I'm amazed 45 pounds down and I still feel just as fat

Hiya, I don't usually take part on the forum here but I wanted to commend you for keeping at it. You've done a LOT of good. As a lifetimer from WW since 1985, I've heard a lot of stories, whether up or down, and I can say the first 10% that you get off makes probably the biggest difference in *health.* A lot of people can't see that but if they started out with solid stats like blood sugar or BP, cholesterol info or how they took meds, it's a really big change that happens right there -- for everybody (with those specifics to go by). But if you didn't have them, I can see where you don't feel that different.

I'm assuming that you have lost more than 10%, so you've already passed this point!

It's a drag to not have that celebration but getting smaller is ... fun! If you don't already, I strongly suggest taking tape measurements. The scale is so easy and quick for feedback but it's crappy feedback. It's not telling you about your blood sugars or cholesterol. Tape measures don't either but I'd rather be tinier and heavier than fluffier and lighter any day.

And I mean that.

I've weighed the same at a size 4 or a size 10 that I couldn't button, same brand. Same weight. I also really like that my cholesterol was excellent

It's really worth it for your health. Also, I think most women have a little body dysmorphia going on -- I do. It may be worth looking into because understanding it's an issue is one thing. Working on it is another. I've worked on it and it still affects me but I can look back at it and go, 'Okay. This is my brain not being helpful here.' Rather than continue bashing myself.

I understand how you feel. I use to be some years ago 240 lbs and it can be hard to see your self skinner you still have that mind set. Just keep up the good work. I have a ? I'm 210 now i have gain 30 lbs since last summer. How did you start losing your weight i have a terrible time writing things down.

Yep, I can relate. From what I read, it's pretty common, too. I'm almost at goal and sometimes I'll see a morbidly obese woman and feel like I still look like that. My head is slowly catching up though. The problem is that, neurologically, our brains still perceive us at our usual size, and it takes a while for it to rewire and adjust to the new size.

Also, If you have excess skin, like me, and maybe a post-baby pooch that just won't budge, it makes it harder to see yourself as thinner. One thing I've found that helps is shapewear to hold in and smooth out all of that. I get corset style under-the-bra vests that you have to fasten all the way down your tummy with hook and eye closures. They are hard to put on at first, but they stretch a little and you get used to it quickly, and they cinch the waist and let your hips out a little to give an hourglass appearance. The other shapewear flattens the hips, IMO, and I don't like the way they look.

I feel like I look much better and thinner in them, and they help my posture and perk up my chest some too. They should be difficult to squeeze on but not roll up, by the way. That means you've got the right size.

They're hard to find, unfortunately. I tried online but they are expensive. I've found mine at various discount stores, like Burlington coat factory outlet, and I have to dig, dig, dig through thousands of pieces of lingerie and shapewear!

Anyway, hope that helps.

At times my head still sees me not only at my heaviest but heavier. At other times it sees me as a heavy but not the fattest person around. At still other times I actually feel cute and sassy. Part of it is what tape is playing in my head and as well as the clothes I am wearing. I know this sounds vain but so be it, I have found when I am wearing clothes that are too big or not flattering I feel fatter that when I am wearing clothes that are fitting properly and are flattering.