I work at a job that throws me out in the public quite often - I am seen by many in my community expecially in the summer months. I was sleeved in January and have since lost 66lbs - down a few sizes and feeling great.

This past weekend I renewed a few friendships with some great people - I was amazed that most of them did not notice my weight loss at all.....they were just glad to see me as a person.

I always thought my weight was the first thing people saw in me..............

Once again - the sleeve continues to teach me so much about myself!

Oh - I think they notice, how could they not? They just don't think your weight is the most important thing about you. Obviously you are incredible and your weight never was part of "who you were/are"

Congrats on your weight loss thus far!

I've known several people who have lost a lot of weight quite rapidly. Oddly, it took me until they had lost it all to really snap that they looked different. It's like one day I looked a them, and then with an old mental picture, it all just hit. "WHOA!! HE is WAY smaller!" That is what's happening to me. People are looking at me after 4 months and 70 pounds and saying "WHOA!....." (now if only I could see it in myself!!!)

I remember a friend saying to me: "I wish you could see yourself the way others see you." It was the nicest thing to say... and I did the work it took to 'get it'... so now, I share that meaningful line with others. That is my wish for all of us... that we may see ourselves as our loved ones see us. We would be overwhelmed by the unconditional love.

I agree that people notice, but not everyone is comfortable with mentioning it. The people who are closest to you will probably mention it if they feel comfortable enough to do so, but weight loss is a funny subject with some people. Some people consider it a personal topic and will not want to cause you any embarassment by mentioning it or asking how much you lost, etc., while others who are more open may want to discuss it.

One time, Oprah said, "I don't want to talk about my weight anymore. Let's talk about something else."

I loved that and adopted it for myself as I was tired of explaining my ups and downs. Now that I've had surgery and lost 35 pounds, I still don't want it to be a topic of conversation with family or friends. This forum is my five minutes in the morning of weight-related discussions.

I am sure they noticed...maybe they were afraid to say anything? Some people lose weight because of health issues. It is a personal thing with some people I guess. All that matters is....you are losing weight and looking great! Keep up the good work!