Have you noticed....?

Good afternoon everyone! Hi, I just turned 29 and had my WLS in August 05. So far I have lost 100lbs. I was wondering if you guys have noticed a new level of social acceptance since you have lost weight? I have been invited out by coworkers more in the last two months than I had in my entire five years of working with them. Where I work I have hundreds of coworkers and I have noticed that people seem to want to be around me more than ever before. I was always outgoing and fun loving and up for an adventure but many of my coworkers weren't willing to accept a 300lb woman as a friend. I suppose now that I am a more acceptable weight I can be part of the "in" crowd. My first reaction to this acceptance was to reject it because I feel like I haven't changed only my body has and if they couldn't accept me before than they have missed the boat on my friendship. Now I am kind of reconsidering my position on this because why should I miss out on having fun? Have any of you guys faced this, how have you dealt with it? Tara 296/195

Tara, This is a really great post topic and I'm hoping that some of our further-out members will comment on this. I'm only 3 months out and haven't noticed any change in my social life but I've heard talk from other members about it. Here's hoping they'll share. Frankly, the fact that many members drop off the board once their life gets busier due in part to weight loss is sort of a testament to the very concept you're noticing. Although I think you're totally right-on for expressing some frustration with your new status (if you're cool now, you were cool back then too!), I wonder if your new sense of self is what's drawing everyone to you. People are attracted to those that excude self-confidence and if you're suddenly feeling better about yourself, that shows! And let's be frank, at 250 lbs. a night out of dancing, bike-riding or a day-long hike just wasn't all that much fun for my out-of-shape body. Big surprise that I didn't hit the clubs regularly and a meat-market bar scene always turned me off. But I'll bet some of that will change when I shed 100 lbs. I'll be enjoying some of the benefits of a physical fitness and I for one, plan to enjoy it! So I say, dance, party and date your butt off! Just be safe and know the difference between a one-night stand and the real deal. Have fun, Kari

Tara, I am pre-op but my sister is post (3yrs) and she was saying the very same thing. I think some people really rather not hang out with "FAT" girlz and guys but more importantly I think it has alot to do with your confidence either way Tara enjoy the new you !!!! Daria