Imposter syndrome after weight loss — need advice

Clinical perspective, offered as context rather than as advice.

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 88 lbs but when I look in the mirror, I still see my old self sometimes. "Phantom fat" is a real phenomenon.

My therapist specializes in body image issues with weight loss patients. She says it can take 12-18 months for your brain's body map to update. In the meantime: take progress photos (your eyes lie but cameras don't), try on old clothes, and be patient with yourself.

A narrower follow-up, since the general answer is now clear:

What would you measure differently if you were starting again?

BariatricNurseD said:

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 88 lbs but when I look in the mirror, I still see my old self sometimes.

One year anniversary on mental health — reflections:

What I wish I'd known: the side effects are temporary, the benefits compound over time, protein is more important than I thought, and the mental health aspect needs as much attention as the physical.

What surprised me: how much my relationship with food changed, the cascade of health improvements beyond weight, and how supportive this community is.

What I'd do differently: start therapy earlier, prioritize resistance training from day 1, and stop comparing my progress to others. Everyone's journey is unique.

BariatricNurseD said:

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 88 lbs but when I look in the mirror, I still see my old self sometimes.

That is right, and it stops being right at the edges. The general case is well behaved; the interesting cases in this thread are all at the boundary where the general case breaks.

Moderator note: two posts asking for a source have been merged into one. Please search the thread before asking again.