I'm no psychologist (but I've had plenty of therapy;)....here's my two cents. I think you're right about your email friend-he is jealous. Maybe he will adjust over time, but if your friendship was based (in his mind) on him being superior to you because you were heavier than he was, there may not be any fixing it. If he keeps up the poor behavior, you may need to dump him. My guess about your other friend is that she feels she is losing you, and may need you in a sort of co-dependent way. (Trying to get a job where you work is such a desperate move...) If you don't think there's some deeper need here, maybe the two of you can find other activities you can do together besides eating. There must be something else you have in common?? You're obviously working hard to improve your life, and that can be threatening to others...especially when they don't have the courage, motivation, or whatever to make changes for themselves. I doesn't sound to me like you are changing in personality-you've got other friends, and you want to keep them. It seems like it's more a case of finding out who your true friends are.. I used to place a lot of value on how many friends I had, as if since I was morbidly obese, I should take what I can get. Long before I worked up the courage to have surgery, though, I decided quality was much more important! NOTHING IS WRONG WITH YOU! Barbara P.S. Let us know how it's going.

I'm not calling myself skinny yet...but I do catch sight of myself in store windows, mirrors, etc. and think...WOW! I've probably got another 80-90 or so pounds to go yet (I have no concept of what would be an appropriate weight). But what has come off so far is amazing! I actually had someone not recognize me last month. Kind of weird!

I am quickly approuching my 6 month surgery aniversary date and could not be more proud of myself! I've lost 86lb and feel better than I have in years. I have had 2 close friends start the WLS process and 2 others thinking about it. They've all watched my progress and process closely. The only draw back that I have noticed recently is that my meal choices have gotten progressively wider and I feel I should pay better attention to what I am eating so as not to slow down my weight loss! Have a wonderful day! -Roxana

i had my surgery january 13/03. so far i have lost 150 lbs. i was at a high of 547 when weighed in the hospital prior to surgery. i can walk without my canes. my asthma is 100 per cent better. i feel wonderful and am able to return to work despite my manager telling the return to work people he thought he could not have me back because of couldn't walk. no one from my office has seen me since august 2002. are they in for a surprise at the end of this month. i am fitting into clothes i haven't been able to wear since the 1980s. when my mother passed away in 1986 she left me a ring which i had sized. since about 1987 i have been unable to wear it as it was far too tight and i was ashamed to get it made even bigger. now it is so big it flies off my finger if i wear it. life is great and i have God and my surgeon dr. amson to thank!!

I had my surgery on Jan 10 2003 and im down 86lbs....it just depends on the person....and what your starting weight was...Hang in there~