In about 7 or 8 months I have lost 55 - 60 pounds approx. 23% of my body weight. I am now a normal weight which I haven't been since I was about 4. I guess that's an achievement for some people, but I have mixed feelings. For some reason I don't think I ever felt as big as I was. I always saw myself as the size I am now. I actually always had this image in my head of myself. So now when people compliment me and tell me how great I look I say thank you, but I don't feel anything because I have always felt this size. Do you know why I feel this way?
Another thing I need help with is dealing with the comments on my weight loss. This is something that is very personal to me and I don't like it when people comment and they always do. I have always hated being the center of attention unless I put myself there and now it feels like I'm vulnerable and judged solely on my looks. How can I cope with the attention?
The last thing I need help with is cultivating a positive body image. Whenever I look in the mirror I'm happy for a few seconds and then I look at myself with contempt as I critique every part of my body. I was never like this before the weight loss, but now I look at myself in every surface I pass as I walk. I don't like myself as much anymore, but I don't want to feel like this. I took the mirror in my room down and only look in a mirror for a few seconds after I get dressed to make sure I look presentable. Also when I am in my bathroom mirror I compliment myself everyday to try and make myself feel better. Any other suggestions? I was thinking of maybe seeing someone, but who would I see a body image counselor?
I'm sorry this is so long, but I would really appreciate some advice. Oh I'm 20 year old female college student. Went down from 235 to 180. Thank you all.

I am going through the EXACT same situation. Weird. Down from 230 to 178 now. I never felt really big until I compared photos of myself at the end and now I see all the little things I've been missing for years.
You feel this way because we live in first person view. It's impossible for us to be in front of a mirror all day long and see how we compare to other people. Often times if you can flex well or are strong but still big you fool yourself into thinking you are more fit than you actually are.
My best advice is anyone who comments on your weight loss is generally just happy for you. It's not a bad thing. They either wish they had done it themselves or have and are just giving you positive reinforcement. Just say thank you and move on.
Lastly I took to wearing my old clothes and seeing how I fit in them now to give myself a better mental image. Having once tight clothes dripping off of you makes you feel good and inspires you to dress nicely. I don't know if you have any friends who were along with you during this, I had some friends and it helps to talk about it to get past some things. Unfortunately all of my friends decided to have surgery instead of just putting in hard work.

I hate those types of remarks too... even if people mean it nicely like "oh wow you've lost alot of weight! you look great!" I know that feeling and also hate it when people do it. I think it's because I (maybe you too) will tend to ask ourselves 'does that mean we didn't look great before?!"
Either way, try to forget your weight in the past. move forward. and whenever someone remarks on how great you look, tell them politely: "Thank you. I do feel great, but would you mind not commenting on my weight. It's personal and you would understand it only if you've lost that much weight yourself." It might take a while until everyone stops commenting, but sooner or later people will stop with all the remarks!
I think body image is a very personal subject for most women. I know I personally wasn't too weight-obsessed until people started talking about my weight (especially the men) and how I looked great... then it all started and I wanted to loose more weight. never went underweight, but I just wanted to "look my best"... Now I wish I was a little heavier, but not so weight-conscientious, if you know what I mean. But this world/society is just something TOO obsessed with image and looks, and either you're not going to let it effect you (which is a very hard thing to achieve) or you just keep trying to be a certain size and make healthy food choices. the bottom line is to just feel great and be happy - and in order to do that is to make healthy options in life.

Maybe you don't like people commenting because you wish they never noticed that you were overweight to begin with. Maybe you're just a little embarrassed. To get people to stop talking about it, the next time anyone says anything, tell him that you lost weight because you were really sick. People usually don't want to tell anyone who was sick that he lost weight. It can come off as rude. You can see a psychologist to help with the body image problem. You don't have to see someone who specializes in it. Most psychologists should know how to help you. I think that you're just not used to your new weight. I would try to focus on your other interests to take your attention off weight and body image. Then weight will seem like a minor issue.

What we see in the mirror and what others see are two different images. The fact of the matter is initial physical impressions are how we judge people as a society and as a species for that matter. Accept the praise graciously. It took me a long time to learn to accept praise.
Be very proud of yourself! Less than 5% of people that try to lose weight actually succeed to any degree and 60 pounds is great progress. Focus on your success.
You may wish to see a counselor available at school.
Your feelings of guilt and poor self image from being so heavy are looking for a new place to express themselves. Try to stay as positive as possible.
Good luck.