One of my best friends has pretty much alienated me since the surgery. We had a weekend ritual of drinking heavily and BBQ'in all night and that doesn't fit in my plan anymore. I tried finding other activities we can do together but he doesn't seem happy about my new restrictions. It disappoints me but getting healthy is my main concern right now so it is what it is!

Totally. I had two different men engage with me today in ways that wouldn't have happened 6 months ago. I DO wonder how much I shut myself off from that kind of interaction before...keeping myself "safe" so I couldn't be rejected...I now feel more like the self I always was under all the weight.

What a great question and thread you have started. Thanks everyone for your very honest answers. I just recently asked a friend the same question last week. She lost over 100 lbs. on her own and I am just in awe when I see her. I know she's the the same amazing person but I can't help but wonder what it is like on the inside of a thinner person looking out.

Yes! I actually blogged here about how I was no longer invisible! At 386 people acted like I wasn't there and social situations were really awkward. Now I haven't hit goal yet and still weigh more than 200, but people now see me and talk to me in the elevator, on the street, etc. I think some of it is I am closer to a "normal" weight but I think most of it is how I act. Lots of people from my boss to my sister, friends, etc. have all said I am much more approachable now, more pleasant to be around, seem to be happier, and show a lot more self confidence. And I believe them. Because the truth is I feel better physically and emotionally, I'm proud of myself and I like the way I look so much more than I have in years. Don't get me wrong, I've always liked myself, you know, who I was as a person, but not the way I looked or felt. Now I like the way I look and feel too and I know that will only get better as I get closer to goal!

My friends treat me the same, but strangers... That's a different story! I noticed that all of a sudden I can't walk near one of those surveyor people at the mall anymore without getting jumped on. Same goes for the kiosk vendors. Never had that issue before as I was "invisible". Then there's my new found social life. I've been divorced for almost 4 years and hadn't pursued any relationships in that time. Recently I've started dating again. I'm an introvert by nature and getting attention from the opposite sex is a little overwhelming right now!

I have gone from getting compliments at work like, " I love that dress, shirt",whatever I'm wearing to, " You look amazing in that!". It's a very different feeling to see the change in how people perceive the new you.