During the time I was in "active weight loss", the first 12 to 18 months or so, the frequent congratulations and " you look so good" comments were awesome. They were one of the things that kept me diligent and working to follow all the rules and stay on track. I don't mean to say that I was an attention hound, but the immediate feed back was a motivator and felt great.

In addition there were NSV victories coming left and right, the ability to climb stairs, fit in stadium seats, set in booths, etc were more instant gratification and motivation

Now most of the people I encounter don't know anything about me "before" or have already shared in my transformation. I have recently started a new career and those people all know me as the "after" version. When I talk about running or biking as a hobby, to them I'm just a normal guy. It is bitter sweet. On the one hand, they don't look at me with disbelief, they see a guy that is fully capable of running for sport and completing long distance bicycle rides. On the other that "Wow, you have come so far" sparkle in the eyes of long term friends is nowhere to be found if I were to be telling them of my new hobbies.

There still is the rare occasion when I encounter someone I have not seen since pre-surgery, and those times I get to re-live the initial joy I had from the congratulations and way-to-go's but its very seldom.

I can't say I'm surprised about the diminishing attention, it's the natural course of events. At some point in time we all fall away from being the latest, greatest show in town and become who we will be from here on out. I do have to admit I miss those days of new experiences and excitement. Am I alone in this period of having to adjust to the new normal? Should I be concerned that I'm going to morph into a Daffodil?

This is a great post. I think I'm in the waning months...not all the way there yet. The comments are getting more annoying that inspiring now. I don't even hear any compliments anymore, just "how did you do it?" I've never been shy about telling people about my surgery, but I'm sick of it now. I just want to be me, not the former 400 pounder that lost all that weight.

I've taken on new challenges to keep me motivated. Running mainly, I've got a 10K this weekend and a half marathon in April. Maybe someday a full marathon. I'm enjoying training for those, not worried about the weight loss anymore....but those around me are still kinda buzzing about it all the time. Not a day goes by that someone doesn't ask me for weight loss tips....or worse yet....tell me that "Monday" they are gonna start a new diet. UUGGGHH. I really don't care. I doubt their diets are going to work anyway.

I remain highly motivated and i guess since i am now looking into plastics I consider myself still on the journey even though i am told I am "at goal" by my docs.

Here is the weird part. I get so much attention still. I like it, but it also can be overwhelming. I have a high visibility job and work with people from around the globe. Some of them I only see "in person" every few years so I still see people who are shocked at the transformation. For the most part I feel their loving support. Sometimes I feel... investigated like a bug under a microscope.

I have decided to embrace this because like I said before it is pretty hard to hide losing 150#. I have gained and lost and gained before but i was always basically "Fat" so it was a matter of degree. Now, I am trim and that is new and different. People do not recognize me and when they do they are in a state of shock. What none of us knew is that under that fat I was kinda pretty.... so I stand out now and that never happened before.

Sometimes i feel that the men in particular interest is a bit much. Like, you were a mere aquaintenance before and now just because i am trim doesn't give you a license to be forward with me. I guess i am still working that one out.