Andrew0929

Me too. I have boxes upon boxes of fat clothes in my garage. I am just now starting to think about parting with them.

I had some major issues with the people in my life over the past few months. Everyone said I have changed. Well I dont think my personality has changed at all - I have always been outspoken and comical. What changed was I am no longer sitting around the house all day long watching TV. I am the first to say "lets do something" instead of trying to figure out ways to stay home. I enjoy myself now. Why is it that my family and friends have to make me feel guilty for finally living my life? They act like they were happier with the "old" me. Well guess what - I wasnt happy so everyone will either have to get over it and get used to the new improved me - or they have the option of not being in my life anymore!
I dont really see myself differently when I look in the mirror - in fact I still have the "fat" sight issue. Even though I am down to a size 12 from a size 20 I still see myself as fat. I dont know if I will ever get over that or not but I am not beating myself up for it anymore either!

I got rid of stuff as I shrunk out of them. It took quite a few pounds to drop a size in the larger sizes, there are lots of threads where people talk about this so its not just me. Those sizes are more forgiving and literally can take 40+ lbs sometimes to drop one size.
Once you're Into straight sizes it's more like 10lbs per size or even less depending on how/where you lose. I had some sizes I literally just about skipped over and had stuff I never wore--never was a 10! Skipped straight from 12 to 8.
I kept one pair of my largest size jeans for the pix below and my favorite largest size top. Now I am wishing I'd thought ahead and kept a top I could style into a dress, the one I chose fits like a baggy dress but the style just doesn't work as a dress LOL. Passed everything else on to Goodwill and haven't regretted it! I am over 2.5 years out.

Even 2.5 years post-op and down 150 pounds, I still have all my fat clothes in the basement. I'm hoping I never need them but am having difficulty due to the effort needed to buy nice clothes in those sizes. Still, that's no excuse and I just decided that it's time to let go.

I have experienced the same. When mixing with the public or at social gatherings with people I've never met, I've noticed more immediate acceptance. Beforehand, I had to work it more by people getting to know me.
It's only 2 specific people that have been squirrelly. While I continue to be confused as to what their problems are, I'm at the point where I really don't give a damn.

I had difficulty deciding whether or not to be sleeved. I'd never had surgery but had all of the typical health problems.
One of my many doctors encouraged me to do this, as he mentioned that he couldn't keep increasing meds forever . I was VERY reluctant to do this but moved forward anyway.
Now, 2.5 years later, down 150+ pounds, and all health problems gone, I realize that this saved my life and was the best decision I've ever made.
Go for it!!

I had difficulty deciding whether or not to be sleeved. I'd never had surgery but had all of the typical health problems.
One of my many doctors encouraged me to do this, as he mentioned that he couldn't keep increasing meds forever . I was VERY reluctant to do this but moved forward anyway.
Now, 2.5 years later, down 150+ pounds, and all health problems gone, I realize that this saved my life and was the best decision I've ever made.
Go for it!!

@@CortneyReed18
I had tried everything and wasn't losing enough weight to make a difference in my health. My health seemed to be rapidly declining at a young age. I finally decided that even if I died on the table, it would be better to die fast than to die slowly, which is what I felt like was happening to me.
I attended a seminar because that is the first required step at most programs.
Short term surgery is a big life change, maybe the first 6 months, but long term I don't think it is. At least I don't feel like it is.

I had difficulty deciding whether or not to be sleeved. I'd never had surgery but had all of the typical health problems.
One of my many doctors encouraged me to do this, as he mentioned that he couldn't keep increasing meds forever . I was VERY reluctant to do this but moved forward anyway.
Now, 2.5 years later, down 150+ pounds, and all health problems gone, I realize that this saved my life and was the best decision I've ever made.
Go for it!!

I have experienced the same. When mixing with the public or at social gatherings with people I've never met, I've noticed more immediate acceptance. Beforehand, I had to work it more by people getting to know me.
It's only 2 specific people that have been squirrelly. While I continue to be confused as to what their problems are, I'm at the point where I really don't give a damn.

This is an issue that haunts me. I'm 2.5 years out, reached goal 9 months out, gained 13 pounds 2 years out, and now 2 pounds above goal.
I worry daily that the sleeve or my attitude will change and I'll go back to my old ways. It's possible that my obsession with this will keep me measuring, logging and exercising.

I had difficulty deciding whether or not to be sleeved. I'd never had surgery but had all of the typical health problems.
One of my many doctors encouraged me to do this, as he mentioned that he couldn't keep increasing meds forever . I was VERY reluctant to do this but moved forward anyway.
Now, 2.5 years later, down 150+ pounds, and all health problems gone, I realize that this saved my life and was the best decision I've ever made.
Go for it!!

Stay positive true to yourself remembering this is a step you took for your health. Those who want to b your friend will keep in touch. Friendships change all the time may or may not have anything to do with weight loss.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using the BariatricPal App

This is an issue that haunts me. I'm 2.5 years out, reached goal 9 months out, gained 13 pounds 2 years out, and now 2 pounds above goal.
I worry daily that the sleeve or my attitude will change and I'll go back to my old ways. It's possible that my obsession with this will keep me measuring, logging and exercising.

I wish it only took me 3 years to understand this newer life and the habits that go with it!
Sadly, for me, it took more years for it to sink into my hard head that these eating habits would stay the same.... For my life. And as long as my band will have me...
Headed for my 10 year mark in December... Thinking I might have "gotten" it.
It doesn't feel like a struggle daily anymore and for that, I am so thankful for WLS !
I am very aware that habits can resurface.... (Just read here long enough...)and I do not want to sound boastful....truly...
I do stay vigilant about eating right and working out. And I Try every day on the water!
And I read these boards for info and insight and laughs.... (Ha ha. Bacon in the first week) I know who I like to follow and who just seems to argue... I find it really interesting following the journey of who will "get it" and who might not ....

I found the complete opposite to be true....both in business and personal relationships, I am more openly accepted and people just seem more friendly.
Let's face it, like it or not, Obese people are pariah's to a large extent.
It was only when I became skinny and fit did I realize the difference, and often catch myself scrutinizing the obese. (some anyway)

This is an issue that haunts me. I'm 2.5 years out, reached goal 9 months out, gained 13 pounds 2 years out, and now 2 pounds above goal.
I worry daily that the sleeve or my attitude will change and I'll go back to my old ways. It's possible that my obsession with this will keep me measuring, logging and exercising.

I'm in the same boat. My best friend, since we were 12, decided she didn't "like the person" I've become since I lost weight. That's what's she told people. That was when I was 2 years post op.
Me losing weight, as someone mention earlier in the thread, changed the status quo as we were both morbidly obese, and now just she is and I'm not.
I tried working things out, talking to her, she's not interested at all. It hurts a lot, still.
Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

You know why...
If they were important to you and you would like to regain the closeness, ask. A worthwhile relationship is worth an effort. At the same time, it helps to accept when it's no longer available.

This is an issue that haunts me. I'm 2.5 years out, reached goal 9 months out, gained 13 pounds 2 years out, and now 2 pounds above goal.
I worry daily that the sleeve or my attitude will change and I'll go back to my old ways. It's possible that my obsession with this will keep me measuring, logging and exercising.

I've had that in my family too @Andrew0929, and it feels pretty heartbreaking. Both seemed so close and connected with me as a perpetually overweight person, and as if we shared a deeper connection. Now its as if that depth were merely a common experience of being overweight, and yet for me it was much more than that. We've gone from soul-baring to polite, and I HATE it.
My thoughts are like most of the others too - we can't change others, only our responses to them. Yes, people change of their own accord, so I hold out hope that in the future that closeness may again find purchase in their hearts.
At least know that you're not alone in this, and that its lousy to have to grieve such losses. I suspect their loss of you is even greater in the end.

I'm 2.5 years out and have been at or near goal since 9 months out. Overall, everything has been great!
However, I've noticed that 2 people (1 relative and 1 friend) have become very distant and stand-offish along the way.
In both cases I can't recall any incident that could have caused this, which is why I'm confused. They are both over weight, although not excessively. Only one of the two knows about my WLS.
I'm tempted to confront them, but for now have just ignored it.
Any theories or recommendations?

I'm 2.5 years out and have been at or near goal since 9 months out. Overall, everything has been great!
However, I've noticed that 2 people (1 relative and 1 friend) have become very distant and stand-offish along the way.
In both cases I can't recall any incident that could have caused this, which is why I'm confused. They are both over weight, although not excessively. Only one of the two knows about my WLS.
I'm tempted to confront them, but for now have just ignored it.
Any theories or recommendations?

People do change, including yourself. It could be unrelated to your WLS, but I have read some people post that some people distance themselves from people who had WLS (it wasn't always people who were overweight or obese).
Perhaps you changed too. You are probably more self confident, outgoing and have new interests (other than food) and maybe they had more in common with the "old you"?
What is worse are people who would not give you the time of day because of being obese but now are friendly and want to socialize with you after the excess weight loss, or at least be willing to tell you the time of day. That can also be attributed in part to more self confidence and a positive change in demeanor too or maybe they are just fat- shamers and are shallow.

I'm a very curious person who sees life as a nuanced, complex experience.
But sometimes I think it just boils down to "People be crazy!"
Also, I've never had much luck trying to convince others that they're wrong. Humans seem pretty committed to being right.