People are noticing....

I'm now at that stage where people are noticing at work... I'm not talking everyone I see everyday.. I'm talking random people in the building.... I was walking back to my cube and some woman is coming out of the copy room and I always make a point to smile and say hi (I'm just one of those kids of ladies..  ) And she said you look good, I've noticed!!  I just smiled and said thank you and kept walking... Then DH and I get the privelage of working in the same buidling for the same company so ... he says one of his coworkers said to him the other day I saw you talking to your wife downstairs and she is getting so skinny... !!  Well I guess I can't hide anymore... It's a little awkward having people notice...  My confidence is growing, so Im getting more used to it, but still... it's weird.. LOL How did you deal??

Amanda-- That is really great. I am glad you are progressing. It really is great to be noticed when you've felt sort of invisible for years. Here is how you deal...sit back and enjoy it. It's long overdue. It's just a shame that it took a change on the outside for people to notice what was a great person in the old body that whole time.

You deserve it Amanda!!!!  It does take time to adjust to & is really weird to experience. 

I first I'd start explaining what happen and how I was kinda forced into doing something.  That progresses into just giving credit to focusingon protein, water, and exercise.  Ultimately, I just learned to say thank you and avoid making it the focus of every conversation.  But enjoy the attention as if goes away eventually as Jill posted,..we become part of the normal population by year 2. And the attention fades as people forget or never knew what you've accomplished.  You just have to settle with being beautiful by that point.

I hear you loud and clear! I went to a closing the other day and showed the woman my military dependent ID. She could not believe I was the same person. My face waS so swollen and fat 4 years ago, I look Asian in my photo. Guess it's time for a new ID...and one I'll be happy to post my correct weight, not the weight I wanted to get away with. (At 242 I had on my ID that I was 185)

Like you, I am still learning how to deal with the new attention.  The thing I am having a hard time with is seeing the weight loss like others see it -- I still have my "fat head."  I see some weight loss, but apparently it is very noticeable to others.  When shopping, I still find myself drifting to the "plus" sizes, then have to remind myself that I don't need to shop in that section any more -- the clothes float on me!  Nice problem to have, isn't it?  :)

Take the compliments and run with it . This is your time to shine . Like Joe said .. say thanks and keep on getting on .  While it is a bit strange now . it is as if a viel was pulled back and you are being seen. It sometimes bewildered me , especially at work .. it was like .. Hey dummy .. I was here all the time ya know !  No more hiding .. come out and embrace the new Amanda !!  Love you ..  Tink

Good am Amanda, Its a bit weird when others notice and we are still trying to get used to the idea that we've REALLY changed THAT much. Compliments are hard to accept when we've spent such a great deal of time feeling "invisible" and suddenly folks are coming out of the wood work with "hey", "you look great", "wow" etc and my natural reaction is to smile and move on (secretly in the past finding reasons WHY they are not right because *I* don't see it). But, along comes a couple folks (from these very boards) who have taught me some GREAT things about self confidence and the difference between acceptance and denial. One told me you know what Kat when you're complimented you look the person straight in the eye and say THANK YOU and BELIEVE they mean it. I miss him very much, he rarely if ever posts here but I pray for him often as I've never forgotten that. Still another gal here replied to me and said I want you to tape a piece of paper to your mirror and every morning when you wake up you fill in the blanks with positive reaffirmations and BELIEVE it. Those 2 things I've carried among many others and continue to do each day. These days I believe in folks more than I have in the past. When I'm complimented I still smile and blush and have those fleeting thoughts of "yeah right" then I remind myself people don't HAVE to say those things they ARE/WANT to say them and its their opinion and I try and find the positives in their statements keeping in mind we are our own harshest critics! Smile ....you're beautiful. Dig deep the confidence will come. Time and space....... All best!

It is a bit strange, but enjoy the extra attention!  :)