What psychological mechanism is at work here?

[abstibus]

I have lost over two stones since January - a slow but steady loss. There's no turning back , as my dressmaker now has most of my good clothes to alter.
What struck me was my attitude towards my weight. Whe I was this weight before, I felt that I looked like a hippopotamus, and my self-esteem was low.
Now, everyone I know remarks on how well I look.
I feel fantastic? Can anyone explain?

[boxtops]

Well done annemollie! Have you thought about joining the AB weight loss thread "Onwards and Downwards"?

I think it's about self-esteem. I feel better now that I have lost half a stone over several months. You look better, you feel better, plus you have that sense of achievement. Onwards and downwards!

[boxtops]

Here's the link to the latest thread http://www.theanswerb.../Question1014523.html

[ummmm]

You didn't appreciate how good you looked at the time. You put on weight and had an even lower body image. Lose the weight and appreciate it this time.

[abstibus]

ummmm -
I believe you're right. i was kidding myself about my weight, and this was not helped by my ex's attitude. Even when I was slim, remarks like '...and you've got a big b*m' didn't help. However, at work I had a reputation for being supremely self-confident, forthright and not taking any nonsense - I was a very strong team leader, with a string of successes and new projects 'where no-one had gone before'.
The ex has been gone for 13 years, but my atttitude outside work was shaped by his remarks.
For the first time in many years, I'm actually looking forward to my holiday and the pool. Have to buy a new swimsuit now, and can't wait to get more clothes altered.
Self-esteem - yes, in spades!

[ummmm]

Well done anne :-)

[abstibus]

Thank you both for your lovely responses.