Vanishing friends and hobbies...

Some friends that were there for me every single day before surgery have simply just...vanished now. Sometimes it doesnt bother me being alone most of the time, I can be pretty comforable in my own company...but sometimes it really bothers me. Its like I have NO friends- and its even harder to make friends being in school online and not having time to get a job at the moment. What do you guys do to keep busy? I need a hobby but Im not even sure what Im interested in as dumb as that sounds. Even when I can get a job, I dont even know what I want to do! Im becoming a brand new person and its strange, but kind of cool. Anyone else know what Im talking about, because I dont even really know haha... =) Angela

Hi Angela, I understand your situation because I am going through the same thing.Have some friends that I grew up with and one in particular I have helped through her situations and even tried to her help with info on WLS but it seems that ever since I have had surgery and doing better for myself,everyone has changed a little towards me.It bothers me and it doesn't bother me because I'd rather know that I can't depend on a person.As far as keeping yourself busy,there are several things you can do to learn new things and meet new people.Here are some of the things that I do to keep busy: 1.Volunteer work....so far I have volunteered with the Salvation Army and as a Child Advocate for foster children  2. Taken Classes....I've taken classes at the local college in hairstyling,crochet,cooking,dance,and boxing....classes cost no more that $20 3.Started a support group in my area....first support group had about 20 people and we are planning to have other activities and meetings Hope this has helped you out....if you ever want a friend online to talk to....look me up Kim

I havent had my surgery yet, so I dont know first hand, but I think that part of the issue is that we go through such dramatic changes leading up to and following WLS, changes that we dont even always realize ourselves, and the people close to us sometimes have a hard time dealing with that.  It sucks and it's hard, but if they dont eventually come around and realize that all the changes are helping make you a better, healthier person, then maybe they arent the ideal people to surround ourselves with anyway? Ditto to the above note, you ever need an online friend, give me a shout!  Shells