The weird/scary part of weight loss.

I don't like those short ankle length socks.

I didn't gain that much weight after kids, but having gone from being athletic and/or very skinny my whole life it was a hard adjustment. I threw in the towel for quite some time. And your right, there is some advantages to having some extra fluff. Women don't size you up as much. Men don't stare. I like that. I find catcalls offensive. It may sound crazy, but I like being written off as just some mom and not a sex object.

As a female who had a nice shape, and worked in a male jail ad a guard I heard cat calls all day long 6 days a week for years, plus I've had males hitting on me since I was twelve so I guess it no longer bothers me. ..but I loooove compliments. ..and knowing how I looked at a healthy weight as compared to extremely overweight I know I didn't look good then. ..but I'm working my way back to being healthy.

I wonder if my dislike of weight loss comments is directly related to the fact that I spent 10+ years of my life (before I moved away from Philly and before I gained 50 lbs) being cat-called a lot and often cornered in deserted subway stations, sometimes even followed for blocks at a time. So maybe there is a direct relationship for me. I have been having a lot of complicated feelings as I lose weight because in many ways, my weight was a safety cushion. It kept me invisible.

Jeans and a baggy t shirt will also make you invisible after you lose the weight. But an even better shield is standing straight, walking with a purposeful gait, and being alert and looking actively at your surroundings.

Seriously. People can sense your lack of self confidence/insecurity in your posture, gait, and facial expressions from a block away. I used to get leered at, followed, etc. by the creepiest men until I figured this out. Maybe try taking some self defense classes? Pepper spray?

I understand what you're talking about. Cat calls can be very unsetting when you have body image issues. I have heard before about extra weight being a safety cushion, so to speak. I lost some weight a couple of years ago and enjoyed noticing men looking at me appreciatively (I think it also had something to do with me being 39/40 at the time). I gained 10 pounds the first year after the weight loss, but was still comfortable with my size/shape, then put on another 40 pounds last winter. I got a wolf whistle a couple of months ago at the swimming pool and it made me feel very uncomfortable and suspicious, then I realised it was genuine, and that feeling bad about it was because I felt bad about my bigger figure.

I know that is not the same thing you are feeling - more, you are a little anxious about attracting that sort of attention as you get slimmer. I'm not sure what to suggest to help with these feelings. I do think you need to think about it, and find a way to assure yourself that it is safe to be slim and sexy. Once you can feel safe in your changing, shrinking body, hopefully you will be able to enjoy the changes, your body and maybe even some of the attention you receive (as long as it's positive, of course).