how has weight lost changed your life in public

as u all no , i am pretty new too talking too people that have had weight lost surgery .  i no why i wanted too have it i would have not been around at the rate i was going , i hated live too live in my own prison , so i wanted too ask some people does your life real change when u loose alot of weight  or even some weight, i have never been quote unquote a nromal weight .  been big all my life is this something i really need too get ready for?

I am finding that recently I need to remind myself that people are not starring at me because I am obese or even overweight. It is not easy. It takes time for your brain to catch up to the rapid weight loss. I tend to get the same feelings of shame and digest with myself if I am not careful. Even while looking in the mirror lol it is kind of surreal. I see the truth of what this surgery has done for me and yet I have a hard time believing it. You have done a wonderful thing for yourself. I am so glad you decided to join us. In time discussing your surgery will become easier especially to those who are interested in having the surgery themselves. Sharing your story will be such an inspiration.

what is your first name honey so we don't have to call you dr. feel good?  First of all I havnt' lost enough weight to be able to answer your question, but I do know from friends and what I've seen and read here, that not only is loosing weight important, but that seems like the easy part.  YOUR BRAIN is next, and that seems to be the part that is hard and takes the longest.  So don't forget to work on it, figure out why you eat, or why you ate, go seek counseling if necessary.  Even if you get skinny and are not happy, all this work would be for nothing, so take care of yourself and take care of all your body.  Talk to the girls who have reached goal and are still having issues with their brain, they can really help you too.  Best of LUck,  It really is a long journey.  Many Hugs, Cheryl

People actually look and me and smile  now, instead of  looking right thru me or away.

Maybe because i smile at them first  I am not sure.

But i do feel better about myself.

Have a great day!!!!

there you go!  Thank you, and Welcome again David...

Hey David...

My life has changes in ways I can't even tell you...or put to words...people say they hear a smile in my voice, even if it isn't on my face, my voice is "lighter" too.  I know that I feel proud of myself for choosing to live in a healthier way and getting there for me involved surgery. That is the how, the why is I wanted to live to see my grandchildren have children and having lost 2 siblings at ages 51 and 46, my wake up call came quick, fast and painfully.
I am 56, BTW, so felt for awhile I had been on borrowed time.
So the Jenny Craig ads of being a size healthier works and you are on your way!!
10% loss is hugely helpful to turn your health around so think about what you have done so far...
Brillant!!
Best to you.
Kate

Hi David!
I, too, have been overweight ALL my life!  (I was almost 10 pounds when I was born and it was ALL downhill from there!)  I've ALWAYS been the "fat" person in my family and all my aunts and uncles would be so proud when I'd lose 20-30 pounds, but, of course it ALWAYS came back..and then some!   NOW, I can tell them that it ISN'T coming back on!  People DO treat me differently!  People smile at me more. Guys hold open doors for me. There's one guy at work who was always nice and said hi, but now, he smiles and asks how I'm doing, and actually says stuff to me.  Kinda weird!  My family treats me differently too.  I'm no longer the "fat" kid of the family and my sister is almost in a "competition" with me to see who can lose more weight (I think she doesn't want to be the "fat" one in the family either!)  So, yeah, all the family and other "dynamics" in my life have changed.  My husband still treats me the same way (not sure if that's good or bad..haha!  Really though..he loved me heavy and he loves me now.) My kids are actually very proud of my success so far and they tell all their friends how much I've lost and how I can "keep up" with them and even "beat them" when we are walking or doing things!  It's an amazing life transformation!!!! Get ready for a great ride!
You've already had some huge weight loss and, no doubt, you are feeling better already!  The hardest part is getting your mind to catch up with the body!  I still look in the mirror and don't see any changes!  I look at the number on the scale and I feel like it's malfunctioning!  That's the part I, personally, need to work on the most!  
Good luck!  Please keep in touch and update us on your progress!
Ruth

for me almost everything has changed. i'm blessed with wonderful friends on here and at work. i've had a huge amount of support and understanding. i was on a date saturday night and wa**** on by 3 guys besides. that was a good night though. you will gain more confidence and self esteem. you will go thru a lot of clothes so i suggest shopping at goodwill in the beginning. i am much healthier. i am now running a bit and i've never been a runner nor did i ever think i could be. my goal is to run 1 mile all at once. walking doesn't do it for me anymore so i've kicked it up. i've gone from a size tight 20 to a baggy 12 so far and i'm about 17 pounds to my weight goal. i couldn't be happier with my surgery. i am so happy i found dr. loggins and for the tool he has given me. i do however, still see myself as the fat girl sometimes. it takes a while for the brain to catch up. if i see a pretty girl out and about i sometimes think i wish i was pretty like that and then realize i am pretty like that. that part is coming harder than losing the weight. i know in time i won't feel that way but that takes time and you will learn about that in your journey.

i'm glad you've come to us for advice. we love talking with everyone here. welcome to the board and feel free to ask anything.

I see Cheryl got you to use your name.....I on the otherhand - remember the orginal Dr. Feelgood - I don't know if there was a reference to him or the song....can't remember the bands name - vince Neil was the lead singer.

I've been overweight all of my life to different extremes - up and down, the past few years being the worst. This whole process is a trip, life will change - some of it will be coming from you and some of it from others.

I have to tell u that I am a total convert.  When my mother started talking of the surgery 2 years ago, I was dead set against it.  No way no how!  But as she became healthier for the first time in her life, the possibilites became so much clearer to me.  Being able to run the bases during softball with out kidding (wink, wink) about an oxygen tank, buying smaller clothes, keeping up with my kids.  I then went ahead with the surgery.  My family and friend were mostly pretty supportive.  There will always be people who tell you, don't do it, you can lose the weight on your own, but we know that we can't.

This surgery saved me from myself and saved my life.  I can do more things now and I want to try new things.  Never before in my life have I ever run.  I know run 5 k's.  I know want to learn how to snowboard and get my mototrcycle license.  There are so many new opportunities in my life that I can't wait to try.  My kids talk freely of my operation and to them it is no big deal.  Mom is skinnier now and doesn't eat much whereas before it was "hide the snacks so Mom doesn't eat them all."

Sorry this is so long but I hope that it helps you make your decision.  This surgery WILL change your life.  Missi