My WLS was just over 3 months ago and I have managed to loose 47 lbs, something I am very proud of! Apart from my immediate family, not one single person has commented on the change of my appearance and, to be honest, that was really starting to bother me. Was I so fat that loosing a whopping 47 lbs simply wasn't enough to show a change?

Well someone did finally noticed, the owner of our local chinese restaurant. My husband and I would usually do a chinese take-a-way on saturday nights and since my surgery he has continued this tradition on his own. I think the owner of the restaurant was starting to wonder if we were still together because I was no longer coming in with him and he was constantly making excuses as to why. This past weekend I was the one to go in to pick up his order and was promptly greeted by the owner who's first words to me were "I am so happy to see you, you've lost weight and look fantastic". Music to my ears, the words I have been dying to hear!

I know my appearance has changed, I certainly can see it in they way my clothes no longer fit. Why, as it would seem, do none of my work colleagues or acquaintances seem to notice? More importantly, why do I care?

Congratulations there, skinny! Woo! That's a LOT of weight lost in just 3 short months. Go girl!

You care because you've invested not just money, but a ton of emotional energy into this enormous life change. Caring makes perfect sense. Your body image is not just how you feel, it's also how you perceive others perceive YOU. It's ok to care!

Like you, it took 40 pounds of weight loss for anyone to comment. I was feeling terrific, my clothes were looser, my balloon butt had all but disappeared... but no one said anything at work. It was so puzzling. I was a little disappointed, even though I was feeling great and much, much lighter.

Finally I was three months post-surgical, walking down a hall at the College and 3 of my students were coming my way. They said hi... walked by... then one of them stopped abruptly, turned back and said,"Ok, enough! We've been watching you disappear every week - we don't know what you're doing but you look amazing!" Well, I was just THRILLED! I thanked them, blushing every inch... and they all chimed in and said, "Everyone's noticed and has been talking about it but no one wants to say anything because we didn't want to seem rude..." This was music to MY ears!

They say that people don't want to comment on obvious weight loss because it's a private thing, and a lot of people might take it the wrong way. (Not you or me!)

One woman posted on this forum something along the lines that it takes 3 weeks for you to notice your own changes and 3 months for others to notice.

Way to go! Believe me, people are noticing. They just don't want to say anything because they're too polite!

It took about 40 for me, too -- and I agree, it's a personal dignity thing. I think I put off a vibe that I am embarrassed to be noticed and it's a kindness to not say anything....now, more than a year out (two in November) I like it that my weight loss is not new. The new me is just me.

Way to go!

I started out at 302. I told only my boss at work about my surgery.

At one point he told me privately that I looked great and I must have lost 20 pounds!

I smiled and said thanks.

It was 60 but I didn't tell him that.

Congrats on your weight loss!! Sometimes people are uncomfortable giving compliments about weight. They tend to just notice and not say anything. I'm sure after even more loss more things will be said. I totally get why you care - you're busting your butt to get here and want credit. 47 lbs is such amazing progress!! Congrats again. The acknowledgements will come!