Does anyone else feel this way? (i.e., Weight loss is a loss

fitplease · September 2011

I haven't felt this way before when losing weight. Usually, I am happy to be gone with it. But, this time, I feel like parts of me are disappearing, in the sense that it is a real, living piece of me, kind of like a bit of my existence is passing away with each pound. Now, I know that this can be positive with some people, but my heart wants to mourn the loss or to reclaim it (which is a no-no.). I wonder why I feel this way now. Strange, isn't it?

Maybe I realize that, for the majority of my adult life, I have been heavier than I ought to be, and have steadily increased my size. So, maybe I am giving up part of this adult that I've become -- not that that is all bad. I have developed some bad habits that I would love to change. (Lack of regular exercise for one. Poor eating habits would be another.)

???

therealkittymao · September 2011

I ABSOLLUTELY HAD THAT REACTION!!! I was an overweight teen and my mom put me n NutriSystem when I was 15 (I'm 38 now). While I was on it, I lost 19 pounds really fast, I think that was the most I lost... it was intense because it happened so quickly, and I remember feeling kind of awful. Not just physically (because I think I lost a lot of muscle, I remember it hurting to sit on hard chairs, as though my bones were too close to the skin), but mentally as well. I felt like I was disintegrating, and I felt really deeply fearful and insecure about it all. I also had the sensation that everyone was staring at me, and I kept telling myself that I was mis-perceiving things but I was getting really creeped. Are you losing very quickly? I think it is possible to scramble your mind if it goes too quickly. Which is weird, because it's so frustrating to have weight loss be slow... but I think there maybe are drawbacks to very quick weight loss too!

Thank you for sharing this story, you are the first person I ever heard have the reaction similar to mine.

Umeboshi · September 2011

I usually don't feel that strongly about it but I have felt that way somewhat as well. (It's a weird metaphysical spiritual type of thing for me xD) The good news for someone with that sort of mindset is you don't actually lose most of your fat cells, they just shrink.

So those living cells are still a part of your body, just tinier but will be hanging out with you forever probably. Try not to worry about it, because people also are constantly losing skin cells, dead hair when you cut it, etc. Not all parts of our bodies are meant to be permanent. Some are meant to grow and shrink or die and be lost.

I get you on the symbolic feeling of loss too, because it's a MAJOR life change that helps a person lose weight. You eat differently, you become more aware and active. You kind of become a different person in a sense and the physical changes just amplify that feeling, especially if you've always been bigger. I know I definitely identify my fat and largeness as a part of me, so if I get to a weight lower than I've ever been, my self image will have to change since I won't be 'fat' anymore.

mamamc03 · September 2011

Look at it this way. You are regaining your youth. If you have been "heavy" all of your adult life, think of the energy you have reclaimed. You aren't losing who you are, you are getting another chance to be who you will become.

soonhalle · September 2011

I've been overweight for as long as I can remember (well, until recently! My BMI is into the "normal" range now). As I started exercising and shedding off the pounds enough for me to notice, my attitude towards it all was that I was "sculpting" myself. Yes, you are losing some of what you are, but in sacrifice for what is going to make you all the more beautiful/handsome and stronger.

Imagine yourself as a big hunk of marble, and imagine yourself gradually chipping away, revealing features you never knew you had

paper_doll_ · September 2011

For many, and I certainly know that it was this way for myself, losing weight is a very hard thing to deal with psychologically and emotionally. I was in the 160kg/350lbs range, and got down to the 70kg/150lbs zone. I felt like I was a different person. I felt like something I had built up to protect myself was gone. I had to learn to be a new person, I had to get to know myself again, to learn how to function, and where I fit in socially now that I wasn't "The Fat Girl" anymore.

As much as we might try and say it shouldn't change things, weight loss will inevitably change who we are on some level. Social expectations will be completely different and we learn to function within those expectations. We learn new social roles. We learn to relate to our new bodies and we learn to love ourselves in this new form that we have created.

It is hard. Weight loss can feel like you are losing yourself. But the things you gain from it are far greater, and I really like the person I found at the end of it.

loriannmartin · September 2011

for me i kinda feel that way but i know when i finally lose all this extra weight i will more than likely have a lot of loose skin hanging were my pouch is.. currently being held up some with fatness.... know what i mean anyone? but it will be nice not looking like i am preggos.. and the arm sag as well.... but i know in my mind i am not in a good bmi range nor weight.... and since i turned 40 i wanted to try and at least get healthier .. although by quitting smoking and other things happening when i turned 40 i gained over 70 pounds...31 gone still got a way to go .. but hey smoke free for over 2 years... that was the biggest battle :-) XOXOOX

paper_doll_ · September 2011

i know when i finally lose all this extra weight i will more than likely have a lot of loose skin hanging were my pouch is..

I have the loose skin.. but it is nowhere as bad as I thought it would be.. As I said.. have lost from 350lbs.

Increase your muscle mass if you are able and use something like bio-oil on the areas you are concerned about..

Does anyone else feel this way? (i.e., Weight loss is a loss

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