Not sure what to call it, I'm going with 'transitional body' blues.

usmcmp

seltzermint555 wrote: »

usmcmp wrote: »

1. It takes your brain time to catch up to how you look. You won't like how you look no matter what for a while.
2. The end results are never how we picture them, so you'll experience a bit of let down.
3. If you haven't taken the time to learn to love yourself no matter how you look you'll struggle with disappointment for a while.

QFT

Also, it does change over time...even though I lost 135 lb slowly there were phases along the way when I wondered if I truly would need brachioplasty for arm flaps (for example) and over time they did get better AND I see them as being better...I don't believe it's 100% one or the other, it is a mix of actual improvement with time, and learning to re-see your body and evaluate it objectively - which can be difficult at times.

I got leaner and even though I was enjoying my body I cried over how my face looked like a skeleton. I adjusted eventually

azulvioleta6

seltzermint555 wrote: »

usmcmp wrote: »

1. It takes your brain time to catch up to how you look. You won't like how you look no matter what for a while.
2. The end results are never how we picture them, so you'll experience a bit of let down.
3. If you haven't taken the time to learn to love yourself no matter how you look you'll struggle with disappointment for a while.

QFT

Also, it does change over time...even though I lost 135 lb slowly there were phases along the way when I wondered if I truly would need brachioplasty for arm flaps (for example) and over time they did get better AND I see them as being better...I don't believe it's 100% one or the other, it is a mix of actual improvement with time, and learning to re-see your body and evaluate it objectively - which can be difficult at times.

Yes, it's an up-and-down process. You just need to ride it out and things will get better.

kallemann67

christyg74 wrote: »

A lot of people get depressed while losing weight. No one talks about it, as we all think weight loss should cure all our problems. Some people mourn the loss of eating for emotion reasons. Remember, you are better off healthy with a little extra skin!

This is such a true gem and brave comment. Well worded and to the exact point.

cafeaulait7

As happy as I am about the end result, I'm annoyed by a couple of things, too! First, you'd think cellulite wouldn't stay the same. Yes, I lift. So now I have distinct muscle tone right beside the same old cellulite I've always had, darnit. At least the muscle definition lets people know I'm in shape, even with skin problems, I guess. I know many women's gets better, so I had hoped to be one of them.

And then one I didn't expect but should have: my lower tummy pooch has flattened out like it never has before! Yay! Except, even though the lbs lost weren't on for very long and weren't all that many, the very bottom is wrinkled and deflated-looking! I'm 45, and that small pooch was there even in high school, though, so I guess I should've figured. But it's still a bad surprise.

I haven't maintained for 2 years straight, though. I gained 30, lost 30-something and then slowly gained the 30+ again before slowly losing it again. Maybe if I can keep it little for 2 years straight, it'll tighten more. That's hard with that spot, because it's absolutely where my first 2-3 lbs go.

usmcmp

cafeaulait7 wrote: »

As happy as I am about the end result, I'm annoyed by a couple of things, too! First, you'd think cellulite wouldn't stay the same. Yes, I lift. So now I have distinct muscle tone right beside the same old cellulite I've always had, darnit. At least the muscle definition lets people know I'm in shape, even with skin problems, I guess. I know many women's gets better, so I had hoped to be one of them.

And then one I didn't expect but should have: my lower tummy pooch has flattened out like it never has before! Yay! Except, even though the lbs lost weren't on for very long and weren't all that many, the very bottom is wrinkled and deflated-looking! I'm 45, and that small pooch was there even in high school, though, so I guess I should've figured. But it's still a bad surprise.

I haven't maintained for 2 years straight, though. I gained 30, lost 30-something and then slowly gained the 30+ again before slowly losing it again. Maybe if I can keep it little for 2 years straight, it'll tighten more. That's hard with that spot, because it's absolutely where my first 2-3 lbs go.

I still had cellulite when I competed in the bodybuilding competition. Many women did. It was less noticeable due to the very low body fat and the muscle, but it was there.

brb2008

I always said I loved the weight loss but if I could have kept my fat *kitten* I would have been a happy girl! I turned to pilates. It really helped tone the muslces and got me used to using them, then i built more muscle mass with squats and lunges. You can have a great booty you just have to build it!

jgnatca

Yes, the radical transformation takes a while for the head to get wrapped around. Besides, you also get extra skin to wrap around too. This guy is so cute; I always link him when body image comes up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpKDteQ3FIQ

I wear a lot of spandex.

This might sound weird, but I think it might help to take some time gazing at your new body.

https://www.ted.com/talks/verna_myers_how_to_overcome_our_biases_walk_boldly_toward_them?language=en

jgnatca

I have knee problems too. I don't think it's muscle loss as much as I am more active now so the essential weaknesses are coming to light. My physiotherapist explains I have a weak core that my tight hips compensate for that in turn lead to pronation at the knees. The whole system has to be tightened up, loosened up, and strengthened.

mysteps2beauty

For cellulite and skin tightening....I'm wondering if a body massage and scrub might help even a little bit? And a facial for the skin in the face and neck area. When I lose my 80 pounds, these will likely be my issues too. Good nutrition (water, biotin, omega 3s, vitamin A , the later ideally from food sources) is important for skin issues. The body rejuvenates all the cells, and I recall reading that it takes up to 7 years for skin to replace completely all skin cells. Naturally, it does this over time and skin has three layers. I myself would talk with an homeopathic practitionner, and wear Spanks till it all tightens up!

LaceyBirds

Thanks to those who commented on my post. You never know what helpful information you're going to find here.

queenofpuppies wrote: »

Don't give up! You deserve a long a healthy life.

Thank you. I won't give up, but I may look into Spanks. Wonder if they make Spanks for your face?

jgnatca wrote: »

I have knee problems too. I don't think it's muscle loss as much as I am more active now so the essential weaknesses are coming to light.

This is so helpful - I never thought about this until I read your post. In April, right after starting MFP, I started trying to walk on a treadmill. I just can't seem to walk right on them, and each time I hurt my knees. So then I started walking in the pool in July, and swimming a bit. I had to stop because it is an above-ground pool, and it killed my knees to get in and especially out using the ladder. Even kicking while swimming hurt my knees. I switched to walking then, and walked for about six weeks until I got attacked by a dog. But I was having knee pain occasionally from walking too. Your post made me realize that I had actually injured my knees, and continued to injure them, from these activities and years of non-use. I had done no exercise prior to this, so "the essential weaknesses are coming to light" is probably exactly what is wrong with me.

I see the doctor tomorrow and am going to insist that I be sent to a knee specialist.

As for my face and neck, I am thinking duct tape might be my answer . . .