It's weird I've lost friends yet gained back olds ones , weird how my close friends became my biggest haters :/

I guess they really weren't true friends if they are hating on you now that you are shining!! Keep your head up. Out with the old and in with the new. Haters are gonna hate. F 'em!!

I went into it knowing that would probably happen, and told myself that I would probably find out who my true friends are. Everyone seems to be kind and supportive at first. We will see....

It's funny how this works. You think your friends like you for being you yet it seems our body image seems to play a much bigger part in relationships than we all realize. You've made a huge change in your life for the better. New friends can be a great thing!

...our body image seems to play a much bigger part in relationships than we all realize.

I think this is an interesting point, Beach Lover. How much change in others' attitudes towards/treatment of us is due to our physical transformation, and how much is due to our own reaction to the transformation (i.e., gaining self-esteem, expressing ourselves, learning to set boundaries with those who may have taken advantage before).

You've done a great job, Chris! I'm glad you have found TRUE friends in the process.