I was banded Dec 14 2009, and have lost 80 pounds so far. I've noticed that people say hello to me more in the hallway at work. People I do not know and have passed numerous times before completely undetected. People hold the door open for me at the store more. Little things like people letting me in line ahead of them at the market, cafe or the library. And they tend to start conversations with me more. I am not talking about men in general, .. it is not a "man paying attention to a woman thing" I've noticed... just as much of a change in the females interacting with me. Do you think it could be that people are uncomfortable around the obese? A coincedence? Maybe it's me? I don't think I'm any more or less friendly or chipper at all, just smaller ...

And I'm not complaining about it, of course .. but it just makes me wonder ... WHY?

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced the "nice-ness meter" increase since they are now a much smaller size. Thanks!

Yep I've noticed it too. People tend to treat me better. Others just stare and talk amongst themselves with side glances (like grade school for G__ sake!). When you live in a small town, everyone knows your business and you suddenly seem the "flavor of the month" topic. I've gained and lost, gained and lost, and quite a few know I've had surgery and probably think I'll just put the weight right back on. But I'm in a better place now...mentally, physically, emotionally.

I get alot of compliments, and yes generally people are nicer overall. I've had a couple of friends that I don't see as often and I think it's because I just make them uncomfortable (they are weight issues too). So, it's been overall a wonderful journey, but a little sad too. I guess you really don't know what effect your change is going to have on someone until it happens.

Some of the attention can be uncomfortable. I lost weight so I could feel normal. Getting alot of compliments is nice but also makes me feel like I'm the center of attention and that really isn't what I wanted. But I'll take all the pleasantries I get from strangers anyday. It makes the day seem so much more brighter! And they never knew I was fat!

I recently had to fly for a family members funeral. My Dad asked in front of others if I had problems with the airlines being so heavy/seating. He has no idea that I have lost 100lbs. I said I have been working on my weight and have lost quite a bit and his reply was "You are still a big guy.". It is that exact reason why I have not included hardly anyone in my banding surgery. So I have not noticed any difference yet in the amount of weight I have lost especially from family members.

I was teaching at one school last year and everyone noticed. I have lost 60lbs off a 5'6 frame. Sure people notice but they were aware of what I did as I told a few select people plus I had taken 10 days off. They had been nothing but supportive.

But I am at a new school now and I have told no one about my operation and if they see an old pic on my desk, I just tell them I have lost a lot of weight. The only thing that kills me is "what's your secret". I have told them weight loss and exercise because its the truth but still feel like a liar when I dont mention the band, but still feel its personal, if I choose to keep it that way.

Family or friends is different; if they haven't seen me or know anything about it and remark, I usually tell them diet and exercise but that I couldn't do it alone without the help from my band. My colleagues don't need to know especially since they are new and its not necessary.

So does it make me a liar?

I am to goal with losing 90 pds and the girls at work are just like you are all saying, "so jealous they can't stand themselves". I agree with so many of these responses I have read here. Men and women treat you so differently. The woman are jealous and the men are very attentive. I have been thin many times before and now that I am older, it is truly a wake up call on how superficial people really are and how mean and nasty they can be. That is all I can say, thank God for my band the people on here that are truly interested in you for you, not what you look like!! Thank you everybody for being here for me in my happy and sad days of fat and thin and I know you will always be here regardless what weight I am!!! Thank you