Apparently I'm more approachabe...

My plan is to go to the gym to work out then go home but noooooo, every time I go in, someone approaches me and wants to TALK!  

I've been a member of the same gym for almost five years, back then I barely got eye contact now (85Lbs lighter) I can't go one day without some one wanting to chit-chat! 

At first I was flattered but now that I've gotten to think about it, why didn't these same individuals want to talk to me months ago?

I've still got another 49Lbs +/- to go at which point, I'll have to bring a stick with me LOL!!!

Are people really that shallow or were they afraid I was gonna EAT them if they got to close????  

There is a stigma attached to bigger people it does seem. We are invisible when we are big/fat/huge (whatever you want to call it) and when the weight drops off it is a surprise to some people. Is being fat contagious or something? I always want to ask this when I go out with my smaller friends and I do not even get a glance........

Wow, this is a true phenomenon!

Its a horrible stereo type....my sister in law told me that once I lose all this weight  I'll get more job offers (currently in a job I hate) because "fat people are considered lazy".   UGH! 

It could simply be that people at the gym are a more "weight conscious" crowd and since you are looking great, they are interested.  Who doesn't want to be around someone who is successful?!!  =] 

Or it could be than when you were heavier, they just thought you didn't want to be bothered.  I know that when I was heavy and at the gym, I was self conscious and didn't want to be noticed. 

Enjoy your success and the fact that it is noticable!  Sometimes, it's hard for us to see just how much better we look (both because of our healthier bodies AND because we walk with more self confidance). 

Good for you!

Were you making eye contact back then? I wasn't.   Maybe it is because you are now making eye contact.  Maybe it is not them, its you that is more open now.

I think perhaps when we are fat and yes I'm going to use the word fat - they don't think those who are overweight have anything in common with them.  I honestly don't know if I disagree.  When I've gone to the gym (being 100lbs overweight) in the past I don't exactly strike up conversations with people that were "fit".  I really wouldn't know what to say to them.

Now that you've lost so much weight - maybe they do think you are approachable and now have something they can talk about?

Then again - they could just be ********

Oddly enough, the less you weigh the more people can see you.  It's like your visibility is directly related to your body mass... it's the weirdest thing.

I get hit on everywhere I go.  It's not unwelcome, but it's unwanted.  Makes you feel good about yourself.  And I guess I'm easier to talk to now that I'm not huge.

I just wish I could get over that whole fat girl mentality in my head and be more comfortable in my own skin.  I *still* get that "please don't look at me or talk to me because I'm fat and I don't want anyone to see me" mindspeak on occasion.  I hate it.