I lost 17 pounds and I still look the same..

You might want to start taking pictures and using a measuring tape, as sometimes, the fact that we see ourselves daily prevents us from seeing the changes.

Personally, I think our eyeballs lose a little weight and affect our vision ;-)

I bet you would see a difference if you had taken shirtless pictures of yourself before hand and then compared them to now. I know taking such selfies might seem cheesy, but it's a great way to stay motivated.

I can easily go down by 20lbs before i even start to notice in my clothes.. probably around the 35lb mark before anyone else can notice. (i started at 277lbs)

I have lost just about the same and though not as tall you are. I'm 5' 5" and started at 225. 18 lbs later I seem the same to me. The difference is that I am able to take my belt in one more notch, and my size 38 pants are now just a bit too loose. I've moved back to the 36 and they are snug but comfortable. My wife tells me that she can see slight changes like less lines here or as she said "your feet don't look as pudgy in those shoes." Right now that is all I've got, but on the flip side, the emotional and internal changes are more profound. When I started I couldn't run half a mile, though I am up to 3 at this point. I couldn't hold a plank for 30 seconds though I am up to 2 minutes. If you have lost 17 lbs, you have made a solid difference in your habits and that will tell over time. In my humble opinion, looks are a result of our bodies inner workings. Keep working on your diet; continue to exercise and strengthen your muscles, and your body will start to look the part.

AwesomeGuy has a point, it is the others that see it before you. Especially if you are looking in the mirror a lot, you are recalibrating your looks internally all the time, so of course you see little change. Most of our senses are difference measurers.
The advice with measurements and pics is good advice, they are more objective. Note that learning how to measure consistently takes practice so the sooner you start the better.
And objectively while your BMI is above 25 you should be doing it for your health, not really your looks. So relax, and congrats at losing all that weight

It is totally true that you will barely visually notice the difference, neither will friends, family and partners who see you regularly to begin with. Try measuring yourself with a tape, then you start to realise the loss and feel less defeatist because even though you can't tell the difference, the inches are falling off.

The only people who have commented on my weight loss are a few friends I only see once a month or less, and I've only lost a few pounds.

AwesomeGuy has a point, it is the others that see it before you. Especially if you are looking in the mirror a lot, you are recalibrating your looks internally all the time, so of course you see little change. Most of our senses are difference measurers.
The advice with measurements and pics is good advice, they are more objective. Note that learning how to measure consistently takes practice so the sooner you start the better.
And objectively while your BMI is above 25 you should be doing it for your health, not really your looks. So relax, and congrats at losing all that weight

not sure how you lost the 17 lbs.. but when I and others lift/do strength training I've noticed a huge difference in my shape personally.. I'm smaller/ inches lost then I was 2 months ago and still weigh more than I did back then.

have you taken any measurements? this is something to be doing every month or so...