[Ms GenghisCohen]

Okay, so I was home over the weekend and saw a lot of people I hadn't seen in the last 3-4 months, including friends, family, friends of my parents, etc., and there were a LOT of comments on my weight loss.

I know I should feel good that my efforts are noticeable, but a lot of the time I just felt embarrassed. Having people say things like "Wow, you look so different," and "You look great, it's a really big change," make me feel like I looked bad before. And I definitely didn't like having so much scrutiny on my body. I'm really happy with the way I look so far (though it's definitely a work in progress...) but I wish it were like I'd always looked like this, instead of having so much attention given to it.

Does anyone else ever feel this way?

[StephanieM]

I just experienced that with some friends I hadn't seen in a bit.

I don't take it in a negative way though, I didn't feel I looked bad before but I did feel I needed to lose weight and be healthier. Now I think I look great

It makes me feel nervous though because they all ask questions about how I did it, because one of our other friends was bulimic and everyone called her on it about 2 years ago. I feel like they are watching or judging me to see if I am unhealthy.

[GenetJen]

I totally relate. Four years ago or so, I was at my heaviest and I went to my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary (It's my dad's side who I don't see too much anyway). The first thing my grandfather said to me in front of everyone was, "Looks like you've been eatin' good!" (Old people...grrr) Fast forward a couple years to Christmastime when I'd lost some weight since they last saw me. That's all everyone talked about. "Ooh, I just can't believe how skinny Jenny is." I hated it. I turned around at one point and saw my uncle looking at pics he had just taken on his digital camera and exclaiming again at how he could just not believe how thin I was. Not to mention I got comments when I got up for seconds, lol. Keep in mind I've never been obese, just got chubby. The worst is that everyone has that damned anniversary family pic posted prominently at their houses...where I'm right in front being fat. Sigh. Anyway, I gained, I lost it, gained it back, and am now working on losing it again for good. I make for good conversation, I suppose.

Long story short: I understand!

[KayNicole]

I remember feeling that way a little when I went back home for a visit after losing a bunch of weight. I guess I was at a happy place weight wise so the feeling didn't last long. That day I was all dressed up and feeling pretty good so I felt good about people noticing. Maybe I figured the old me is gone so no need to worry what people thought of me before. Little did I know I would be back there again one day. :/

[coleb]

I'm not a big fan of having a lot of attention on me so I can understand why it might make you uncomfortable or embarrassed. I don't necessarily think people are saying you looked terrible before but rather are just shocked at the changes you've made and how great you look now. Your losses deserve to be celebrated!

[Phoenix301]

I'm actually a little bit the other way around. I hate it when people treat me like I'm invisible.. I am definitely one of those people who thinks "Don't you notice anything different about my hair?" I do get a little bit shy about it when people point things out, but I really love being complimented and being noticed (for the good things haha). I have problems with validation sometimes so other peoples opinions weigh a lot on me, and I take the good when I can get it. I know everyone says 'you shouldn't care what everyone else thinks' but I guess for me that's easier said than done. What I don't want is for people to get the wrong idea, that I am losing just so I can hear compliments or alternatively just because of the mean things people have said etc. To me it's a side effect of a healthier lifestyle and my well being.

[elleohelle]

I think it's rude to comment on other's bodies, but people do it anyway. I just ignore it.