So you have lost tons of weight and you are feeling amazing about yourself, should you jump on the dating bandwagon and dip your toes in? The answer is YES, if you go into the dating scene with your eyes wide open. When I started dating at the first of last year it was all new to me, I had been in a long marriage for 25 years and I honestly didn’t know what I was looking. The only thing I knew for sure was I wanted so much better than what I had for 25 years, I knew that I deserved so much better.

Alot of woman who start off dating after weight loss surgery usually go the online dating route, which is completely normal that is how I met my fiance. But to be honest with you be prepared that 90% of what I met online, and my friends whom were online dating is alot of guys out for one thing, SEX. So while there are alot of sleazy guys out there I also met alot of nice guys, that just were not my type for one reason or another. Now being totally upfront I should also mention that online dating can work, that is how I met my fiance and that is how my brother met his wife so it can work. Just being aware of the pitfalls will just keep you alot safer.

1. Only Reveal Information When Necessary- One of the things on your mind is probably how soon into the dating process should I reveal that I have had weight loss surgery or lost alot of weight. For me I wanted to be upfront and honest from the get to so I actually put this information into my profile, this was a blessing for me because if the potential person did not mention this when I talked to him then he obviously did not read my profile. But this choice is completely up to you, on when it is comfortable to reveal that you use to be obese, and now you have a new healthier lifestyle.
   
2. Don’t be a Discouraging Personalty- Your number may have dropped and you might not of met your goal weight as of yet. During this process you might be frustrated or upset, but do not let your potential date know this. Do not tell your potential date how you hate your new body, or your lifestyle because you want to promote this as a new fun and wonderful healthy version of yourself.
   
3. Plan your Dates and Meals in Advance-Since you have a healthier lifestyle it is important when setting up dates that you plan on going somewhere to eat on your dates that you are comfortable with. You don’t want your date to think you can’t eat anything but at the same token you want to eat somewhere comfortable for you and your new healthier lifestyle. I actually kept a list of restaurants that I was comfortable eating at as a backup for when someone would ask me to go dinner, this way I knew there were options that I was comfortable eating from.
   
4. Be as Confident as you can-Bottom line you are a NEW person now, and along with your new body and lifestyle you need to work on your self esteem. Whenever I would go out on a first date I went into it with the mindset that any guy would be so lucky to have me. This may sound conceited but it is true, you are a catch and you should come across this way to any potential suitor. If you are nervous practice with your friends with small talk, smiling, and picking out just the right outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
   
5. Learn to LOVE all of you-This includes your new body, I promise you if you feel uncomfortable about your body they will notice this too. Learn to LOVE yourself before you start the dating process, that is why I waited 5 years to date. I did not want to get into a dating situation without first loving myself first and foremost.