Daily Post--4/26/08

Have people perceived you as changing in other ways as your weight has changed, whether you agree with their perception or not?

Nobody has said anything, of course I got fired from my job before I returned from medical leave, and havent seen anyone from there since before surgery. But my family hasnt made any comments. Vivienne

I don't believe so...if they do they are keeping their opinions to themselves.

This is a rather sensitive area right now. My 23 year-old daughter is having issues with "the new me". I freely admit that I've changed. How can one not be different, when they've lived 45 years as an unhappy, lonely person, and has finally escaped from that self-imposed prison to get out into the world? I have spoken with her about it, and she has expressed concern that I'm "acting" differently, but I've tried to explain to her that this is still me - just happier. I don't think she fully understands, and part of the problem is that she's about ready to move out and I'm preparing myself for that by trying to distance myself from her business. As much as she hated it when I called to "check on her", she seems to resent it if I don't! I don't think she'd have ever left me if I hadn't lost the weight - I think that she would stayed for as long as I lived to "take care of me". Maybe she's feeling unneeded suddenly - I don't know. She says she likes my boyfriend, but at the same time, I feel her resentment toward our relationship sometimes. It's a very tough time for us, and I'm hoping she'll realize that my changes are positive ones. I've asked for input from my sister, mom, and other friends and family, and they have all agreed that it's Chrysti's issue - not mine. I am basically the same person, but one who's finally found a life of her own. I lived for almost 24 years for my daughter, and it's time to let us both live our own lives, hopefully in harmony with each other.

I haven't asked and no one has said anything. I find myself more confident in some areas but yet oh so self conscious still and not thoroughly able to be totally confident in all areas of my life.

No one has commented so I guess I really don't know the answer to that. Sally

I have been told I'm more outgoing, more confident and that I'm not a doormat anymore. I've had so many people comment on my "new" personality - it just amazes me that so many of the posters ahead of me haven't been told they've changed. I know that before my wls, I was invisible, and I wanted it that way.

Just that I seem more sure of myself and more outgoing.

I haven't heard of anything. But, of course, that doesn't mean people aren't thinking it. But if they are, nobody's talking. Whatever. I don't live my life for other people's perceptions. Hope everybody had a great day.

If they have, they have not said anything to me. One secretary at work said she thought I was more confident, but I have not changed or done things differently, that I know of. Gayle