I hope I do change. I am very shy and reserved because I have no self confidence (due to my size). I hope when I have the surgery and I start seeing the weight come off I will become more extroverted. I feel like everything now that I say and do are judged solely on how large a person I am. I don't want to be seen that way. In a past job I was constantly passed over for promotions I feel because of my size (although I can't prove it).

I've changed! All my life I've hidden behind my fat and now, 52 pounds down and 48 to go I am actually enjoying clothes shopping (who knew!) and receiving compliments! Whenever I tried diets before, at the point when I'd lost enough weight that people would compliment me, it would send me running for the cookie jar, but now I am enjoying "strutting my stuff". Most importantly, however, my knees and feet don't hurt, I sleep well, I am no long pre-diabetic, I have no sleep apnea and that makes for a much happier person! Food no longer controls me.....I control the food!

My husband is the one that pointed out the changes. I used to hide because I figured everyone was talking about me and I didn't want to embaress my kids, now I am more outgoing now. I like talking to people and including myself in activities. I am loving this new found confidence.

I've been hiding for a long time so I hope I do change. I've held myself back from doing many of the things I've wanted to do--both personal an professional--because of my appearance. While I am going forward with the surgery because of health issues, I can't deny that the prospect of no longer being judged because of my size will be a huge bonus. Had I taken this step 10 or 15 years ago, I could see myself having some version of the "meltdown" described in this article, but as I am now, I am confident that I won't go off the deep end. If I do begin to have those reckless thoughts, I will RUN to a therapist!

I have changed a lot since my surgery 4 years ago. I used to live nearly the life of a recluse. I didn't go out much, I hid behind my weight, I was depressed and instead of focussing on my family and living I spent my time thinking about food and diets. Now I live my life, enjoy my kids, work too much sometimes, but I'm confident enough to leave home to dow it, and I love my life. I feel like God has given me a second chance at living through this surgery, and I know I'm blessed, the only thing is that through the blessings have come some curses - I still want to hide behind my weight when I am fearful and have to fight to keep from putting back on weight when uncomfortable situations arise. I know know that I have good friends and a great support group to help me through it though.

This is most interesting to hear the comments about this particular question. There are aspects of my lifestyle that have changed, such as having more stamina, but overall my personality is about the same. I get the reaction from people of how good I look, but my personality is intact, the attention I have from others is a bit different, but as for me, I have set goals for myself that will in fact change my life. I am and will forever be Dora, change in oneself is a growing process. I know that this is what was meant to be for myself through God, if He hadn't wanted this for me it would not have happened. I love it!

All my life I have hidden behind my weight. It was the reason why I didn't date, wasn't invited to events, wasn't included in life...or didn't allow myself to be included. Now I am 60 lbs down and still struggle, even more so, socially. I am still super self conscious and have become shy in social situations, though I was pretty outgoing when I was heavier. I realized that my biggest fear maybe coming true. That my entire life the reason for me not being included wasn't my weight at all, but me. My personality is something that I cannot have surgery to change. I pray to God that this is all just a bump in the road. That in fact I will become an emotionally stronger and confident person.

As human beings, we are constantly changing. The biggest change one can make is seeking weight loss surgery. It sounds to me that who ever is questioning whether you will change or not may want to explore how secure they are about themselves. Santos

Very insightful comment Santos! I believe those who accuse us of becoming conceited or extrovert are upset that we no longer hide behind them or suddenly become their competition. On the other hand... we will change. We will become more confident, more energenic, more of the person we already are, just a slimmer version with a bigger smile and a taller walk. There is nothing wrong with that and don't ever let someone make you second guess your weight loss! Live strong!