Something has been bothering me as of late. I’ve lost 45 pounds so far and I can’t see the difference from my 320 pound self when I look in the mirror. It bothers me because I’m afraid I will never see the difference. I’m worried that even when I am 200 or less that I will still see myself as 320 and that will be a problem.
Now don’t get me wrong. I can tell the difference in my clothes and in my overall fitness level. I know I'm losing weight. I just can’t see the same thing that others say they see in me. I’m not even sure I’m supposed to see a difference in myself with only 45 pounds gone. Maybe I’ll start to see it in another 20 pounds or so. All I know is that when I look down at my belly and look at my face in the mirror, I don’t see a change, and that bothers me a bit.
I do however love at how my fitness level is progressing. I’m walking long distances, running short distances, and working out more than I ever have in the past 13 years. I feel better (although not great) about my eating habits and I’m sure my blood work is much better as well (I’ll have that checked again in a week or so).
I don’t usually post pictures of myself because I tend to shy away from the camera a lot. I think I need to start doing it more though. I figure I can’t have my followers hold me accountable when they can’t see any progress (or lack thereof).
The first picture on the top is of me at my heaviest (320 pounds) and the pictures in the bottom right and on left were taken last week at 275 pounds. I wore the same shirt to try and give myself some perspective.
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| 320 pounds August, 2009 |
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| 275 pounds April, 2011 |
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| 275 pounds April, 2011 |
I have a long way to go, but I really believe this time I'm going to hit my goal and keep it off. Hopefully the next set of pictures you'll be able to see a much bigger difference.
I would also like some feedback from anyone who might have struggled with visually being able to see their weight loss progress in themselves. How did you overcome it or do you still struggle?
I started at 345 pounds and have lost 131 pounds really quickly, but I only recently started being able to see the difference. People have a hard time recognizing me because I look so different, but sometimes when I look in the mirror, I can't tell I've changed at all. I can feel it, and sometimes I see it easier than others, but it's tough. Getting your mind to catch up with your body's progress is surprisingly difficult.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It helps to know I'm not alone.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I still don't see the difference some days. I've lost nearly 80 pounds from my highest. How you look to yourself has more to do with how you feel inside and that takes much longer to change than the scale. Good news it, it will change and I can totally see the difference. Keep going. You're doing great!
ReplyDeleteI've lost 135 pounds thusfar in my journey. I have the same thoughts when I look in a mirror. Then I realized, I see myself every day, can I really see the difference myself? Does my mind still think of me as that bigger person? It's then, that I pull out the pictures, pull out the logs with measurements, and it dawns on me, I really have changed. Now, my mind realizes it. But that's not to say I won't go through the same thought process again later.
ReplyDeleteI can see your difference, and it's amazing. Listen to your friends, people who say you look different and let that drive you to keep pressing on. :)
I can see a difference...part of it is hwere in the first pic you have your hands in yoru pocket
ReplyDeleteGood job so far!
You will see a difference - I promise. I started out at 320, and I'm now 178. Just keep trucking through. Here is a before and after of mine http://twitpic.com/4lmgvi (twitpic was an easy place to upload it).
ReplyDeleteBesides, I can already see a big difference in your transformation pictures.
Like you, I started off at 320, and i'm currently at 285, and just don't see much difference but then again, I am with me 24/7/365. I think photos every month or so are a great idea - they will serve as a record of your weight-loss when you hit target and give you something to work towards.....and by the way, I can see a difference in your pics, particularly in the face, but also in the gut too. Keep it up dude.
ReplyDelete1. As everyone else has said, it's hard to see a difference in ourselves, even if other people can see it.
ReplyDelete2. I can tell a difference in your pics, and if you are seeing a difference in your clothes and how you feel, well, that's proof right there. Your brain will catch up eventually. ;)
I feel totally comfortable telling you this, you look great man. I can see it in the jowls. The face is thinner and it's first to go, the belly, butt, and others will follow.
ReplyDeleteBig picture you're cookin along man. Keep it up and don't get yourself down!
You certainly are not alone. Sometimes that mirror is a tricky thing. We see what we think is there versus a true reflection. The difference is definetly there. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on this remarkable journey!
ReplyDeleteYou look great vinny! Keep it up...remember your non scale victories too!
ReplyDeleteThere's always a mental lag -- because you've been one weight for so long it's hard to not see that in the mirror. You have to actively look for the new person. Just take the time to get to know him. He's a great guy.
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