Bugs Me, Big Time

It is a mixed blessing...something I have looked forward to, but on the other hand frustrates me.

Almost every person I come in contact with comments on my weight loss. Usually I am pleasant and answer their questions, make small talk, etc.

However, lately I have noticed a feeling welling up inside me. So often people will say, "you look great, I'll bet you feel better, I'm so proud of you". Instead of hearing the compliment, I often hear, "you looked like crap a few months ago, you must have felt absolutely terrible, you were a huge disappointment to us all." I know this is extreme, but I want to make a point. I have lost a lot of weight, but who I am as a person hasn't changed. My accomplishments in life are still the same. I'd like to think that pre-WLS I was more than just the sum of all my weight on the scales. I'd like to think that my value and what people are proud of me for is who I am and the difference I have made for others along the way.

I know this may sound whiny. It's kind of like the movie star that craves notoriety and and then complains that they have no private life.

Can I have it both ways? Can I allow people to be proud of me for my weight loss accomplishments and expect that they also recognize me apart from WLS.

Just a few of my thoughts today,
Marc