If you've lost weight, do you still "feel fat"? This is sometimes one of the surprising findings of sustained weight loss. Whether you call it phantom fat, mental fat or body image issues, it's a factor that must be dealt with head-on, as part of everyone's weight loss journey. No matter what size package you're in, nor how much weight you've lost, we all have a struggle with this complex issue.

It's not an easy transition to thinking like a "thin person" (whatever that means!). The psychological adjustment to losing weight often takes a lot more time than the physical. Even specific documentation - smaller clothing size and a lower number on the scale - often don't resolve the issue.

You've got to retrain your brain to the "new you". It's important to match up your weight loss successes to support your mental retraining. The first step is acceptance that you've lost the weight, and will keep it off. If you think it's temporary, it's going to be hard to change your mindset about your body. Be proud of the changes you've made, and be positive about the new physical you.

For some women, particularly those who have lost 80-100 pounds or more, body contouring to trim excess skin has been a tremendous mental boost (and sometimes a support to physical health as well). It's never necessary, but an available option.

This is not an easy question to answer, and there are many ways to manage this. How have you dealt with phantom fatness? In this area, we can use all the advice we can get!