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Ever since I can remember, I have been the "fat guy". That is what I was known for. I never took my shirt off at a pool or a beach, ever! That is something I want to change though. So, my best friend who I graduated high school together has always been much slimmer, popular, girls flocked to him; I sure you get the drift. Although we have been friends for over two decades I feel he never took me seriously because of my weight. At parties, clubs, bars, social situations I was always the one who was ignored and not payed attention too. Well, he moved out of state and we see each other about twice a year. He has a very stressful job and as a result has been emotionally eating and gained a significant amount of weight. He is one of the few that know that I had my surgery and he is very supportive. We saw each other for the first time in over a year last week and guess what...drum roll.....I weigh less than him. He even made a comment on how I was flirting with the waitress at the restaurant we met at. It felt like I was in his shoes for once. It felt truly that the tables have turned.

I am a nurse, and I have heard urologists say to drink lemon juice in your water to help prevent renal stones.♡ Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J727A using BariatricPal mobile app

So, my girlfriends and I went out two weekends ago. It was spur of the moment and I didn't get all dolled up or put a lot of effort into looking good for the occasion. Needless to say, a little bit of liquid courage had me acting like the movie "I feel pretty". Literally, I talked to anyone who made eye contact with me or came within talking distance. I complimented people randomly and laughed with strangers. This is not something I would have done pre-weight loss. The next day, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. My friends made comments that they've never seen me like that. That my energy was infectious. That the men were attracted to this confidence (even though I'm very happily married). This is why I said earlier, that I have changed. Alcohol may have played a contributing factor into it, but I know that I wouldn't have acted this way prior to surgery.

How has the way in which others interact with you changed from when you were obese? My experience, in general, has been the following.. People, overall, are much nicer and I am no longer invisible. I've noticed that attractive (IMO) or confident women are more talkative and pleasant to me. Other women are more curt. Even some family members have changed. People, who in the past were cold to me, are suddenly laughing at my jokes and wanting to hang out. I also seem to be losing a friend as a result of my losing weight. This is something I wasn't fully prepared for, as far as being a result of VSG. Being an average-sized adult is something I haven't experienced until the past few months. It's just feels like bizarro-world or something. Can anyone relate? I'm curious to hear of other people's experiences.

You are so welcome! And hey, welcome to the loser’s bench! Second best decision I ever made! Are you on instagram?

I agree Matt! It's good to have choices, even in a small state like RI!

Thx, Dexa body analysis is not available in my country, i started lifting more weights and plan to have a personal trainer for the next 3 months as for calories im consuming around 800-1000 calories a day but since i`m doing so much exercise, i think i have to consume more, i have an appointment with my nutritionist on Monday. i agree with you we don`t see ourselves accurately when i see my before pics i don`t remember seeing me that fat lol

Way to go on your journey so far! Very impressive and inspirational! Those are some very interesting observations. I'm still pre-op (surgery Thursday 9/6/18) so I have not experienced anything like this. I tend to shy away from people and do not have any true friends. I'm hoping this will help my confidence around people. But even if it does not, I'm still going to be happy about being more healthy and thinner. The people I have shared with are supportive, so far. I have only told two people at work and they have been great. My supervisor is a very vain person (and in very good shape). He is very cold to me and acts like he does not like being around me. I have always chalked it up to his personality being lacking, but it is probably my weight that triggers him. I'm going to laugh at him if he starts trying to be friends with me after I meet my goal. Luckily, I work in a completely different site than he does, so I do not have to deal with him face to face except for a couple of times a month.

I am two weeks post op. Down 27 lbs. went back to work today. Work in an orthopedic office placing casts, splints and braces on patients. Gotta a little winded, arms are sore and was a little low on energy a couple times today. Had help and am glad I did!!! My surgeon said that soft, scrambled eggs, refried beans, smooth peanut butter and grits are fine on my plan now. I was one week clear liquids, one week full liquid and purée /soft foods. He said to start reprogramming my chewing mechanism. Question is what else would be appropriate during this time? I have no NUT so I am relying heavily on you all. I also asked him how I was eating 1/2 cup at a meal (eaten with 10 min) and able to sip water afterwards and he said he made my sleeve about the size of a plantain. He said not to worry so much on tablespoons and amounts but again to relearn my chewing mechanism.

Survey says, "Loose skin!!!!!" I'd rather be a melted candle all the live-long-day than be the size I was bwl (before weight loss). I was so sick, and in so much pain it wasn't even funny. It stopped me from living!!! I'm only just now getting to the point of being able to do more things--loose skin and all!