I feel like I'm living in a whole new world

 I had my first skinny flight experience yesterday!!!!  I could have jumped up and down and squeeled when I realized I fit in the seat, there was space between my thighs and the arm rests (first time I got off a plane without serious bruising from trying to squeeze in a seat) and when I fit in the bathroom!!!

But the whole traveling experience was almost surreal. I realized I wasn't "invisible" anymore. Everywhere I went - the cafe, when I sat in the boarding area, and on the plane - people actually talked to me. Seems weird but honestly, I don't recall any strangers starting a conversation with me when I was SMO. It just struck me as really.....different. Definitely not to used to it - caught me off guard since I'm not the most extroverted social person, but it was nice to realize I'm no longer hiding and invisible. I think a part of it definitely has to do with the way I carry myself - I know when I was SMO... My head was down, always, I never made eye contact, I never looked around, I was always filled with so much shame, anxiety, embarassment. No wonder ppl wouldn't talk to me lol. 

It was just such a weird experience. I notice that ppl are nicer in general to me now, guys hold open doors, small chat in line at Starbucks, at the gym, etc, but yesterday was the first time I noticed such a drastic difference. 

Feels good :)

SO glad you had a nice flight. It really is a totally different world traveling now, isn't it? Yay!!!

Allison,

I think you are awesome! I am glad you are learning what an awesome person you are to others. I too, believe that people treat you different when you are heavier. I had waitresses who would not even address me at a table. They look at my mom to get my order and I am in my 30's!!! I just want you to know that you are great!! You are an inspiration to so many of us here. You give it to us honest, and I appreciate that.
What a wonderful experience on the plane you had. I would have probably been removed from the plane for jumping up and down and going into hysterics. I have never been on a plane before, but I hear the seats are tiny. I have heard many horror stories of not fitting. My big thing will be riding a roller coaster. One of my most embarassing moments was the attendant at a roller coaster trying to shove and stuff all of my fat rolls into a ride seat. They acutually used their foot to brace the bar to try to shove me into that thing. Talk about bruising. I left, I couldn't  stand the fear of the ride popping open and me falling out in front of my daughter who was 8 yrs old at the time. Talk about MORBID obesity.
Anyway, I am very happy for you!! Keep that pretty head of yours up! You have absolutely EVERY reason to keep eye contact with people and to be proud of the new you!!

Alison,

Every single post you write is another insight into what a person who has had WLS endures or experiences. I love it! There are so many lurking and getting so much out of those posts. Your honesty is a gift to us all and I thank goodness for you and the people in these forums. 

I can only imagine the sense of freedom you felt when you sat in that seat. I would have felt like I was walking on air, knowing I don't ever have to walk to the front of the plane and quietly ask for a seatbelt extender. I will never forget when i flew to LA and I needed a seatbelt extender and the attendent told me they had no more because they had given 8 away that day and only 5 had been returned and they were all being used. She had to call the terminal and have one brought in. I wanted to die. Another time,  I recall on Southwest who has no assigned seating,  how nbody wanted to sit next to me because of my size. Finally a large man sat next to me and I held my breath for hours afraid to move, while he spilled in my seat and snore. I finally just stopped flying 3 years ago. 

Thanks my dear. You are wonderful.

Sharon

I can't wait for the same NSVs to hit. You have done so amazing I can only hope I follow in your footsteps. And remember, don't keep your head down, look up because you might miss the eagle flying by. :-)

Nice one I can't wait to fly again! Good for you!  You know I always worried if they were going to charge me for that extra seat.  It's crazy how people suddenly realize your there right?  It kind of makes me angry when I think about it.  You know people used to just talk right over me?  Or they would pretend like they didn't hear me...I hated that.  It never happens now.  I've experienced the same with people in general.  I try to be mindful to not be one of THOSE people.  Lol I don't get it either but it's like losing weight I guess generally brings you in to focus so people can see you.  I still think I'm super big but people do defiantly treat me differently.

 So happy for you!!!  You've worked diligently for that experience and I'm so glad that you enjoyed it!

I'm eager to experience the same!!! I don't remember a time when I could open the fold down tray!!!

Congrats!

Mario