So, I reached one-derland weeks ago and I've been hitting every milestone that I thought was impossible. Now, I'm panicking: I have not been thin in a couple of decades and the thought of it is terrifying. I'm now a size 12 (from a size 22/24 in June), but I cannot fathom being smaller than this. I feel as though I'm not ready and/or I cannot cope with this. It's shocking to say this, but I'm not sure I want to be thin (which is what I was desperately trying to achieve). The attention is starting to make me afraid and uncomfortable, especially around men, and the new, form-fitting clothes are making me scared and self conscious (I actually find myself wanting to put on my old, plus-size clothes that obviously do not fit).

Has anyone else gone through this? What should I do?

I will be going through this after my Monday surgery. We discussed this topic in our surgeons classes. I got a therapist to help sort this out.

I want to be slim. I will need to lose more than I had originally thought about. I am going for a 6. I have never bought a 6 as an adult. I remember being an 8 and a 10 but that was in 1985.

If attention from others is making you uncomfortable then can you take the time to look into that? I won't be wearing tight clothes. It will be very strange to get attention after being "invisible" all the time I have been overweight.

Also, can you post this same topic in other forums and Google this as well to get more information?

I am so sorry you are uncomfortable. You deserve to be incredibly happy after being so brave! !

I had written you a long length post and I hit a wrong button and it disappeared.

I am just going to say I speak from experience when I say please seek help. I had no idea where to go in the early 1970's to seek the help I need for the same things you expressed here. I was 21 and had lost 107 pounds through a diet program and had never had any relationships with men of any kind until after I lost my weight. The emotional turmoil and uncomfortableness got to be too much for me after a huge emotional hurt from a man. I ate myself from 170 up to 497. It destroyed my life and I know that if I had some counseling on how to deal with my new body and men I never would be suffering as I am today/ Please don't do as I have done, you have worked too hard to stop. Seek the help you need. I will be following this post and if you wish to email me privately feel free to do so. I have been in your shoes and am here for you.

@@Cognorati001, I was always a "normal" size. I didn't gain my weight until I had my daughter & was diagnosed with thyroid disease (which also contributed to my weight gain)-I was 30. I managed to lose weight again but it only last for a couple years.

I spent almost 12 years overweight before I decided on the surgery.

I thought since I spent half of my life with no weight issues, it would be easy to return back, especially since I'm married. I do struggle with it some days-especially when I get attention from men.

I would encourage you to speak to a therapist. Life doesn't miraculously get better with weight loss. It can definitely help. I am over the moon excited & wouldn't change a thing but...... It is a new normal and you have to learn how to live in your new skin.

Best wishes.