Jonesie, I really admire how you handled that situation. To me, it just illustrates how much self-confidence you are gaining. Being able to SEE, in the heat of the moment, that she was obviously trying to make herself feel better by putting down your thoughts/feelings, and being able to have the confidence to KNOW that you no longer have to stoop to that level because you KNOW you are on the right track and have it going on!
I totally get what Nola is saying, but I do feel very sorry for Carol. I'm sure not having you as the "fatter friend", sitting on the couch with her, making her feel better about herself, was a little hard for her to take. I only hope that she can go home and quietly contemplate her own future -- and that she is not destined to be the fattest one in the room now that YOU are not. But of course that's up to her. I personally would be VERY inspired by you!!!