How much/long until someone notices?

Queenofthezoo

I am wondering when you or others could see the difference. How long did it take, how many inches or pounds, until you can see and feel the difference? How long till family/friends/co-workers noticed?

I have lost 20 lbs since Thanksgiving, (12 1/2 since joining MFP) and I just don't see it. And my husband says he can see the difference in my face, but I have trouble seeing it. I know slow and steady is the way to do this, and I need to be patient, but I was hoping to see or feel different by now. I am not expecting to lose everything or be my ideal weight within just a few months. But there has to be a point even if I am not at a goal weight, where it starts to be noticeable, right?

ItsCasey

It's going to take a long time before YOU will see it because you see yourself every day, and you have a more critical eye.

It took a good six months before people who saw me every day noticed (before they said anything, anyway). My parents, whom I only see once a month or so, noticed within a couple of months.

I felt "thinner" within probably 4 months, although I was still very overweight. It took a good year and a half before my mind caught up to the fact that I wasn't fat anymore.

hlbock

20 lbs since Thanksgiving! That's pretty rapid weight loss. I guarantee you that people have noticed. There could be a couple of reasons why people aren't bringing it to your attention, though. Some people don't like to comment on people's weight loss; I know that I don't like people to feel as if I only think they're "looking good" if they've lost weight. Sometimes, too, it's harder for people who see us every day to notice weight changes, just because it is gradual. I know it's easier said than done, but you shouldn't focus on your weight in terms of others and how they see you, you should try and shift the focus to you and how you physically feel - that's the true reward of weight loss.

Maybe if you do some before and after pictures of you in a two-piece, it'd help you really see how much weight you've shed. Or maybe you could start taking your measurements - even your arms, thighs, calves, and neck - to see how much you've lost. Also, have you purchased new clothes to fit your slimmer self? Sometimes when we wear our "big" clothes, we still look big. Maybe spoil yourself and get some new clothes that flatter your new shape.