Have people stopped recognizing you, too?

[Shanny 70]

For most of my life I felt invisible. Well now, I'm visible - hooray!

So last weekend I went to Artscape, a arts festival, in Baltimore. I worked for the organization that produces the festival for 7 years. I haven't seen then in about a year, so I went down one day to see them. People that I've known for years walked right past me and didn't recognize me. It took a double take for them to remember who I was. I thought it was a fluke.

Last night, we had a block party for the neighborhood where I grew up. I've known these people for 25+ years. I show up, and NO ONE knew who I was. I had to tell people who I was, then it was all hugs and smiles. I look somewhat different, but really? I love the fact that I look and feel better, but I don't like that no one knows who I am anymore. I hurts my feelings.

Maybe I'm just being whiny. I don't know.

[Indymom 132]

I can see how that could be a good thing and bad thing at the same time. I think it must be a weird feeling at the very least, huh?

[MegInNOLA 531]

I'm looking forward to a bit of that when we go back to school at the end of August, but I'm really tall, so I don't think there will be a lot of question as to who I am.... but I think I might really be stoked about it! My sleever husband has had that happen--people pass him in the hall and have no clue it's him. His own mother missed him at one point because she was looking for a "bigger" guy!

Maybe try to think of it in a positive way--new body, new way of presenting yourself to the world, same great person. Congratulations!

[Foxbins 625]

I don't think it's disheartening--I think it's an NSV! I must have looked like a whale! I love it now when people do double-takes and ask my name with that upturn-question-sound on the end, like they're not sure it's me. I've lost two double chins and a second-grader so no wonder I look different. I stand differently, I wear clothes that fit, and I have more confidence.

I don't think your feelings should be hurt, you should be happy that you have lost so much weight.

[kellyw74 258]

That should make you feel AWESOME!! It should be a reminder of how much different you look. That would be a constant reminder to me of how great I look!!

Kelly

[KellyL 173]

Awww I can see your point, but there are many ppl in my life who only know me as a big woman, so I expect this to happen. It is actual confirmation that your efforts and your sleeve is working, and that is a blessing in so many ways! Especially Healthwise. My hubby was asleep the other night when I went into our bedroom and he woke up looking at me like I was crazy!! I thought he was about to gripe cuz i woke him, he looked at me that way for a while lol and I said what????? When he heard my voice the confused crazy look disappeared and he said "i didn't know who you were for a few minutes. Lol!!!! I realize he was half asleep but I honestly think my body has changed enough he thought I was someone else for a few mins. It tickled me to death, and I am nowhere near goal. But it happened during a stall and really helped me realize that changes were still happening.

Don't take it personal, people are watching us transform right before their eyes. It takes us a while to adjust to the butterflies emerging, our friends and loved ones have to adjust too. Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments.