Manatee

Your doctor has you on a specific diet for a reason. Follow that diet, or don't, but don't rely on this board to make the choice for you. Random people on the internet who say "yeah go for it" don't have to live with the effects of that decision.

Ya know, I don't buy the whole "I get wls for health reasons only" statement I see a lot. I think that the vanity thing really plays into it too, and will fully admit in my case vanity drove my decision.
That said, I don't think most people consciously think of it that way. However, the end result tends to bring the physical element back to the forefront if it's been suppressed.

Why would I NOT expect people to treat me differently?
I look different and my personality is emerging from the prison of "the fat guy". It's not surprising that people (ladies) will not be viewing me in the same way.
Trust me, the visual/physical thing is definitely present in both genders!