn't see my outside appearance. I guess that's why now sometimes it's hard for me to even feel different because I'm still basically the same "me" even though my appearance is changing.

Has anyone else found the physical changing strange, maybe like it isn't happening? I know from looking at old pictures that I've changed quite a bit, and though I'm very happy with things it isn't easy to wrap my head around how different I am because I feel the same. Make any sense?

deleted_user 03/23/2011

Pictures have always been hard for me to deal with. I also avoided them when I could. When I did have pictures taken, I had a hard time looking at them, especially when I realized how overweight I was. Now, I am beginning to let people take pictures. My daughter is so happy (she's always snapping pics of herself). She loves for us to take pictures together. When I see myself in a picture now, I really have to take a second look. I can't believe the difference.

deleted_user 03/23/2011

YES! I know exactly what you mean. I do see a difference now, but looking back honestly I had NO IDEA how big I was. I didn't feel like I was that ginormous. And holy crap, I had fat lady hunch back!I don't think that I do anymore, or it is less than it was anyway.

I am struggling to see how tiny everyone says I am. My girlfriend saw me for the first time since before surgery last night. She just kept saying how tiny I was. I have at least 60 pounds to go, and I don't see this tiny thing.... I still feel that I look like a fatty. A thinner than I was fatty, but batty non the less. Looking forward to seeing myself accurately.

deleted_user 03/23/2011

first, congrats on your weightloss :) and yes, I know the feeling. I knew I was overweight, but I didn't FEEL overweight. the other day I had to take my son to the er and found out he had a concussion from gym class, BUT the good part of the 6 hour visit, was I went pass a door with a reflective window and I didn't recognize myself NOW. I said wow, I'm thin now! LOL good with the bad that night :)

deleted_user 03/23/2011

We had my mom's 60th birthday party last Oct and my 4 generation family photo stunned me. I was bigger than my twin and mother who were standing side by side.... I too hate my photo being taken.. I am doing a photo journal to track my progress to remind me of how hard this is and will be when I reach my goal!

Great Post and you look amazing congrats to all on the thread for their awesome fantastic positive attitudes and amazing accomplishments..

deleted_user 03/23/2011

I always joke and say that I am the opposite of anorexia in ever way. Besides eating myself into obesity, I would always feel like I was thinner than I am. I would walk through the mall and catch my reflection and be like damn.....who is that? :-)

imcshe 03/24/2011

Thanks so much for all your replies and comments!! So great to see I'm not the only one who had a bit of a distorted view. I only wish my eyes would have been opened several years earlier so I wouldn't have so many "big" pictures of myself! But that's okay, I'm going to start filling up the place with new skinny pictures :)

deleted_user 03/24/2011

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

The other day I went to a business lunch. One of the attendees said, "Steve, you're now a hottie!" AT my son's wedding my wife said, "Honey! You're skinny!" I found my Army retirement physical from 1992. Im actually 4 lbs less than I was when I retired.
Whatever you're doing keep it up! and again. CONGRATULATIONS! My thanks to you and your husband for all your hard work!

Steve Verno, SFC, US Army Retired

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