Dealing with body dysmorphia (aka Phantom Fat).

I know this is something that plagues a lot of people who have lost weight. I've lost almost 47 pounds from my highest weight, but it's been so gradual and up and down, it doesn't feel like I've lost anything really. I still see myself as 250 pounds.

My brain has a hard time accepting that I'm smaller. Within the last two weeks, on two separate occasions I've bought shirts without trying them on only to have to bring them back the next day because I find myself swimming in fabric.

When my old clothes are looser, my immediate thought is always 'Oh well, this is an old pair of pants, they've just stretched out.'

I went to buy shorts last weekend and took my 'normal' size (As in, what size my brain still thinks I am) off the shelf, tried them on, and then had to go back to get two sizes down before I found the ones that fit me. I'm still in denial over that, thinking 'This brand must just run big.

And I'm to the point now where people are starting to notice. I've had two acquaintances ask me this week if I've lost weight , and I say yes, but it doesn't feel like it.

I see all aspects of my life improving. I'm needing smaller clothes. I have more energy. My joints don't hurt as bad after high impact stuff. I have more self-confidence. I'm getting both stronger and faster, and I have more endurance than I ever have in my entire life. I still can't shake the thought that I'm not 250 pounds anymore.

What are your experiences with body dysmorphia after weight loss? Or even gain? Does anyone have tips on how to deal with 'phantom fat'? I haven't been this size since roughly junior high. How do I convince myself that I actually AM smaller now than I was a year ago?