Weight loss is not just a physical transformation; it's a mental one too. What most people don't realize is that after all the weight is gone, you still think of yourself as the former, heavier you. I have lost 40 pounds so far, and I still have habits I need to teach myself to let go of and grow from.
Shopping for clothes is still a disaster! I'm constantly picking clothes that are too big for me, no matter where I go. It's so frustrating that the people around me seem to know the sizes that would look better on me. It's been a few months; you would think that I would have already gotten the hang of this.
Confidence is still tricky to deal with also. Even though everyone has nice comments to make about the change, I'm so used to being self-critical about my appearance, which is why it's sometimes hard to accept compliments. Don't even get me started on some of the things people say when they haven't seen you in a while. The comments some people make are outright shocking. If you want to say something to a person who has lost weight, please be careful what you say -- something you may think is a compliment may not be taken that way. One comment I always get is, "Wow, you look very different from when I last saw you. How did you lose it?" It's almost like I've become another person.
Going through photographs of myself before my weight loss is also incredibly difficult. I'm still insecure about the way I looked and am still ashamed of my appearance, even though I shouldn't be. I cringe whenever someone opens an album or goes through old pictures on social media; it's like a reflex. For me, it's like looking at my old reflection, and my mind floods with bad memories.
However, the journey itself has been wonderful overall. I have learned that I am stronger than I thought. It may sound like a cliche, but you can do anything you set your mind to. If you are going through a major weight loss and feel out of place, know that you are not alone. It may seem hard at first, but it's going to be worth it in the end. You are not alone. You'll get used to it and become a better you at the end of the day.
