WLS reflection, three months post-op

A weekend for reflection. I did not go to church Sunday, probably not that big a revelation for most of you guys, but I usually warm a pew weekly -- so, big deal for me. Just felt like I needed a few hours alone to sort out the changes in my life so far, three months post-WLS.  Truth is, I have found myself getting irritated more lately, and about something I never would have thought possible: Answering people's questions about how much weight I've lost. This is a stunning surprise to me. Hey, I know people think that by asking they are showing support, friendship and caring. Really, I'm sure they are. And I'm proud of the weight lost so far, and optimistic that the rest of it will come off, too. But who or what was I before the surgery? A lamentable sideshow freak? OK; I know that is greatly overstating the matter, but nonetheless . . . The heck of it is that is exactly how I thought of myself, deep down, for the past decade at least. I would strike, preemptively, in conversation with self-deprecating humor, as if that would defuse the observation in others -- and suppress it within my own mind. All that said, I know this feeling is my problem. To ascribe this attitude to others with any self-deluded certainly? Well, that's flirting with paranoia. So, break taken, I will resume church and not shy away from socialization. And I'll answer the questions, instead crediting people for their best intentions -- and not projecting struggles with my own evolving self-image on others. You guys have similar thoughts/experiences?

It is all a matter of keeping things in their correct perspective. Just have to keep in mind that people are asking because they care, ok some are just nosey, but most are asking because they care. Also if you look at weight loss like a sporting event, it is obvious that you are winning and fans likes to know and keep tabs on their favorite winner. 

Hey guy.... this sounds kinda normal....see if this makes any sense... 1st...we have surgery...and it's kinda private... 2nd...we want people to know that we have taken a big step in our lives and the support is welcome// 3rd...and this is about where you are now...you do one of these..holy crap moments..where you say...How did I let myself get so outta shape, that now people are noticing that i'm getting thin...THEY ARE ACTUALLY LOOKNG AT ME...!!!!! 4th....at least for me....well I was outta shape, but I'm kicking a55 today.. suit up..it's a hell of a ride

Thanks. Haven"t had a pep talk like that since high school football . . . and you did it without insulting my parentage, too! :)

I know what you mean.  I was at a family gathering just a few days ago when a well-meaning aunt of mine approached me and asked how much I had lost.  I told her and told her also that I wanted to lose about 30 more.  She said (what everybody says) NO!  You look great now!  I grabbed my recently thinned belly and told her I still had a few to lose and she said (I **** you not) "Yeah, but you had a HUGE belly before, and a big ol' neck, and you had thighs almost like a woman!"  I guess my mouth hit the floor and my eyes got the size of basketballs beccause she felt the need to follow it up with "yeah, but you look GREAT now!"