Anybody else tired of the attention?

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

Bob, I think you have a healthy attitude.

The thing I don't think I shared is how incredibly self conscious I was once I got to a weight where I was no longer invisible. Obese women are somewhat invisible outside of our role as moms or whatever. When people started noticing me I kept thinking my skirt was tucked in my pantyhose or something - you know bad attention.

I am mostly over that however.... Yesterday I was out and about swimsuit shopping etc and I couldn't help but notice women especially glancing at me all day. It started to get unnerving. Then, i had two store clerks admire my beautiful and noticable necklace - and then i realized that is probably what people were glancing at.

I am not sure why this is especially true for women that while I like attention, I like looking good and people noticing my improvements it is also uncomfortable at times.

I have gotten much better though and really embrace it because it is pretty dang obvious that I am like half my former size. Burying my head in denial changes nothing so I have opted to embrace it even if it is awkward at times.

[HaddocksEyes 205]

I'm not dealing with this yet but this has been on my mind for a while now - how to deal with the questions other pose about the drastic loss WL patients have. So I appreciate the responses of those of you in how to reply.

I am planning on taking a 4 week leave of absence, maybe even up to 6 weeks, so my absence cannot be chalked up to vacation. I have a few people in the office that are (1) nosy and (2) not shy about it. I know when I come back there will be some people that can't seem to take a simple answer and just leave it at that. Again, appreciate the responses in what to say in reply.

I don't want to share this with anyone other than family members. I don't feel comfortable doing that. Maybe I will someday, but not now. And I think that is okay. I would never press someone. If they said "I just eat right and excerise" I would figure that's what they want to share and just be happy for them for their success.

[HaddocksEyes 205]

I'm tired of my weight loss being the topic of every conversation I'm in. I try and steer it away and it's not working. People I hardly know feel free to comment all the time. I haven't even lost that much yet, I started at 347 and am currently 274...still a long ways to go. I'm sure most of them are well meaning but it doesn't always come across that way and sometimes I'm not sure what to say in response. Tell me I'm not the only one who doesn't love weight loss attention...

The neighbor is funny at times, she will say, oh you cannot have this or that because you are dieting LOL.

That would drive me crazy!!

[bikrchk 1,313]

99% of the time the comments are compliments so I try to accept them graciously and move the conversation along. If folks are asking about specific numbers, I usually use something non-specific, like I've lost an Olsen Twin! There are people out there who are struggling with weight or know someone who is. If I can be a cheerleader for them or educate a bit along the way, I'm happy to share. Eventually the "attention" will subside when folks get used to seeing me at a healthy weight. Until then, I'll just enjoy the ride!

[sleeved215 23]

If someone compliment me on my weight loss, first I thank them then I follow up with, "I mean I look just as good now as I did before wls, just a healthier me!" Lol.. Of course I'll say it sarcastically so they don't really think I'm full of myself. But I say that to let ppl know, losing weight doesn't make me more beautiful, it makes me healthier and being fat don't automatically mean you aren't confident, no I was confident then and confident now!!'